Curt Belser
Good morning! It’s November 1, and today’s photo comes to us from the breathtaking landscapes of southern Namibia. One of the most iconic sights in this region is the quiver tree. With its distinctive tubular branches, this tree gets its name from the fact that it was historically used as a carrier for arrows.
Taken by Curt Belser, this image captures the magnificent sight of the Milky Way Galaxy rising behind a quiver tree. Belser took this photo during a photography tour of Namibia in May. As the Moon had already set, the skies were exceptionally dark, showcasing the brilliance of the stars. This remote part of Africa is known for its incredibly dark skies, making it a prime location for stargazing and astrophotography.
Prior to capturing this shot, the tour group scouted the location during the day and returned after sunset to set up their equipment. Moving cautiously in the darkness, they navigated around sharp boulders and other hazards to get the perfect vantage point. Belser took multiple 15-second exposures before starting a 30-minute long exposure to create stunning star trails.
Reflecting on the scene, Belser shared, “I finally had 30 minutes or so to admire the spectacular view. It was even more awe-inspiring than photographing the Milky Way in the dark skies of Arches National Park. It truly makes you appreciate how ancient civilizations built their mythologies around the wonders they saw in the night sky, which was much darker back then.”
To view a photo capturing the star trails and see the location during daylight hours, visit Belser’s website.
Source: Curt Belser.
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