Aaron Jenkin's Nightscape Photography in Cornwall

The Milky Way arching over Cornwall's dramatic cliffs, astrophotographers know Cornwall's skies are a nighttime treasure. Aaron Jenkin’s nightscape captures more than just the Milky Way — the Northern Lights dance overhead, while a rugged coastline stretches out before a serene ocean bordered by dark cliffs. Cornwall’s skies have a lack of light pollution, which makes it an exclusive place for astrophotography.

Nightscape Photography

While stargazing is casual, nightscape photography is deliberate. It captures the drama of the night sky — stars, galaxies, and celestial lights — and combines these with dramatic earthly landscapes. The process is laborious. Night landscapes aren't backlit by the sun, which means long exposures. An equatorial mount is often used to capture the rotation of the Earth (important when shooting celestial bodies like stars over long exposures). Nightscape photographers use long exposures to indicate the earth is rotating, and need to balance the light on the land with the soft light from sources far above. Extreme conditions complicate the craft. Nightscape photographers often shoot in remote wilderness, carry heavy equipment, and face unpredictable weather. Aaron Jenkin's vision of Cornwall's coastline is indelible for what he captures: the rotation of the earth and the majesty of the night sky. Our place on the planet itself seems transient, both vast and fragile. Nightscape photography requires planning, precision, and a willingness to brave the elements.

Beyond the bucket list

Globally, but especially in casual hobby circles, the image of the Milky Way and the night sky are symbols of wonder and adventure. The Milky Way’s beauty presents itself to us if we get anywhere not obstructed by light pollution. With light pollution growing, it's no surprise that nightscape photography is appealing as a hobby, and our night skies are the main attraction. Nightscape photography is also an educator: as we summarize the visualization of the rotation of the Earth as a universal need for an equatorial mount, we learn. Nightscape photography shows our place in the universe is punctuated by the beauty and wonder of the stars, but also that the Earth's rotation is physical and, in a way we rarely consider, part of our sensory experience. Cornwall is a bucket-list destination for scenes like Aaron Jenkin's; nightscape photography in these places is why people visit.

Cornwall: A Stargazer's Haven

Cornwall's rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and clear night skies make it a prime destination for nightscape photography. Cornwall’s lack of light pollution allows for stunning views of the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena. Stargazing in Cornwall is a unique experience, and the county is known for its dark skies. Cornwall captives the Milky Way hanging above the ocean, the mysterious allure of the night sky, photographs of complex auroras, and the glistening ocean.

What's Required? Equipment

Equipment is as important as the scenery. A key piece is the equatorial mount, which tracks the Earth's rotation. This allows for long exposures without star trails. Camera settings also matter. Using a wide-angle lens captures the vastness of the night sky. A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release prevent camera shake, and a long exposure time captures the soft light from the stars. Astrophotographers must balance the exposure of the night sky with the earthly landscape, using light metering to avoid overexposing either. Photo software helps refines the image.

The Unseen Layers

A nightscape photograph like Jenkin’s captures both the sweeping landscape and the ethereal sky. Cornwall's vibrant aurora borealis adds another layer of drama. Nightscape photography blends the beauty of the natural world with the vastness of the universe. This form of photography requires patience, skill, and a deep understanding of both the landscape and the night sky. These images reflect a love for the night sky, as well as a passion for capturing natural beauty and the majesty of the Milky Way.

What Time of Night Is It, Exactly?

Nightscape photography isn't for beginners. Night sky time is magical, but it is complicated because celestial bodies move. For example, star trails are the result of the Earth rotating. Time of exposure has to be calculated to create the long-exposure frames used in timelapse. The pictures are a process composed of many pictures over time. This requires planning, from when to start shooting, to how long to shoot, to how long to keep the shutter open. Spectacular nightscape photographs like Jenkin's require complex work done in the dark.

Make Your Own Milky Way Masterpiece

Plan Ahead: Choose a dark sky location and use a moon phase calendar to plan your shoot. Avoid the full moon; the new moon is your friend, but a quarter phase will do. Check the weather and pollen report to maximize your view. Use photo software to plot the Milky Way’s position and combine with camera settings. Bring layers and stay until you get the shot.

• Bring the Gear: At minimum, a good camera, a wide angle lens, a tripod, a remote shutter release, an equatorial mount and bring extra batteries. You will need all three. The right settings make a huge difference. Depending on the scene work with exposures longer than 15 seconds. Use manual mode and keep your ISO low, to avoid noise in the photo, but increase it as necessary.