Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn: Meteorologist, Pilot, Astrophotographer
[ad_1]
Canadian Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn is a meteorologist and pilot by day — and an inspiring astrophotographer by night. She’s widely recognized, appearing on The World at Night (TWAN) and Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), and she teaches workshops, too. See more of her work at weatherandsky.com.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Kerry-Ann and recently talked with her about her pursuit of and passion for astrophotography.
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn
Advertisement
I know that you have an Honors degree in Earth and Atmospheric Science and work by day as a senior meteorologist for the Canadian TV station The Weather Network. So, photography is your hobby and passion. How did you first get into this?
I first got interested in astronomy when I was 10 years old and heard that Halley’s Comet was passing by. The thought of seeing something from space (other than the Moon, Sun, and stars) was so exciting. In the end, I didn’t see the comet but the event sparked a passion in me that has lasted a lifetime. When I was 15, I started to think of taking astrophotos with my first telescope, a 4.5-inch Newtonian reflector on a shaky mount. I signed up for a photography class in school and bought an SLR film camera.
I loved both photography and astronomy so it was only natural to put the two together. I especially wanted to share the cool things that are in the night sky with others.
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn
Do you have any mentors or experiences that were key to your success in growing as an astrophotographer?
Initially, I gained most of my knowledge through reading books and magazines such as Sky & Telescope and Astronomy. After the arrival of the internet, I delved even deeper into the technical aspects of the hobby with the help of online communities.
My mentor, many years later, was Stefano Cancelli. He was a very inspiring and talented astrophotographer who proved that it was possible to take high-quality deep-sky images from light-polluted cities, such as Toronto, Ontario, one of the most populated parts of Canada. Over the years, he’s passed on invaluable advice about deep-sky image-processing and given me the best constructive criticism that really helped to push my skills.
We know it’s not the plane, but the pilot — equipment is not everything — but readers want to know, what is your favorite gear to shoot with and why?
Even though I love my small observatory and telescope, I have to say my favorite gear is my Canon 6D modified DSLR, Sigma 14 mm, Sigma 50 mm, and Canon 100 mm macro lenses, riding atop a tripod with a tracker. I love being able to pack light and take them with me anywhere in the world. I can quickly and effortlessly take an exposure when I’m in a beautiful location with a beautiful night sky.
Speaking of planes — how can we not mention that you are also a pilot! Any thoughts on your love of flying that you would like to share?
My love for flying actually started when I was 4 years old. I had a fascination for power and speed . . . so initially it had nothing to do with my love for the sky. However, now I have a different appreciation for flying in terms of respect for the atmosphere, the beauty of weather and clouds, and how the light changes by the minute when you are up there.
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn
Your portfolio is filled with wonderful images taken both through a telescope and with a camera lens. Do you prefer one over the other?
I love them both for very different reasons. Deep-sky photography with my telescope is difficult to set up and get working well, but when it works, it’s a dream come true. I can set up an automated run, where I can grab exposures while I am sleeping. It’s exciting to check on the imaging results in the morning, and the reveal during the post processing is very rewarding. The camera-lens images are mainly nightscapes that are more relaxing and easier to accomplish.
What about the night sky and astrophotography really touches or motivates you?
For me, it’s the beauty and mystery. I wish I were born in a time where we could travel easily through space, and photography gives me a chance to feel like I can visit to these distant places without going there physically. As I spend hours processing and fine-tuning a deep-sky image, I start to feel like I know it very well in terms of fine details, color, and structure.
There have been late nights in the freezing cold before work the next morning I’m quite sure. What motivates or drives you to do this?
The initial drive to get out is the hardest, but I remind myself that if I don’t get out and shoot this event or object now, I may lose the opportunity and miss out on capturing potentially one of my best images. Once I get out in the field and I see a glimpse of what I’m trying to image on the screen or camera display, my adrenaline kicks in. No amount of cold or weariness can stop me, and I usually end up losing track of time.
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn
What do you still struggle with today as a photographer?
Going to locations on my own to take pictures in the dark. The funny thing is that I’m slightly afraid of the dark and the unknown in an unfamiliar location so I usually try to find someone who will be willing to keep me company.
Finally, do you have any advice to someone who is just getting started in astrophotography?
- Start off simple with easily accessible and affordable gear like a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a wide-angle lens. Learn about the objects in the night sky and enjoy the process before you invest in bigger and more complicated gear.
- Join an astronomy club, camera club, or an online forum to connect withj others who share the same interests and will help you in your journey.
- Don’t forget, books and magazines are a huge wealth of information and inspiration.
Thanks, Kerry-Ann!
[ad_2]
Original Post
Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
I got good info from your blog
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Thank you for another informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
What¦s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & help other customers like its aided me. Good job.
Its good as your other content : D, thanks for putting up.
whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are looking around for this information, you can help them greatly.
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again
Well I truly enjoyed studying it. This information procured by you is very constructive for correct planning.
I’d must test with you here. Which is not something I often do! I take pleasure in reading a publish that will make people think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to comment!
Enjoyed looking through this, very good stuff, regards.
Very efficiently written story. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including yours truly :). Keep up the good work – for sure i will check out more posts.
I have been browsing on-line more than 3 hours today, yet I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty value sufficient for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the net can be a lot more useful than ever before.
I got what you mean , thanks for posting.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have created some nice practices and we are looking to trade strategies with others, why not shoot me an email if interested.
Thank you for any other wonderful article. Where else may anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the search for such information.
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website :).
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a magnificent job on this topic!
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
You are my inspiration , I have few blogs and infrequently run out from to post .
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web-site.
I just couldn’t depart your site prior to suggesting that I really loved the usual information a person provide in your guests? Is going to be again frequently in order to investigate cross-check new posts.
My brother suggested I may like this blog. He used to be totally right. This put up actually made my day. You cann’t consider simply how a lot time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
What is Alpha Tonic? Alpha Tonic stands as a natural health supplement designed to comprehensively address men’s overall well-being.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!
Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
I and also my pals have been studying the excellent suggestions from your website then immediately I got a terrible suspicion I never expressed respect to the site owner for those strategies. My young boys are already totally passionate to study them and have now seriously been tapping into them. Appreciate your really being simply kind and for going for some superior subject matter millions of individuals are really desirous to learn about. My personal sincere regret for not expressing gratitude to earlier.
Wonderful paintings! That is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared around the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this put up upper! Come on over and talk over with my website . Thanks =)
Very well written post. It will be beneficial to anyone who usess it, including me. Keep up the good work – for sure i will check out more posts.
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Very interesting subject, regards for putting up.
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic information being shared freely out there.
Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks
I enjoy gathering utile information , this post has got me even more info! .