The Land Down Under
- Michael Simmons
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Under Southern Stars: Rediscovering Wonder in Australia
After years of chasing the Milky Way across deserts, mountains, and canyons, I finally found myself standing under an entirely different sky, one that felt both foreign and familiar all at once. Australia. The land down under. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
This trip wasn’t just another photography adventure, it was a reset. A deep breath for the soul. Traveling halfway across the world to meet up with my good friend, fellow veteran, and equally obsessed night-sky photographer Jason Perry, reminded me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.
A Whole New Sky
If you’ve only ever photographed the Milky Way in the Northern Hemisphere, the first time you see it from the Southern side is… surreal. Constellations flip, familiar stars vanish, and in their place rise new celestial wonders, the Magellanic Clouds, the Southern Cross, and an arc of the Milky Way that feels alive in an entirely different way. Every night was a new adventure in orientation, planning, and pure awe.
Standing there in the stillness, camera clicking under a foreign sky, I couldn’t help but feel small in the best possible way. That’s what astrophotography does, it humbles you, resets you, and reminds you that every star you see has a story.
Brotherhood, Cameras, and Connection
Jason and I met through photography and our shared background as U.S. military veterans, but this trip took our friendship to another level. There’s something about two vets standing in the dark, surrounded by the sounds of the outback, that turns silence into camaraderie.
We spent our days exploring rugged coastlines, helping out with workshops, and meeting some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever encountered. Australia’s landscape is wild, not just in beauty, but in spirit. The people mirror that energy: tough, funny, and welcoming in a way that makes you feel like you’ve always belonged there.
Culture Shock (and Pancakes for Breakfast!)
You can’t talk about a trip without mentioning the food, right? I’ll be honest — when I saw ice cream on pancakes at 7 a.m., I thought I’d fallen into a dream. But that’s Australia for you: unexpected, sweet, and full of moments that make you stop and smile.
It’s the little things, a conversation with a stranger, the smell of eucalyptus in the morning air, or that perfect reflection shot over still water that make a trip like this unforgettable.
Refueled and Recharged
I came to Australia to photograph the stars, but I left with much more. A rejuvenated sense of purpose. A reminder of why I teach workshops and help others capture the cosmos. It’s not just about the images, it’s about connection, resilience, and finding wonder in places you’ve never been.
To everyone I met down under — thank you for the laughter, the stories, and the pancakes. And to Jason — brother, here’s to many more adventures under the stars.
Until next time,
If you would like to read Jasons blog on our adventure and workshop check it out here:
-Michael Simmons
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