All images by Toby Harriman. Used with Creative Commons permission.
Despite the sheer volume of night photos focused on the ethereal beauty of star-lit skies, it’s something that every photographer still finds irresistible to capture. Joining our list of favorite night and astrophotography works is the simple yet beautiful monochrome set by San Francisco-based traveler, photographer, and content creator Toby Harriman.
When we speak of monochromes, we typically associate or equate it with black and white photography. However, for photographing the night sky in all its splendor and grandeur, a hint of color is still the best way to make it even more eye-catching. This nevertheless fits the definition of monochrome as an image executed in varying tones of only one color. In the case of his series called Modern – Sky, Toby’s approach was to make use of a minimalist color scheme that both highlights the beauty of a starry night and reveals a charming night sky in “mono-tone.”
In his Behance page, Toby mentions getting up at “oft-forsaken hours” to glimpse and capture the Milky Way galaxy sprawled across the night sky. This sounds consistent with his statement of being a self-confessed “timelapser.” He also admits to being drawn to mono-toned images, and it was only a matter of time before he put together a night photography series done in this minimalist palette. Modern – Sky, taken in Oahu, Hawaii, is just one of the many of these sets that he intends to keep working on.
Toby’s photographs show the elements, hues, and views that have inspired generations of photographers, travelers, artists, and scientists to look up and marvel at the beauty of the heavens come dusk. Captivated by an allure that can only come from the night’s celestial sights, there’s no doubt they will continue to do so for many more years to come.
