3rd place
bronze star award
Will Simpson
united states 
Photo © Will Simpson
title
Falcon 9
As we waited, a storm brewed off the coast lighting the sky with intense lightning. Unfortunately the storm was moving right towards Cape Canaveral, where the launch was taking place about 100 miles south. We thought the clouds might shroud the launch completely.
Right at 12:30am the launch began as an orange glow began at the horizon. The glow grew and grew as the rocket rose above the ground and I started firing off 15 second shots as the rocket rose higher and higher arching towards the stars above. During one of the shots, the lightning cracked adding the perfect accent to the photo!
This was my first launch I’d ever seen and it was one I will never forget and so thrilled to capture this moment. For me, with the conditions everything was perfect and it truly was a once in a lifetime photo.
Shot on Canon R5
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entry description
I was traveling from Tampa, Fl to VA with a stop in Flagler Beach, FL for the night. It was Saturday and I had learned that there was a SpaceX launch at 12:30am Sunday morning. I had never seen one and my fiancé was adamant that I needed to. So we got the gear all packed and about midnight headed to the beach.As we waited, a storm brewed off the coast lighting the sky with intense lightning. Unfortunately the storm was moving right towards Cape Canaveral, where the launch was taking place about 100 miles south. We thought the clouds might shroud the launch completely.
Right at 12:30am the launch began as an orange glow began at the horizon. The glow grew and grew as the rocket rose above the ground and I started firing off 15 second shots as the rocket rose higher and higher arching towards the stars above. During one of the shots, the lightning cracked adding the perfect accent to the photo!
This was my first launch I’d ever seen and it was one I will never forget and so thrilled to capture this moment. For me, with the conditions everything was perfect and it truly was a once in a lifetime photo.
Shot on Canon R5
about the photographer
I have been a photographer for a few years now. I didn't grow up with a camera or someone who was into photography, I discovered it a little on accident but when I did I fell in love with it and spent every waking moment learning, practicing and practicing the craft. I am now a full time photographer and love every minute of it.back to gallery
