We were lucky to catch up with April Pawlak recently and have shared our conversation below.

April, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My initiation into astrophotography started with a desire for better hiking photos, and astrophotography was this distant, somewhat intimidating field I’d admired from afar. The complexity and the assumed high entry cost were deterring factors. However, a local photography class and countless hours of YouTube tutorials later found that the entry barrier was lower than I had imagined. I began my journey with the most affordable camera I could find. I’m grateful to live in beautiful Washington State and have accessible dark skies.

My first attempts at capturing the night sky were blurry and underwhelming. But astrophotography is as much a lesson in patience as it is about technical skills. The first time I captured the Milky Way in all its clarity was a defining moment. It ignited a fascination that now defines many summer plans, revolving around moon phases and clear nights.

Coming from an IT background, I enjoy the technical nuances of astrophotography. Each photograph contains calculated adjustments and planning. Yet, unpredictable weather, especially in the Pacific Northwest, reminds me that flexibility is necessary, and sometimes plans will be canceled.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I find myself wishing to see more women out at night. Many women, including myself, have grown up hearing cautionary tales of being alone, especially at night. These narratives can quickly turn the tranquility and solitude I cherish about this hobby into a source of fear, deterring some from pursuing it. Safety precautions are essential, yet they shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying the night sky.

April, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I focus on capturing images and timelapses of the night sky. My journey into astrophotography was born out of an appreciation for the night sky and a love for the outdoors. Growing up in rural Florida, I loved viewing the sky on clear nights. As an adult, I moved to Washington State. I started photography to capture landscapes I encountered while hiking, camping, and backpacking.

I volunteer with the Washington state chapter of DarkSky (formally International DarkSky Association), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the night sky from the encroachment of light pollution. We are currently focusing on updating our website, social media, and community outreach in the state.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The in-person photography classes I took with a local Washington state based photographer, Andy Porter, were invaluable. When you’re just starting, navigating the hobby without guidance can be overwhelming.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the essential lessons to unlearn is the habit of comparing yourself to others. Early on, when I saw a fantastic night sky photo, I would fall into the trap of comparing myself instead of appreciating the image. I often overlooked the fact that with time and experience, I could eventually produce similar images. Now I look at these images as a source of inspiration instead of comparison.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redheadinspace.com/
• Instagram: redheadinspace
• Other: DarkSky Washington Instagram: darkskywa