Bronze in Nature/Astrophotography / 2025 / Nature / Astrophotography

• Prize
  Bronze in Nature/Astrophotography
• Photographer
  Peter Hergesheimer, United States
• Website
  https://www.peterhergesheimer.com

The Clamshell nebula in the constellation Cygnus is a cloud of star-forming ionized gases and dust some 2,200 light years from earth. This image was captured from the Anza-Borrego desert in California using a telescope, cooled monochromatic camera and narrowband Sulfur, Hydrogen and Oxygen emission line filters. Multiple 5 and 10 minute exposures were combined for a total exposure time of 36 hours 50 minutes. Star tracking was used during the long exposures made over several nights. Some stars were left out of the image in post processing to create the feeling of a window into deep space.

My imagination was captured by photography and astronomy at an early age when I got my first telescope and borrowed my grandfather's SLR film camera. My profession went in another direction with degrees in Electrical Engineering and a career in wireless technologies.

Through much of my life, I have melded photography with many of my other interests: astronomy, SCUBA diving, backpacking and travel. I love the beauty and imagery of the natural world and enjoy capturing it and sharing it with others.

Thank you for your interest in my work.

Awards https://www.peterhergesheimer.com/Awards