Our recent adventure of Chasing Central Oklahoma Light was an incredible experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique opportunities for creativity, and unforgettable moments. This workshop was all about capturing the beauty of the region, from sunrises and sunsets to the vast night skies—and wow, did we succeed!
Day 1: Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge
We kicked off the adventure at Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge, where we witnessed a stunning natural display. The flat horizon gave us a perfect view of rainstorms circling around us in every direction, yet we didn’t feel a single drop! Instead, the storms added dramatic contrast and depth to our photos. The ever-changing skies made for the perfect backdrop, and the salt flats seemed to glow under the darkening clouds.
As the day turned to night, we dove into a hands-on lesson on light painting and astrophotography. Learning how to capture the stars against the backdrop of this wild, open landscape was truly awe-inspiring.
Day 2: Salt Plains to Gloss Mountain State Park
Our second day began with a peaceful sunrise on the Sandpiper Nature Trail at the Salt Plains, where the morning light gently kissed the landscape, casting golden hues over the tall grasses. It was the kind of sunrise that feels like a reward for waking up early. After soaking in the morning’s beauty, we relocated to Gloss Mountain State Park, where the ground was littered with selenite gypsum crystals—a fascinating find for both photographers and nature lovers.
As golden hour approached, we made our way to the back side of the park for sunset and blue hour blending practice. With the sky transitioning from vibrant orange to soft purple, this was the perfect setting to hone our capturing skills. Then, as the stars began to twinkle in the Bortle 2 sky, the night truly came alive. There’s nothing quite like capturing the Milky Way in such clear, dark skies.
To cap off the night, we ventured to Fairview to light paint the iconic grain elevators, recently featured in the latest Twister movie. This provided a unique combination of astrophotography and urban elements, bringing a cinematic feel to our photos.
Day 3: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Our final day of chasing light took us to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a landscape teeming with wildlife. From bison to longhorns, we had countless opportunities to capture the local fauna in their natural habitat. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were treated to a glowing sunset on Mt. Scott, followed by astrophotography in the peaceful, star-filled setting of The Holy City.
Our last morning featured a beautiful sunrise at Treasure Lake, a serene end to our adventure. We spent the rest of the day capturing the Jed Johnson Tower and exploring the charming town of Medicine Park, where our journey concluded.
Conclusion: Until Next Year!
We successfully chased the best light that Central Oklahoma had to offer, coming away with not only amazing photographs but also lifelong memories. Each day was filled with learning, creativity, and shared experiences in some of the most scenic spots Oklahoma has to offer. Stay tuned—next year promises even more adventures and photo opportunities! Stay tuned for next year – we will shaking things up and adding a NEW location to the tour that will include a SXS sunset ride!