#1 “LIGHTNING LAKE” – TOM RAE
More info: Website Image source: Capture the Atlas Aoraki, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
#2 “THE LIONS DEN” – LORENZO RANIERI TENTI
Image source: Capture the Atlas
#3 “DESERT BLOOM” – MARCIN ZAJAC
After a whole afternoon of searching for compositions, I stumbled upon this remarkable mass of rocks adorned with tufts of grass, now burnt by the harsh environment. The area was littered with bones of small animals and footprints of a significant size, indicating the presence of wildlife not typically associated with peaceful sheep. Spending the night there was admittedly a bit nerve-wracking, but the opportunity to photograph such beauty made it worthwhile. The Milky Way’s arch, in all its splendor, rises above the pristine landscape, creating a truly mesmerizing scene. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#4 “BLOOMING BOTTLE TREE” – ROSITSA DIMITROVA
Image source: Capture the Atlas
#5 “A CLEAR WELCOME” – FRANCESCO DALL’OLMO
I was actually 11 weeks pregnant with my second child when I visited – I must admit that camping and shooting all night were not the most fatigue-friendly activities, but all the challenges were absolutely worth it. I’m now dreaming of taking my two daughters to Socotra one day – for an experience they will never, ever forget. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#6 “THE VANITY OF LIFE” – MIHAIL MINKOV
Image source: Capture the Atlas Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan The concept behind this shot is to highlight the stark contrast between the vastness of the cosmos and the minuscule nature of humanity. The composition intentionally draws the viewer’s focus to a small figure, underscoring our insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe, while the majestic Milky Way core dominates the background. Whenever I venture out to capture the night sky, I’m filled with a sense of humility and gratitude for my existence. It’s as if my problems diminish in comparison, and I’m reminded of the immense love I have for my family and the beauty of life itself, making everything else seem trivial.
#7 “ATMOSPHERIC FIREWORKS” – JULIEN LOOTEN
Image source: Capture the Atlas Dordogne, France
#8 “THE TAJINASTE” – MAXIMILIAN HÖFLING
The panoramic view spans 180°, showcasing the entire Milky Way arc. From left to right: Sirius and the constellation of Orion, Mars, the Pleiades, the California Nebula, Cassiopeia, the double cluster of Perseus, and the Andromeda galaxy. Capturing this image required a large panorama of 40 exposures, totaling nearly an hour of exposure time using my Canon 6D Astrodon and Sigma 28mm f/1.4 lens. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#9 “CARADHRAS – MILKY WAY ARCH ABOVE VRSIC PASS” – MATEJ MLAKAR
My primary goal in astrophotography is to unveil the hidden beauty of the night sky beyond the visible stars. I’m especially passionate about showcasing our galaxy, the Milky Way, in all its glory. I believe this picture achieves that goal impressively, capturing the mesmerizing brilliance of the Milky Way against the pristine backdrop of Tenerife’s night sky. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#10 “BLUE LAGOON UNDER THE STARS” – YURI BELETSKY
I knew I wanted to capture probably the last winter Milky Way arch of the season above snow-covered peaks, and this location was a sort of last-minute idea while we were driving towards Vršič Pass. Sometimes it pays off to be a bit more spontaneous. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#11 “BLUFF HUT” – RACHEL ROBERTS
In that moment, all I could do was capture the beauty unfolding before me. It served as a reminder of the wonderful sights that exist in the world and the endless beauty that can be found when we simply look up at the night sky. It was a moment that made me feel deeply connected to the world around me and the universe beyond. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#12 “LUPINE DREAMS” – BRANDT RYDER
Only accessible by a challenging hike or helicopter flight, I had no intention of ending up here, as I had a different shoot planned at another hut. However, with weather closing in at my intended location and no backup plan, I trusted the chopper pilot to choose the best spot for clear skies that evening. Thankfully, he didn’t disappoint, and I was able to capture the Milky Way arching majestically over the hut from one of the darkest places on the planet. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#13 “MOTHER JUNIPER” – BENJAMIN BARAKAT
In May of 2023, I spent a couple of days around the iconic town of Lone Pine, California, where the lupines in the foothills were just coming into peak bloom and the skies are notoriously dark. I knew I wanted to create an image that transported the viewer into a sea of purple flowers framed by the snow-covered Sierra and the Milky Way rising above. Although this spot was special, it was the incredible panoply of color in the night sky that I captured on this night that really elevates this image. Every time I look back at this image, I can still smell those flowers, and I’m immediately transported to this special place and time spent with special people. Image source: Capture the Atlas
#14 “MUNGO DREAMTIME” – JOHN RUTTER
Image source: Capture the Atlas Mungo National Park, NSW, Australia
