Awe-Inspiring Stars in Yosemite National Park (PHOTOS)

A camera’s extended exposure recently captured a stargazer sitting on the edge of Glacier Point, his headlamp illuminating the starry night skies above Yosemite National Park in California like a lighthouse.

“Instead of having the headlamp beaming up at the sky, I thought it was more dramatic having it look as though it’s illuminating Half Dome, really drawing your eye in,” photographer Christian Adam told Caters News.

While the sun was still out, 24-year-old Adam and his friends scouted the location. Though the scenery in the daylight is just as beautiful, Adam said he later returned to the area and waited for the night sky to fall.

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“The sky was exactly as you see it in the photo,” Adam said. “The moon didn’t rise yet, which meant that the stars were extremely bright.” 

Yosemite National Park not only offers its visitors an immersive experience in nature, but also many recreational activities, including rock climbing, water rafting and horseback riding. Though the national park is a frequent tourist spot and a common subject of photography, Adam said that unique frames, like that of the stargazer’s headlamp, were a result of patience and preparation. 

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“If you take a little time and have a concept before you shoot, there are always unique opportunities to be had,” he said.

Adam believes that photography is “the first step in creating something inspiring and intriguing,” according to his website. Capturing something imaginary and bringing it to life is what pushes him to create amazing imagery.