My journey into astrophotography started in 2018 after moving out of town into the dark skies of Atchison County. (Little did I realize Bortle class 4), as my parents gifted me with a Celestron 4 inch SE telescope. To say I was blown away by that little scope was an understatement. I giggled like a kid when I saw Saturn’s rings for the first time through it. Pretty soon I was taking cell phone pics through the eye piece, then getting a cell phone holder, then discovering I could cheaply attach my family Canon camera to the scope. To say I was hooked was an understatement.

I, by nature, have a passionate desire for learning, activities, and hobbies. As my wife knows well , I rest by going and increasing my understanding. This baseline continues to prompt me to pursue a wide variety of interest. All that to say, when I incidentally discover my love for astronomy and astrophotography, I was hooked. I had never looked in an actual telescope before the 4 SE. During my career path, I did not take a core science course that wasn't related to biology, chemistry, or physics. My undergrad majors were in biochemistry and cognitive psychology prior to medical school . Thus, I had a lot to learn about astrophysics, but after a few books, audiobooks, and YouTube learning, I increased by understanding rapidly. I also realized how much more I did not understand.

After 9 months of enjoyment with the little 4 SE, my wife gave me the green light to by a "larger" telescope. I decided on the Celestron 9.25 Edge due to it's flexibility for hyperstar, native, focal reduced, and planetary imaging. I never looked back. I added additional cameras and lens to my tool set along with my always developing compilation and photo editing skillset. 

 I continue to learn and build great relations with people locally interested in my hobby as well as the astrophotography community at large. I have many of the images hanging on the wall at work and truly love seeing people’s reactions and answering the many questions. 

When I look up at the night sky, see my first image roll in, or look up at the aluminum prints in my study; I stand in awe of the marvel of Creation.

As a historic Christian and daily follower of Christ, I am continually left in adoration by the majesty of the cosmos that I get to glimpse from my backyard. It reminds me of the start of Hebrews from the New Testament of the Bible.

" In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

 

-Brandon