The first image is the unedited file (after DxO PureRaw4 processing). The second is the latest edit. The main edits: crop, adjust WB to 3650, tint to +17, increase contrast, increase color saturation and vibrance, increase clarity on the MW core, some cleanup with the remove tool, and a freehand vignette.
This image was shot at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast this past summer. The Milky Way lines up behind iconic Haystack Rock, which makes for a nice image when the conditions are right (no moonlight, no fog or clouds). The lights from town illuminate Haystack Rock just enough to avoid a silhouette. There was bioluminescence in the waves, which is the source of the cyan color. Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 @24mm, 10 secs, f/2.8, ISO 10,000.
9 comments posted
Mark Lachance
Nice image wasn't this landmark in the movie The Goonies? Posted: 10/02/2025 18:18:58
Dorinda Wills
You did an excellent job capturing and processing this image. The lighting on Haystack Rock is just right. I do think your image tilts to the right just a tiny bit. Posted: 10/04/2025 20:11:51
Phu Vo
Very good shot of milky way with nice foreground. To me, on the final picture, the milky way is "short" due to cropping. I would like to trim the bottom instead of the top. I guessed you wanted to show the reflection of milky way? The horizontal line is little bit sloppy. Like your picture. Posted: 10/05/2025 05:05:50
Walter Ho
I would prefer the top of the image to have more space rather than cropped away. Nice image. Posted: 10/07/2025 00:00:25
Leonid Shectman
do not know, never took this kind of pictures, but in Walter is correct. Posted: 10/08/2025 22:09:14
Patrick Campbell
Thanks everyone for your comments. Yes, Cannon Beach was featured in The Goonies. LOL! I think the horizon is straight. I checked it with the grid view in PS before posting. I went back to the original file and re-processed the file with a different crop, 2:3, showing more of the sky, and some other tweaks. I had to crop some to keep the peak of Haystack Rock in the center of the frame. Posted: 10/11/2025 05:04:27
Bob Wills
(Groups 29 & 34)
I like both versions. Cannon Beach is such a beautiful place. Posted: 10/13/2025 16:07:52
Jody Coker
Love both edits Patrick, but I vote for the second.. Posted: 10/13/2025 17:41:10
Walter Ho
The 2nd version looks better for me. Posted: 10/26/2025 11:55:16
