Individual Thoughts: The Tokachi Observatory
When I woke up, another world had spread out before me.
It is proof of a quiet miracle, that light from tens of thousands of years ago has reached our eyes just now.
It is proof of a quiet miracle.
Introduction
Tokachi Plain, Hokkaido.
An observatory I stopped by on my way home after finishing a mountain climb.
A twilight that seemed to wrap around my pleasant fatigue was spreading.
The color of the cloudless sky was melting into a deep navy blue.
"Tonight, the stars will surely fall."
Surrendering myself to that premonition, I fell asleep while listening to the sound of the wind.
The Milky Way
When you look up at the night sky, you may sometimes see a band of light flowing like a white, hazy river.
That is the "Milky Way."
A massive collection of stars, of which our solar system is also a part.
The form woven by tens of billions of stars is far too vast and far too quiet.
Even without a high-performance telescope, if you use the camera in your hand, you can capture a "sea of stars" more vivid than what the naked eye can perceive.
Silhouettes on a Starry Night
I suddenly woke up to the sound of happy conversation, just past 7:00 PM.
When I opened my heavy eyelids, a magical scene was spread out before me.
The lights of the town spreading out below.
And right above it, the Milky Way stretching out powerfully, yet gently.
Just as I finished shooting, packed up my gear, and was about to get into the car, a shadow caught my eye.
The silhouettes of three people talking, with the town lights and the starry sky behind them.
The scene was so beautiful that I couldn't help but call out to them.
"Would you mind if I took your picture?"
20 Seconds of Stillness
Starlight is very faint.
To capture enough of that light with a camera, the shutter must be kept open for 20 seconds.
During that time, the subjects need to remain still.
"Could you stay still for 20 seconds?"
The three of them laughed and agreed to my impolite request.
In the darkness, everyone held their breath and stood perfectly still.
During those 20 seconds when the camera quietly gathered light, we were truly sharing the same time in the universe.
A night where the Milky Way, the clouds, and our individual thoughts intersected.
Conclusion
In the developed photograph, the lives of the stars resided, far more vivid than when seen with the naked eye.
If you are currently hesitating to pick up a camera, or wishing to take better photos, first try standing in the silence of the night.
Before focusing on technique or equipment, first encounter a 'moment that moves your heart'.
I truly want you to know the joy of capturing that instant in a box called a camera.
The stars are always there, waiting for you to point your lens at them.
This photograph was selected for the 26th MONTHLY OPEN PHOTO CONTEST, Theme Category 'Theme: Hope', hosted by Sony Marketing Inc.