Galactic Waves – A Dream Years in the Making

There are photographs you plan, and then there are photographs that become part of your story.

"Galactic Waves" is one of those images.

For years, The Wave in northern Arizona sat at the very top of my photography bucket list. Like many photographers, I entered the lottery time and time again, only to come up empty. This past May, thanks to a little teamwork and a lot of luck, that finally changed. My good friend Jason Perry and I were fortunate enough to secure a permit and experience one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the American Southwest.

After hiking nearly three miles into the desert under a sky filled with stars, we arrived at The Wave in complete darkness. The first sweep of our headlamps across the sandstone revealed swirling lines and vibrant colors unlike anything I had ever seen. It almost didn't feel real.

As the night unfolded, the Milky Way slowly climbed into position above the iconic sandstone formations and I was even able to capture several hours of star trails to sit above the wave. Every hour of planning, every mile driven, and every step of that hike led to one unforgettable moment. That vision and image became Galactic Waves.

I'm incredibly honored to share that Galactic Waves has been nominated for the People's Vote Award in the reFocus Photography Awards.

To have an image recognized among so many talented photographers from around the world is incredibly humbling. Photography has taken me to some amazing places, introduced me to lifelong friends, and allowed me to share experiences that I never imagined possible. To have one of those moments recognized is something I'm truly grateful for.

If you enjoy my work and would like to support me, I would be honored if you would take a moment to view the image and cast your vote.

🗳️ Vote for "Galactic Waves" here: [Official People's Vote Link]

Every vote means a great deal to me, and I sincerely appreciate your support.

Thank You for Supporting My Journey

One of the greatest blessings of this photography journey has been the incredible companies that have chosen to support my work. Their products have traveled with me across deserts, mountains, and under some of the darkest skies on Earth.

If you're looking to improve your own photography, I encourage you to check out some of the companies I'm proud to work alongside:

• Move Shoot Move – Compact and portable star trackers that make capturing the night sky easier than ever.

• Really Right Stuff – Some of the finest tripods and ball heads available, built for photographers who demand reliability in the field.

• Spencer's Camera & Photo – Professional camera sensor modifications for astrophotography, allowing your camera to capture the deep reds and incredible detail hidden within the night sky. Use the discount code "mikesimmons30" to save $30

• Maven Filters – Exceptional filters designed to help photographers create stunning images in challenging lighting conditions.

These collaborations not only help support my work, but they also allow me to share equipment and techniques with participants during my workshops. If you're considering upgrading your gear, adding a star tracker, investing in a quality tripod, or having your camera modified for astrophotography, I highly recommend checking them out.

Finally, thank you to everyone who follows my adventures, joins my workshops, shares my images, and continues to support this dream. Every comment, every message, every workshop participant, and every vote reminds me why I continue chasing dark skies around the world.

I'll see you under the stars.

— Michael Simmons