Last weekend, I experienced “The Miracle of the Empty Camera Batteries.” 📸🔋

It’s like the “Miracle of Hanukkah” – when the Macabees made a teeny bit of oil burn for 8 nights.

Here’s the story …

Once upon a time, I brought my dSLR with me everywhere.

Charging my 3 batteries was just like getting dressed – I always did it before leaving the house.

Nowadays, I rarely use my dSLR. With two young kids, I’m usually carrying their stuff instead of mine. However, when our family went on a camping trip last weekend, I made sure my camera bag was in the trunk

My dream was to make photos of the stars and the Milky Way after everyone went to sleep.

Easier said than done!

Night sky moon Stars Long Exposure Arroyo Seco California Night Astral Photography

The first miracle of the night is that I actually woke up and left the tent after putting the kids to bed.

My wife didn’t have the same success.

As quietly as possible, I grabbed my gear, put on my headlamp, and walked down to the area I had scoped out earlier.

I set up my tripod …

Attached my remote shutter release …

Lined up my photo …

Checked my settings …

Pressed the shutter …

And saw the dreaded flashing battery sign.

⚠️ LOW BATTERY ⚠️

Good thing I had two more in my backpack. Or, so I thought. The second one immediately showed another flashing battery sign.

AAHH

“Third time’s the charm,” I hoped as I put in my final battery.

Two bars.

Based on previous experience, I would be lucky to get a dozen 30-second exposures before the battery ran out.

» Click
» Wait
» Review
» Hope for another chance.

Heart love light painting astral photography

Under normal battery circumstances, I could dedicate hours to a single photo.

Tweaking my settings.

Stacking exposures.

Trying to get it “perfect.”

However, with just 2 bars, I chose a different approach.

I HAD FUN! 🎉

Instead of seeking perfection, I trusted.

Instead of obsessing over a single shot, I bounced around.

Instead of only pointing up, I chose to make myself a part of the photo.

I even took out my neon lights to do some light painting.

Do you know what happened?

The Miracle of the Camera Battery! 🎊

Two bars netted me 25 exposures and two hours of fun!

Here are a few of my favorites.

Which one is YOUR favorite?

Light painting night photography

Night Astral Photography

Stars Long Exposure Arroyo Seco California Night Astral Photography

Arroyo Seco California Night Astral Photography

Stars Long Exposure Arroyo Seco California Night Astral Photography