Poster code: SPE 101

Title: The Lonely Tree

Amazing Night Sky with a Fireball
Location: Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Photo Description / 照片解说：

For many years of astrophotography, I've had a persistent concept in mind - to find a shooting location point with only one tree, with the background of the starry sky, it's no matter with or without the Milky Way. This concept symbolizes the solitude of astrophotographers like me, or even reflects my own individuality. This hobby is so niche, so unappreciated or noticed by others, and it represents my personal destiny - a recluse, a solitary person, not in the spotlight, not popular. However, amidst the vast ocean of people, I still receive some attention and recognition, even the blessings of the heavens, as I can grow under this vast starry sky, which means I am not truly alone.

Yet, after many years of shooting, I couldn't find such a tree. Some suggested I could imitate other astrophotographers, find any location with a tree, and then use Photoshop to remove the extra trees, creating the desired effect. Why be so insistent? But I couldn't compromise. I couldn't accept such a deceptive artwork, for it would be deceiving myself, even if it gained admiration from others. Though many people endorse such editing methods, and such works are widely appreciated, even winning awards, that approach is not for me. Even if my work fails to find many admirers, I will stick to my principles.

Then, in 2014, during my first visit to Mount Bromo, a volcanic area with vast stretches of treeless soil forming grassy plains, everything changed. While capturing the sunset and chatting with a fellow photographer named William Chin, I expressed my desire to shoot stars in the plain with a solitary tree, aligning with the direction of the summer Milky Way. Miraculously, my vision came true. There, I spotted a tree right on the plain, perfectly positioned with the Milky Way behind it. I was ecstatic and eagerly waited for the night to come.

Despite objections from my fellow photographers, who were exhausted from the day's activities and focused on capturing the sea of clouds forming above the volcano, I was determined to follow my vision. Eventually, we set out with my wife, William, another companion, and his spouses, five in total.

After a bit of searching in the darkness, we found the tree. The setup went smoothly for me and William, but our novice companion's headlamp kept interfering with my shots. It would have been easy to ask him to turn it off temporarily, but I resisted this selfish impulse. I didn't want to make him feel awkward or nervous, so I decided to look for other shooting locations while he continued his setup.

To our amazement, a few minutes later, we witnessed a shooting star crossing right behind the tree! It was beyond belief! I hurried back to my camera and confirmed that I had captured it - a truly awe-inspiring moment! The shooting star landed directly above another distant volcano called Mount Semeru, adding a tremendous bonus to the scene.

I'm so grateful to the heavens! I believe that my actions just now touched something divine. If I had selfishly asked my companion to turn off his headlamp, I would have captured the shot and moved on, missing this spectacular scene altogether. Everything in life is interconnected - the seeds I sowed through my actions bore fruit, and the heavens granted my wish.

I have completed "The Lonely Tree," and in the process, I received an unexpected bonus - the heavens gifted us with a shooting star!