Grand Canyon News

Freelance photographer Jeff Berkes specializes in landscape astro-photography, extreme storm chasing, photography workshops and photography tours. Berkes has been a photographer for 13 years and has been published online and in magazines, such as National Geographic, National Geographic Adventure, Outdoor Photographer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Broadcasting Company, Microsoft Network and more.

"This was my sixth time out to the Grand Canyon and I have always wanted to grab this shot at Desert View, but the weather was never on my side until May of 2012," Berkes said. "I was on my way to Page for the Annular Eclipse over Horseshoe Bend when I decided I had to spend a couple nights at the Grand Canyon, and I am glad I did. In the early hours of the morning during mid-May, I positioned myself in a way where I could have the Milky Way rising over the Watch Tower. It was a beautiful morning to say the least."

Because this week is International Dark Sky Awareness Week, Berkes hopes photographs like this one above will inspire others to help protect the night sky and reduce light pollution. America's National Parks contain some of the darkest skies in the nation, and since National Park Week is coming up at the end of this month, Berkes said it's a great time to get out and support the parks and protect the stars. More of Berkes' work can be found at www.jeffberkesphotography.com.