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A retired aerospace photographer’s guide to rocket launch photography - Photofocus
I saw my friend Chuck Uebele‘s photo of this beautiful rocket launch on Facebook, and I was absolutely blown away. The elegant arc of light cutting across the star-streaked sky over calm ocean waters—it was pure magic. I knew I had to know more. So, I reached out and asked him if he’d be willing to share how he captured such a stunning shot. Chuck, being a very talented photographer and always generous with his knowledge, was more than happy to break it down. And now, I’d like to share that with you. Chuck is a gifted photographer with decades of aerospace experience. Now that he’s retired, he chooses which launches to shoot just for the joy of it. That freedom allows him to be more creative and deliberate with each image—something that shines through in every shot. It starts with a launch schedule and trajectory Each launch photo begins with research. Chuck starts by checking websites like spacelaunchschedule.com for updated times and mission details. Launch times often shift—even a minute before lift off—so staying flexible is essential. Next comes studying the trajectory. From Chuck’s home base in California’s Pismo Beach area, the direction a rocket takes will determine the entire composition. If the rocket travels along the Baja California coast, the arc moves left from his viewpoint. If it heads farther out over the ocean, it swings right. That directional cue helps him visualize and frame the final image. Scouting the perfect location Once the trajectory is understood, Chuck scouts a location that adds visual interest to the frame—rocks, water, piers, or even reflections on the ocean. He uses tools like PhotoPills to map the rocket’s expected path and see where it will be visible from a specific location. Scouting happens in daylight, especially in darker, less familiar areas. Some locations are so dark at night that test shots are the only way to confirm framing. Planning ahead makes all the difference. Camera gear and setup Chuck arrives at his chosen spot about an hour before launch. This gives him plenty of time to set up his tripod, dial in settings, and run several test exposures. His go-to camera is the Nikon D850, a powerhouse for high-resolution, low-light photography. From his vantage point in Pismo Beach, he finds a focal length of 28mm to 35mm works best to capture the full arc of the rocket’s flight from lift-off through separation. Exposure settings and light considerations The rocket’s flame is bright enough to leave a clear trail even during twilight. But exposure balance is key—especially when reflections hit the water. Chuck’s typical starting settings: If there’s a lot of light pollution from nearby cities, piers, or a full moon, Chuck breaks the scene into multiple 15- to 30-second exposures. On darker nights, he can capture everything with just one or two long exposures. Timing for stage separation Capturing a SpaceX launch means dealing with stage separation, which creates a dramatic break in the rocket trail. Chuck uses this as a cue to start a second exposure and adjusts his settings by opening up about two stops to better record the fainter, higher-altitude trail that follows. If he’s shooting shorter exposures, he may use a magnetic ND filter, which he can remove just before the separation occurs. For this particular photo, Chuck opted for a continuous exposure. Knowing the stage separation would occur about two minutes into the flight, and aiming for a 10-minute base exposure, he triggered the shot 11 minutes before launch. The final exposure lasted about 13 minutes. At separation, he increased the ISO slightly and began a second exposure to capture the return of the first stage—this time, landing near the original launch site. Editing the final image Chuck combined two exposures using lighten mode, blending them into a single seamless shot. His editing approach is subtle and refined, aimed at enhancing the natural beauty of the scene without over-processing. Here’s how he approached the edit: In this image, Chuck left the long star trails intact for dramatic effect. In other shots, he sometimes adds a shorter exposure to create pinpoint stars and blends them in later. Final thoughts: Why this shot matters What makes this kind of shot so special isn’t just the technical challenge; it’s the symbolism. A single image like Chuck’s captures the raw force of science and the quiet wonder of the cosmos. It’s a moment of human achievement written in light across the canvas of the stars. So, if you’re considering photographing a rocket launch at night, don’t let the complexity hold you back. You can create something truly unforgettable with the right prep, gear, and patience. And who knows? The next time I scroll through Facebook, your photo might be the one that stops me in my tracks.
Friedman’s Law of Exposure: Expose for the Element You Can’t Control - Photofocus
Lighting is one of the trickiest aspects of photography. Sometimes, your subject is well-lit, but the background is too dark. Other times, you expose for the background, and your subject looks like a shadowy silhouette. So how do you strike the perfect balance? That’s where Friedman’s Law of Exposure comes in. This simple but powerful rule states: Expose for the element you can’t control. Most of the time, that means setting the exposure for the background first and then using flash to light your subject correctly. This approach ensures a well-balanced, natural-looking image rather than forced or artificial lighting. This technique is essential for photographers shooting outdoors, at events, or in mixed-light situations where ambient light plays a big role in the scene. Your images will look more polished and professional once you understand how to balance flash with existing light. Setting the Background Exposure First Before even thinking about flash, start by setting the background exposure. Since you can’t control ambient light (unless you’re in a studio), getting it right first ensures your final image looks natural. Using Your Camera’s Light Meter The quickest way to set your exposure is to switch to Aperture Priority (A/Av mode) or Auto ISO, letting the camera determine the best settings while you concentrate on composition. Once you find an exposure you like, switch to Manual Mode and dial in those settings for full control. More experienced photographers prefer Manual Mode from the start, using their camera’s built-in light meter to set their aperture and ISO first, then adjusting the shutter speed to prevent motion blur. With enough practice, this process becomes second nature—like muscle memory—allowing them to adjust exposure quickly and effortlessly. Choosing the Right Aperture and ISO Aperture and ISO choices depend on the look you’re going for. A wider aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) creates a soft, blurred background, while a narrower aperture (f/8 or f/11) keeps more details sharp. If you’re shooting in bright conditions, a low ISO (100–200) will give you the cleanest image, but in low light, you may need to bump it up (ISO 800–1600) to maintain a fast enough shutter speed. Checking Shutter Speed and Adjusting Exposure If your shutter speed is too slow (under 1/60s), motion blur can become an issue. If needed, increase ISO to get a faster shutter speed while keeping the exposure balanced. Once the background looks the way you want it, switch to Manual Mode (M) and lock in those settings. Now that your background exposure is set, it’s time to introduce flash. Balancing Flash with Ambient Light Now that your background exposure is locked in, your subject likely looks underexposed. This is where flash comes in. There are a few ways to set the right flash power. The most precise method is using a light meter, which gives you an exact reading of the flash output needed to match your camera settings. Simply set the meter to the same ISO and shutter speed, fire the flash, and adjust its power until the exposure is correct. A faster but less precise option is TTL mode, where the flash automatically calculates the appropriate power based on the camera’s exposure settings. While this is convenient, it’s not always consistent, so you may need to fine-tune it using Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC). If you don’t have a light meter and prefer full manual control, trial and error is the way to go. Start with a medium flash power setting (such as 1/4 or 1/8), take a test shot, and adjust up or down as needed. If the subject is too bright, lower the flash power; if it’s too dark, increase it. Another trick to fine-tune the background is adjusting the shutter speed—a slower shutter lets in more ambient light, brightening the background, while a faster shutter cuts down ambient light, darkening it. This way, you can control how the background appears while keeping your subject well-lit. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them Even when you understand Friedman’s Law of Exposure, things don’t always go as planned. If your subject is too bright and the background too dark, your flash power is probably too high, or your shutter speed is too fast. If the subject is too dark, increase the flash power or open up the aperture. Sometimes, flash can look harsh and unnatural. To soften it, try using a diffuser or bouncing the light off a nearby surface. This spreads the light more evenly and prevents harsh shadows. Meet Rick Friedman Rick Friedman is a lighting expert and a renowned photographer who has captured every U.S. presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter. If you’re heading to WPPI, you’ll probably see him walking the expo floor or chatting with photographers over coffee. He’s always happy to share his knowledge—so don’t hesitate to join the conversation! For more lighting tips and insights, you can sign up for his free newsletter, where he shares expert techniques, behind-the-scenes stories, and updates on his latest workshops. Final Thoughts Mastering flash photography can feel overwhelming, but Friedman’s Law of Exposure simplifies the process. By exposing for the background first and then adding flash to balance the light, you create more natural, well-lit images that preserve the mood of the scene. Whether you’re shooting outdoor portraits, event photography, or working in tricky lighting conditions, this technique gives you greater control and more professional results. It becomes second nature with practice, allowing you to shoot confidently in any situation.
How Vanessa Joy’s photography is bringing clean water to Kenya - Photofocus
Art has the power to inspire, to move, and to create change. It can capture the raw beauty of the world, preserve meaningful moments, and tell stories that words alone cannot express. But what if art could do more than that? What if it could provide life’s most essential resource—clean water? That’s exactly what internationally renowned photographer Vanessa Joy is setting out to do. Through her latest project, she is blending the power of photography with a deeply humanitarian mission: bringing clean water to Kenyan villages. Every stunning image in her mission-driven gallery represents more than just a breathtaking landscape—it’s an opportunity to save lives. Turning art into action For many, access to clean water is as simple as turning on a faucet. But for millions around the world, it remains an everyday struggle. In Kenya, countless villages rely on contaminated water sources, leading to waterborne illnesses, lost educational opportunities for children who must walk miles to fetch water, and cycles of poverty that seem impossible to break. Vanessa Joy saw this reality firsthand, and instead of turning away, she chose to take action. Combining her passion for photography with her drive to make a meaningful difference, she created an initiative where every photo purchase contributes directly to funding clean water projects in Kenyan villages. Through this mission-driven gallery, Vanessa is proving that photography can be more than an art form—it can be a force for change. Every image tells a story, not just of the beauty of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife but also of the people whose lives will be transformed through access to clean water. Amplifying generosity Vanessa’s personal commitment to matching donations magnifies the impact of this initiative. For every dollar spent on purchasing a photo or making a donation, she is matching the first $15,000—doubling the impact of every contribution. This means that when someone purchases a print from the gallery, they are not just supporting a cause; they are multiplying their impact. In a world where small actions can lead to incredible change, Vanessa is showing how generosity can go even further when we stand together. More than just art: A connection to Africa Owning a piece of artwork from Vanessa Joy’s collection is more than just bringing a stunning photograph into your home. It is a reminder of the power of nature, the beauty of different cultures, and our undeniable responsibility to one another. Each photograph captures Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, preserving them for future generations while directly supporting the communities that call this land home. From the vast, sunlit savannas where elephants roam freely to the striking portraits of local Kenyan families, every image carries a deeper meaning. By displaying one of these prints in your space, you are not only showcasing an incredible piece of art but also standing in solidarity with a community working toward a healthier and more sustainable future. Why clean water matters The impact of clean water cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of health, education, and economic stability. When a village gains access to safe drinking water, the ripple effects are transformational: Vanessa’s initiative doesn’t just help in the short term. It creates lasting change, allowing these villages to build a healthier, more stable future. How you can be part of this movement Supporting this mission is simple yet profoundly impactful. Every time someone purchases a photograph, they are directly funding clean water initiatives. But the impact doesn’t stop there. The donation-matching means that every dollar given stretches even further. For those who want to make a difference, there are several ways to contribute: 1. Purchase a print You can select from a collection of breathtaking images, knowing that every penny spent will bring clean water to those in need. 2. Donate directly Whether big or small, every contribution counts. Vanessa will match the first $15,000 in donations, doubling your impact. 3. Share the mission Spread the word about this incredible cause. Whether telling a friend, sharing on social media, or raising awareness, every voice matters. 4. Get inspired to give Whether it’s supporting this initiative or another cause close to your heart, Vanessa’s story reminds us that each of us can make a difference. A legacy of compassion through photography Vanessa Joy has always believed in using her platform for something bigger than herself. Through this initiative, she is proving that creativity, passion, and generosity can intersect in powerful ways. Her journey is not just about capturing moments—it’s about creating change, one photograph at a time. Through her lens, she is showing the world that beauty is not just in what we see but in what we do. The most breathtaking landscapes are not just those we admire—they are the ones we protect, preserve, and use as tools to uplift others. This project is more than an act of charity. It’s a movement of humanity, a call to action, and an invitation to be part of something greater. When we invest in art with a purpose, we are not just enhancing our own spaces—we are transforming lives. Be the change: Donate today The next time you look at a photograph, let it remind you that even a single image has the power to tell a story, inspire action, and change the world. Through Vanessa Joy’s vision, photography is no longer just a window into the world—it is a bridge to hope, opportunity, and a future where clean water is not a privilege, but a right for all. Now, the question is: How will you be part of the story?