Warning: do not try to photograph the Milky Way from a city park at 2am

I drove like 20 miles out to a state park near Austin last Saturday to finally get a decent shot of the core. Set up my tripod and remote shutter, got the composition perfect, everything looked great on the test shot. Then some guy comes stumbling out of the woods with a flashlight yelling about trespassing, turns out the park closes at sunset. I had to pack everything up in the dark while he watched, drove home with no photos and a $45 ticket in the mail. Has anyone else had a ranger or security ruin a planned shoot like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

west.richard1mo ago

Huh, that sucks but also you kinda rolled the dice on that one. Park hours are pretty clearly posted most places, man.

jana_jones1mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah man, I've been there. Rangers and security are honestly the worst part of night photography, not the light pollution or the mosquitos. What I started doing is looking up park hours online before I go, but also checking if they have any after hours permits for photographers. Some state parks will let you stay late if you get one. I also scope out spots on Google Maps satellite view during the day first so I know if there's a trail or a gate I might miss. Another tip is to keep your gear in a simple backpack and have a red light headlamp ready so you're less obvious if someone does show up. Paying a $10 permit beats a $45 ticket any day, and you actually get to finish your shoot.