For three years now I've been pursuing the Milky Way. The Milky Way is visible year-round, but the colorful center, the Galactic Core, disappears in November and rises above the horizon in March. After lots of failures, I have recently refined my process with some good results. Still, like all nature photography, photos are dependant on weather, location and time of day.

One image that I have sought without luck is the Milky Way core with the moon in the same sky. I've tried with both rising and setting moon, and every phase possible. But finally, Success!

At 5:30 am. as the crescent moon rises, and the sun warms the horizon, I captured my elusive image.

Technology played a large part in making this possible. I used PhotoPills to predict the location of the Milky Way. I used MoonCalendar to locate the moon. And finally I used PhotoShop to overlay two shots for exp[osure and focus. Beyond that, I managed to find the narrow window of time that made it possible.

Richland Creek Wilderness Area is one of my favorite places in the world. Flowing streams, unique waterfalls and, best of all, few people.

It has been said that doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is the definition of insanity. By that metric, photographers are insane. But sometimes it has its rewards. Over three days I visited this spot five times to catch this scene. Once again, time of day, location, and weather all played a part.