THE extra time lockdown has afforded Baz Beswick has enabled the Denton man to rekindle his passion for astrophotography.
And quite literally the stunning pictures captured from the 49-year-old’s back garden are out of this world.
Baz, who shared an amazing photo of The Rosette Nebula with followers of our Tameside Captured platform, wrote: “We don’t generally tend to think that there are many wonderous images to take in the skies directly above us as light pollution tends to wash out the beauty of the night sky, especially in built-up areas.
“I thought I would share this image to the group, so next time you’re out and it’s a clear night you may take a moment to just look up and realise this ‘big rock’ we live on is just merely a speck of sand in a vast ocean.”
The amateur astrophotographer was also featured on BBC’s North West Tonight with a feature by Stalybridge-based broadcaster, the aptly named Suzanne Hailey.
Baz, who captures galaxies, nebula and constellations, has always been fascinated by the night skies and bought he first telescope about a decade ago.
“I have always been interested but lockdown got me into my garden to do something,” he explained.
Baz, who was fixated with the universe since watching Star Wars in 1977 aged only five, admitted it is challenging photographing the night sky with light pollution prevalent when living in a build-up area as well as the typically damp Mancunian climate.
“I get jealous of those living abroad where there are clear skies all-year round,” he said.
Baz admitted the results he can achieve are far removed to when he began stargazing.
He explained: “You would previously only been able to take photographs like the ones I do today from an observatory on a mountain.
“However, technology has advanced so much over the last 10 years that I am able to take them from my back garden.
“Much is to do with the filters and software which reduced light pollution.”
Baz, who paid £450 for his first telescope 10 years ago, pointed out the more money you spend the better-quality pictures will be taken.
“I am happy with what I take given I am an amateur and self-taught researching on Google which is a great learning tool. The more you learn, the better your pictures will become. I am sure I will improve over the years as technology advances,” he added.
And when he began with a basic DSLR camera attached to his telescope, Baz was able to take striking photos such as Saturn with its rings visible,
Baz, who says a basic telescope can cost as little as £100, pointed out some serious enthusiasts have equipment worth up to £40,000 and some even build observatory domes in gardens and use computers attached to telescopes to track stars.
Baz, a former HGV driver, explained he sets up his telescope focused on North Star as it hardly moves and the Earth rotates around it.
He also uses the astronomy app SkySafari, a GPS on his mobile phone, to help locate galaxies, nebula and constellations.
Baz also recently captured some amazing shots of the ‘Snow Moon’ with craters clearly visible and which have also attracted attention on his website Tigers Eye Photography. He has also caught the International Space Station passing over his home.
And in the light of recent media publicity, Baz has been receiving orders for prints of pictures display on the website.
Baz, who works for a family doll making business, would like to turn photography into a full-time job occupation.
He describes himself as creative as he does video production work and has worked in the music industry with remixed for well-known artistes.
• You can see Baz’s work at www.tigerseyephotography.co.uk