My journey into Astrophotography started in 2018 after moving out into the country (Little did I realize bortle class 4), as my parents gifted me with a Celestron 4 SE. To say I was blown away by that little scope was an understatement. I definitely giggled like a school boy when I saw saturn's rings for the first time through it. Pretty soon I was taking cell phone pics through the eye piece, then getting a cell phone holder, then discovering I could cheaply attach my family cannon T5i to the scope. To say I was hooked was an understatement.
I , by nature, have a passionate desire for learning, activities, and hobbies. As my wife knows well , I rest by going and increasing my understanding. This baseline continues to prompt me to pursue a wide variety of interest. I grew up in a small town play sports year round and still love to be active . Hence, I still run 200-250 rounds of disc golf a year for approximately 500 miles a year and I hate running for running sake. I have since moving to our current small town designed and built the majority of local 18 hole disc golf course.
All that to say, when I incidentally discover my love for astronomy and astrophotography, I was hooked. I had never looked into an actual telescope before the 4 SE. During my career path, I had never taken a core science course that wasn't related to biology, chemistry, or physics. My undergrad majors were in biochemistry and cognitive psychology prior to medical school . To say I had a lot to learn about astrophysics was an understatement, but after a few books, audiobooks, and youtube learning, I learned a lot, but realized how much more I did not understand.
After 9 months of enjoyment with the little 4 SE, my wife gave me the green light to by a "larger" telescope. I decided on the Celestron 9.25 Edge due to it's flexibility for hyperstar, native, focal reduced, and planetary. I never looked back, although I had RASA8 fall into my lab instead of buying a hyperstar. Now the black hole of a hobby as lead me to multiple telescopes, mounts, and lens. I continue to learn and build great relations with people locally interested in my hobby as well as the astrophotography community at large. I am grateful for all of those who have answered by basic questions and pushed me to excel.
When I look up at the night sky, or see my first sub roll in, or look up at the aluminum prints in my study; I stand in awe of the marvel that creation is.
As a historic Christian and daily follower of Christ, I am continually left in adoration by the majesty of the cosmos that I get to glimpse from my backyard. It reminds me of the start of Hebrews from the New Testament of the Bible.
"1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
Clear Skies! -Brandon
Job
Full Spectrum Family Physician
Hobbies
Disc golf, golf, mountain biking, cycling, backpacking, board games, target shooting, nerf battles with my wife and kids
