Somewhere between chasing stars and capturing the past, I found myself standing in the cold, setting up a long exposure at the ruined church. This was one of those nights where everything aligned—well, mostly.
I had planned for star trails, for light painting, for atmospheric textures in the old stone. What I didn’t plan for was the passing car that bathed the tree in an eerie glow. It could have ruined the shot—or, as it turned out, made it. That’s the thing about photography: sometimes the unexpected is what makes the image work.
I took plenty of other shots—more technical, more controlled—but this one has an energy to it that I love. The stark contrast, the glowing branches, the stars scattered above. It’s a reminder that no matter how much you plan, sometimes the best moments just happen.
Would I do anything differently? Maybe a slightly longer exposure for the stars. Maybe try a different angle. But for now, I’m just happy my fingers didn’t freeze to the tripod.
📍 Location: Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk
📷 Nikon D750 | Sigma 20mm f/1.4 | Long exposure
