Dear all, Regarding Alyn and the cause of passing away, it's not something I felt was right going into when I recorded the video. Alyn's parents have since made a small update with clarifications on his Instagram, so I'll invite you to visit that if you want to know more and pay your respects. May he rest in peace 🌌
We had a tree in the backyard that was struck by lightning and it did damage from the inside. It only affected part of the tree. Since it got struck, the tree really didn't recover. We had to take down the tree. So, it wouldn't surprise me if it was lightning. You got awesome shots as always. Thanks for sharing!
❤ Thank you for your remembrance of Alyn. I think many of us will be devastated for a long time. Like you, I think of Alyn every night I look up at the stars. Please don’t feel guilty. The passion you show is the same that drew a lot of us to Alyn. RIP, Alyn Wallace.
Oh, Mads, I'm so sorry for your loss of your friend, Alyn! Your heartfelt comments brought tears to my eyes. You looked like you could use a hug, so I'm sending you a long-distance hug from here in IL, USA. Precious is life, and those we share it with. God bless.
We all miss Alyn. Because of him, I fell in love with astrophotography. I had been struggling for many years to find the right genre of photography for myself. His passing is a great loss in astro community. 😭
Hi Mads, A genuine heartfelt thanks to you for your tribute to Alyn. Your words reach farther than any of ours can, but you echo the collective shock and feeling of loss. The loss of a hugely valued member and influencer to his profession, community and genre, and not least a genuinely nice young man with a lifetime ahead of him. You had a bad day in this video, with emotion and the unexpected loss of your special trees. Onwards and upwards Mads - keep capturing beauty and nature!
So respectful to speak of Alyn's passing. He will most definitely be sorely missed by everyone in the astro community and his friends & loved ones. A great loss to us all, but we were all blessed to have been touched by his love for the stars & photography. Those trees are incredible with their gnarly root system/trunks. Beautiful woodland images Mads.
Alyn will be missed by so many and feel the pain. He was an inspiration to many many people and to share all his knowledge online and in he's book just show what a legend he will be forever know. Clear skies my shine bright in the night sky. ❤
I have never met Alyn but like so many astrophotographers I felt I knew him through his videos. His passing had such an effect on me. I have been struggling to reignite the passion. I too felt guilty. Your fitting tribute Mads has helped me get over a bit of a hurdle and I cant thank you enough for that. So I am sending you a virtual hug from Australia and hopefully his legacy lives on as it should. A beautiful video. Take care my friend.
So sad to learn about the passing away of Alyn, such a loss for any who knew and worked with him. He lived his dream and left all with the beautiful legacy of his photography. It is indeed a sobering reminder of how precious life is and in a short time how much your joy shines through your work and passes on to all who appreciate it. You create beautiful images, Mads and you too are passing on your joy to all who appreciate it. Thank you for being the photographer you are.
It always makes you appreciate life more when people close to you pass away. The trick is to appreciate it even when they are still alive. And it is never wrong to find something that will cheer you up when you are sad. Glad you shared your feelings.
We're lucky that we will always have Alyn's beautiful work to look at as a memory and a tribute to his talent and humanity. You gave such a worthy tribute here Mads. Heartfelt with your own beautiful photos as a fitting tribute.
I just found you through the comment you left on Simon's latest video. I love how you explain what you're thinking and how you want the composition to be on your photo. It's generous of you to share your knowledge!
Appreciating that friendship is a compliment to his affect on you as the person he was and you are. I have a departed fiend, from our 52 year friendship. Who still, among the many, haunts my eyes whenever I go to the woods...
Like yourself I was totally shocked at the passing of Alyn, a few tears were shed like yourself, he has been an inspiration along with all of the RUclips photographers I watch. As to honour his name I will be going out to photograph the night sky with the knowledge he has passed on to me, he'll be sorely missed.😢
Mads, I too was devastated when I heard of Alyn's passing. While was unlucky enough to not have met him, he was a mentor for my Astrophotography and the inspiring force behind me taking the leap into RUclips. Thank you for voicing your grief with us.
Beautiful reminiscences of Alyn Wallace.........life is too short 😢 Your images today are amazing as usual and you will always look back at these and think of Alyn. A wonderful yet poignant video ❤
A nice tribute to Alyn in your video Mads. You are so lucky to have such a great woodland like that and with the deer there too. It was funny to watch them one by one lifting there heads and looking at you and not even bothered about your presence. Absolutely stunning image's. I absolutely love your work and the way you always explain how you are taking the shot. Look forward to the next one.
Mads it was great that you mentioned Alyn.....he had mentioned in the past his battle with cancer...but never really ever said more as It seems it would not let that define him....His work stands the test of time and his astro book is the bible of astro photography...RIP
Alyn is such a loss. I began landscape photography combined with camping, inspired by Thomas Heaton; then applied those compositional and practical skills to the night skies as I found myself in awe of what I could see when camping in remote places. Alyn’s videos were such an inspiration and help in getting me into it. It is such a niche field, and we spend so much time “with” our photographic hero’s and mentors (you are one of them), that it feels like a personal loss. Thank you for sharing how you feel.
Very nice of you to honor Alyn in your video. He was certainly an inspiration to me and so many others. I absolutely LOVE his work, and I always looked forward to his videos, especially his #WITNS ones. I always wanted to submit one of my photos in hopes he would finally pick one & feature it in his video. I will certainly miss that challenge that inspired so many excellent photos on a monthly basis. His loss will forever be felt in the community! May he rest in peace amongst the stars.
I love how the deer are not bothered by your presence. Large herd, looking at you as you stroll by. I can just hear them, “Oh no another photographer out for a morning stroll”.
Mads, thank you for sharing the sad news with us. It is always hard when a part of our lives has been suddenly ripped away. Even more so when it is such a young, talented man in the prime of his life. So much potential for a great future is cut short. I am sorry for the grief you are bearing, but also grateful that you felt you could share your feelings with the community of followers you have gathered around you. Blessings to you! And thank you for continuing to carry on your own work. The photos in this video are hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you so much for your tribute to Alyn. I have followed him for years. I bought his Lightroom presets (brilliant) and his 2024 calendar. Can’t believe that we only reached March and he is At Rest. I loved his Welsh accent and his love for all things Astro. I am devastated. Love the gnarly tree shots Mads. Such a shame for the burnt trees. Seems symbolic of what has happened this week. The trees are crying too. God bless. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Like you Mads, Alyn stood out from the rest of the crowd on RUclips, Such a shame Alyn has passed on at such an early time in his life, Great inspiration from both of you to All of us 🙏🙏🙏
Devastating news. I'm new to photography, but I learned everything I know about photographing the night sky from Alyn's youtube. I watched his videos in Madeira countless times and visited the same spot he did when I travelled there over Christmas. I have equipment based on what he used. I will, quite literally, carry that with me, and his memory, in all my future photography adventures.
Was also inspired by Alyns work as well as your videos. Seen the update about the Infection bit hopefully others get some joy from discovering the joy of photography due to his videos.
Just like Alyn was a source of inspiration for many, you're a huge source of inspiration for me and I appreciate these videos and the work you share. I hope you also remember that you and your work are important to many out here. edit: Maybe it was lightning that did cause that tree to burn because I know there's been many cases where it causes trees to burn from inside out.
I will miss Alyn's videos; he was the best. I want to comment on the trees. I had a career in wildland firefighting. We also did prescribed fire so I think there was either a wild fire or a prescribed burn there and the fire got into the hollow trees. They have to be cut down or else they will shoot out embers, spreading the fire. Had they not been felled, the area would have suffered much more.
I know I'm like many, we'll miss Alyn's inspiration and enthusiasm. Photographing the solar eclipse Monday I kept thinking about Alyn and how he'd approach the scene plus his excitement at first contact and beyond. RIP Alyn! Mads, fabulous photos! BTW, do you feed the deer because they're in so many of your images?
We're all saddened by the news of Alyn's passing. I only knew him through his photography, but he seemed like a good person. When I began doing photography, everyone used shoulder bags unless you were going backpacking in which case you would put your gear in a backpack. So, I've spent a lifetime using shoulder bags. In fact it just feels natural to use a shoulder bag. Perhaps if I had grown up using a backpack as children do these days, I would feel differently. But, use whatever works for you.
Mads, it's never easy. I've recently lost a very good friend as well. It's so difficult to wrap your mind around. I always try, though, to use my experiences and memories with someone, as inspiration to carry on. My friend went with my wife and I on many adventures. Hearing their input in my mind, helped so much. Granted, it took a while to not be sad about them not being here anymore. But, I've been able to now look back on those times with deep appreciation and joy. My thoughts are with you sir. As always, stunning images. Thank you so much for sharing!
Cheers Mads, it’s Sean in Atlanta. I’m sending my condolences and best wishes to you and all who knew your friend who suddenly passed away. Death is never easy to fathom, especially when it is so unexpected. Be strong and safe in the knowledge that he has continued to another time and space and I have always firmly believed that. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual and I can feel your pain being somewhat empathetic. Sending all good thoughts, prayers and wishes to you and your friend’s family. Sean
Heartfelt tribute for Alyn. Like most of us, we never had the pleasure of meeting him, yet somehow his death has deeply affected me. Like you, his passion for his art was unmistakable. Life hangs by a very tenuous thread. Be present, enjoy every day and make the most of life.
Mads you are a great person and it's very nice that you mentioned Alyn. Emotions run strong and it's times like this reminds us that our time here is brief and we must do our best to enjoy every day we have. Great moment shared with us.
Alyn was amazing, such a kind soul sharing his knowledge with all of us. I'll think of him the next time I do astro, I'll miss his insights into the night sky...definitely a great loss. How...did you walk past all of those deer and not say one word about them!?!? There were soooo many~? That forest in the mist is fantastic...burnt/cut trees are kind of suspicious.
Great Words, Great Work! Yes, life on earth as we know it is so fleeting. Like most civilizations have done, we need to prepare for the afterlife. I Pray and Hope that many will find the right path!
Well said Mads, I too also think of Alyn when I step outside to see the night sky. He was brilliant young man who inspired others to love astrophotography. Thanks again Mads,for sharing Denmarks beautiful landscape’s
The fog contributed nicely to these shots allowing sharp details throughout with a finite background. Beautiful job of framing and composing your shots.
Don’t feel the least bit guilty over enjoying the “now”, when someone has moved on to the “forever”. Alyn was a special soul. He will be missed. But, here. Now. We must cherish the memories and look forward to then.
You’re a good man Mads showing how much Alyn meant to you. We are all going to miss Alyn, his talent, his skill and the images he made for us all to enjoy… Take care and join the rest of us in looking up at the nigh sky remembering that great talent Alyn Wallace…🥲
Back when all I had was my phone on a free-standing monopod I took a photo of myself sitting on a rock beneath a sprawling tree overlooking the valley below. That's where my photography journey began. A few years later there was a bushfire that closed the park for quite some time while they rebuilt the paths cleared the debris. When it eventually reopened I was excited to return but found all that remained was a small piece of its charred stump. I think that loss upset me more than if my house had have burnt down.
Keep wearing your heart on your sleeve, that is what makes you a special person and a great person to follow. Alyn was also one of my fave people on RUclips. RIP Alyn🌌
Damn, until you mentioned it I was not aware that Alyn past away. He was my favorite astro photographer and seemed like a very nice and humble guy. That is so sad.
Most certainly lightning. Multiple branches at the top of the tree absorb the energy & direct it to the ground through the trunk. The energy converges int he trunk & is enough to start a good enough ember to sustain burning from the inside out. If u look through the tree you will notice a lot of the convergence points where branches funnelled the energy are usually burnt too
Lovely words about Alan, he touched so many lives Mads and gifted us his brilliance through his work and will be missed for years to come. My latest blog touches upon how we leave a trace after we’re gone. Bit sad to see the fire damage to the trees and the loss of a beautiful part of the forest. It does make you wonder is there was a specific reason for this to happen
Thank you for the tribute to Alyn, Mads...he left us much too young. About the burned / cut trees - I've seen that happen in the western U.S. where a fire will burn in a 'chimney effect' from the inside of the tree and it will continue to burn up to its crown unless its put out from the inside. Yes, its unfortunate to have to cut it down but I suspect that in the minds of the firemen it may have been the only way to control it and prevent the fire from spreading to others in that forest. Thats my theory but best to visit with the local authorities for the whole story.
So sorry to hear the sad news about your friend! Understand the guilty feeling, but life is for living! You did great doing this video although you are sad, thank you for that. Also sad to see the trees that were burnt, hope it isn't one of those maniacs destroying trees. There is an appointed time for everything, A time for every activity under the heavens: A time for birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what was planted; A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up; A time to weep and a time to laugh;
Mads a back pack with hip/waist support will releave back issue. Though I assume someone makes one. Lol😂 with the exception of one lens I can haul numerous as an Olympus shooter.
Alyn Wallace was the sole reason I am who I am today. The man who motivated me to purchase my first camera.. Here I am over a year later, happier than I have ever been before chasing a dream I never thought was even a consideration. I will be forever grateful for Alyn. I really hope Alyn's family and friends know just how much of an impact he's had on peoples lives.
I never met Alyn but felt I knew him through his videos. I would have listened to it totally doing a piece to camera like that. 😢. Well done and nice words. Sorry to say I would hazard a guess that the tree fires may be vandalism/Arson. I have seen it here quite often. The felled tree may have been too unsafe to leave standing. Great images as always.
Sad indeed very sad when the deceased is a fair bit younger than me. I can only guess how his family is feeling I found out through an other photographer yesterday but fair play for your tribute 📷 👍
It is sad new about Alyn Wallace. He will be remembered for being an outstanding astro photographer, as well as a respected and admired photographer. The burnt trees there in Denmark remind me of the burnt out interiors of the northern California redwoods one occasionally see, where the charred interiors are the result of lightning strikes...very similar looking.
Sorry to hear about your friend passing away, I to have had a best friend die with any warning. I used to be an artist, then I had a major stroke at 45 due to an AVM in my brain, I'm mostly paralyzed on my right side and have aphasia pretty bad. Now I can't draw any more, but I can still get out there and photograph, to tell you the truth it feels like cheating every time I push the shutter button compared to drawing. Are lives could change at any moment.
Nothing but respect for your intro with the sad news about Alyn. I watched his videos on an irregular basis and they were the reason for me trying out a little bit of astrophotography.
It's lightning, Mads. When trees are hit by lightning, they sometimes begin burning on the inside. In fact, that happened to one of our local old oaks. Too bad, of course, but that's nature for u 😢.
So sad to hear of his passing, far too soon. It's truly scary how quickly a medical condition can "kidnap" the body's organs so completely that in just a few weeks or days it can be the difference between life and death. May he rest in peace and perhaps he is on an excursion among the stars of the vast universe he so often looked out into, admired and photographed. 🕯
Beautiful tribute to Alyn Wallace. He is now legendary and his work will live on. He has inspired thousands to take in and photograph the beauty that is the night sky
It's a real shame about Alyn. My condolences to his friends and family. I walked all over Rome last year with a shoulder bag, one camera body, and two lenses. Not a problem. I might do that continually in the future. Those trees were definitely struck by lightning. Sometimes it strikes the tree in the middle. People don't realize that lightning actually travels from the ground up. They were largely hollow inside, meaning they were half-dead already. It's a shame, but that's life.
I am now using my big backpack as a hold-all that I stuff everything I imagine that I might need into and keep it in the car, but only carry what I actually use in my shoulder bag. I'e like you , a body and a lense, + batteries and filters.
I bought four hardcover signed copies of Alyn's Phitographing The Night Sjy books, I kept two copies gave two away as presents. He only signed 1000 copies. He such a loud as an inspirational astrophotography and genuinely good human being. As for the burned out trees I wonder if teenagers lit then on fire then but they didn't burn down, then forest management officials sawed them down? Lighting is unlikely because two lightning strikes that close together have a low probability.
Alyn's passing is a reminder to us that our time in this life is limited and that it could end very abruptly, even at young age. Knowing that, I find comfort in my christian faith. I hope he did too. My thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace, Alyn. Now regarding sling bag vs backpack. Personally I like the "freedom feeling" of a sling bag. It's also more discrete and better looking in my opinion. But I don't like the unbalanced way of carrying it and how it's hanging loosely on the side, bouncing around when you're out and about. I still prefer a backpack and having the camera in a simple pouch between the shoulder straps. Goofy looking? Maybe. I also have a compact backpack with a zipper on the side for easy access to the main compartment - free yourself from one shoulder strap, swing the bag to the front of you and you can get your camera out in a heartbeat. Pros and cons and whatever floats your boat. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
I feel exactly the same way Mads, it's an absolute tragedy, that someone so young and so talented can just pass away. It isn't the place to get political and I've heard the explanation for Alyn's passing, but post covid, we seem to live in a world where so many young people just die suddenly and we're supposed to just accept it. Alyn will be sadly missed!
Hi Joe, yes indeed a tragedy. His parents have made an update on his Instagram regarding the cause of his death. Probably worth checking out. May he rest in peace.
That tree at location 2, that would look like a magic(al) fantasy tree at night with a small light inside to make it glow, like a heart in the tree, or like you see in some fantasy items in the staffs of magical creatures or wizards etc. Don't you think? :-) About the shoulder bags, yes I did comment on that, with my experience... As long as you keep the gear light it should not cause issues indeed. It's still not my preference any longer, as I mentioned there I found for myself a better solution that also keeps my gear right at hand, but that is all personal preference. :-) Those burned trees... Lightning strike was my first thought but you're right that the tops do look fine. But it better be done for forest preservation than just vandalism!
Dear all,
Regarding Alyn and the cause of passing away, it's not something I felt was right going into when I recorded the video. Alyn's parents have since made a small update with clarifications on his Instagram, so I'll invite you to visit that if you want to know more and pay your respects.
May he rest in peace 🌌
Thank you for mentioning Alyn. His passing is such a monumental loss. At least we all know he’s now with the stars he so loved.
We had a tree in the backyard that was struck by lightning and it did damage from the inside. It only affected part of the tree. Since it got struck, the tree really didn't recover. We had to take down the tree. So, it wouldn't surprise me if it was lightning. You got awesome shots as always. Thanks for sharing!
Much respect to you Mads for your beautiful tribute to Alyn Wallace. Alyn touched many through his passion for the night sky
❤ Thank you for your remembrance of Alyn. I think many of us will be devastated for a long time. Like you, I think of Alyn every night I look up at the stars. Please don’t feel guilty. The passion you show is the same that drew a lot of us to Alyn. RIP, Alyn Wallace.
Mads, this is such a genuine and hearthwarming tribute to the wonderful astrophotographer Alyn, who passed away much too young. Thank you
Oh, Mads, I'm so sorry for your loss of your friend, Alyn! Your heartfelt comments brought tears to my eyes. You looked like you could use a hug, so I'm sending you a long-distance hug from here in IL, USA. Precious is life, and those we share it with. God bless.
We all miss Alyn. Because of him, I fell in love with astrophotography. I had been struggling for many years to find the right genre of photography for myself. His passing is a great loss in astro community. 😭
Hi Mads, A genuine heartfelt thanks to you for your tribute to Alyn.
Your words reach farther than any of ours can, but you echo the collective shock and feeling of loss. The loss of a hugely valued member and influencer to his profession, community and genre, and not least a genuinely nice young man with a lifetime ahead of him.
You had a bad day in this video, with emotion and the unexpected loss of your special trees. Onwards and upwards Mads - keep capturing beauty and nature!
So respectful to speak of Alyn's passing. He will most definitely be sorely missed by everyone in the astro community and his friends & loved ones. A great loss to us all, but we were all blessed to have been touched by his love for the stars & photography. Those trees are incredible with their gnarly root system/trunks. Beautiful woodland images Mads.
Alyn will be missed by so many and feel the pain. He was an inspiration to many many people and to share all his knowledge online and in he's book just show what a legend he will be forever know. Clear skies my shine bright in the night sky. ❤
I have never met Alyn but like so many astrophotographers I felt I knew him through his videos. His passing had such an effect on me. I have been struggling to reignite the passion. I too felt guilty. Your fitting tribute Mads has helped me get over a bit of a hurdle and I cant thank you enough for that. So I am sending you a virtual hug from Australia and hopefully his legacy lives on as it should. A beautiful video. Take care my friend.
So sad to learn about the passing away of Alyn, such a loss for any who knew and worked with him. He lived his dream and left all with the beautiful legacy of his photography. It is indeed a sobering reminder of how precious life is and in a short time how much your joy shines through your work and passes on to all who appreciate it. You create beautiful images, Mads and you too are passing on your joy to all who appreciate it. Thank you for being the photographer you are.
It always makes you appreciate life more when people close to you pass away. The trick is to appreciate it even when they are still alive. And it is never wrong to find something that will cheer you up when you are sad. Glad you shared your feelings.
We're lucky that we will always have Alyn's beautiful work to look at as a memory and a tribute to his talent and humanity. You gave such a worthy tribute here Mads. Heartfelt with your own beautiful photos as a fitting tribute.
I just found you through the comment you left on Simon's latest video. I love how you explain what you're thinking and how you want the composition to be on your photo. It's generous of you to share your knowledge!
Thank you so very much! 🙏
Appreciating that friendship is a compliment to his affect on you as the person he was and you are. I have a departed fiend, from our 52 year friendship. Who still, among the many, haunts my eyes whenever I go to the woods...
Beautifully touching comments on the sad loss of Alyn. You had me crying with you. Bless you and RIP Alyn whose astrophotography was awesome. xxx
Like yourself I was totally shocked at the passing of Alyn, a few tears were shed like yourself, he has been an inspiration along with all of the RUclips photographers I watch. As to honour his name I will be going out to photograph the night sky with the knowledge he has passed on to me, he'll be sorely missed.😢
Mads, I too was devastated when I heard of Alyn's passing. While was unlucky enough to not have met him, he was a mentor for my Astrophotography and the inspiring force behind me taking the leap into RUclips. Thank you for voicing your grief with us.
Beautiful reminiscences of Alyn Wallace.........life is too short 😢 Your images today are amazing as usual and you will always look back at these and think of Alyn. A wonderful yet poignant video ❤
A nice tribute to Alyn in your video Mads.
You are so lucky to have such a great woodland like that and with the deer there too.
It was funny to watch them one by one lifting there heads and looking at you and not even bothered about your presence.
Absolutely stunning image's.
I absolutely love your work and the way you always explain how you are taking the shot.
Look forward to the next one.
Mads it was great that you mentioned Alyn.....he had mentioned in the past his battle with cancer...but never really ever said more as It seems it would not let that define him....His work stands the test of time and his astro book is the bible of astro photography...RIP
Alyn is such a loss. I began landscape photography combined with camping, inspired by Thomas Heaton; then applied those compositional and practical skills to the night skies as I found myself in awe of what I could see when camping in remote places. Alyn’s videos were such an inspiration and help in getting me into it. It is such a niche field, and we spend so much time “with” our photographic hero’s and mentors (you are one of them), that it feels like a personal loss. Thank you for sharing how you feel.
Very nice of you to honor Alyn in your video. He was certainly an inspiration to me and so many others. I absolutely LOVE his work, and I always looked forward to his videos, especially his #WITNS ones. I always wanted to submit one of my photos in hopes he would finally pick one & feature it in his video. I will certainly miss that challenge that inspired so many excellent photos on a monthly basis. His loss will forever be felt in the community! May he rest in peace amongst the stars.
I love how the deer are not bothered by your presence. Large herd, looking at you as you stroll by. I can just hear them, “Oh no another photographer out for a morning stroll”.
Mads, thank you for sharing the sad news with us. It is always hard when a part of our lives has been suddenly ripped away. Even more so when it is such a young, talented man in the prime of his life. So much potential for a great future is cut short. I am sorry for the grief you are bearing, but also grateful that you felt you could share your feelings with the community of followers you have gathered around you. Blessings to you! And thank you for continuing to carry on your own work. The photos in this video are hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you so much for your tribute to Alyn. I have followed him for years. I bought his Lightroom presets (brilliant) and his 2024 calendar. Can’t believe that we only reached March and he is At Rest. I loved his Welsh accent and his love for all things Astro. I am devastated. Love the gnarly tree shots Mads. Such a shame for the burnt trees. Seems symbolic of what has happened this week. The trees are crying too. God bless. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Like you Mads, Alyn stood out from the rest of the crowd on RUclips,
Such a shame Alyn has passed on at such an early time in his life,
Great inspiration from both of you to All of us
🙏🙏🙏
6:22 I love the reeds and water in this scene. I’m so glad you included it as a foreground.
Devastating news. I'm new to photography, but I learned everything I know about photographing the night sky from Alyn's youtube. I watched his videos in Madeira countless times and visited the same spot he did when I travelled there over Christmas. I have equipment based on what he used. I will, quite literally, carry that with me, and his memory, in all my future photography adventures.
Was also inspired by Alyns work as well as your videos. Seen the update about the Infection bit hopefully others get some joy from discovering the joy of photography due to his videos.
Mads. You and Alyn are two big influencers of my photography journey. I will certainly miss his guidance.
Just like Alyn was a source of inspiration for many, you're a huge source of inspiration for me and I appreciate these videos and the work you share. I hope you also remember that you and your work are important to many out here.
edit: Maybe it was lightning that did cause that tree to burn because I know there's been many cases where it causes trees to burn from inside out.
I will miss Alyn's videos; he was the best. I want to comment on the trees. I had a career in wildland firefighting. We also did prescribed fire so I think there was either a wild fire or a prescribed burn there and the fire got into the hollow trees. They have to be cut down or else they will shoot out embers, spreading the fire. Had they not been felled, the area would have suffered much more.
Thank you for the nice tribute to Alyn. Every month I wait for his WITNS video with a pad and pen ready to take notes. He will be missed.
I know I'm like many, we'll miss Alyn's inspiration and enthusiasm. Photographing the solar eclipse Monday I kept thinking about Alyn and how he'd approach the scene plus his excitement at first contact and beyond. RIP Alyn! Mads, fabulous photos! BTW, do you feed the deer because they're in so many of your images?
We're all saddened by the news of Alyn's passing. I only knew him through his photography, but he seemed like a good person. When I began doing photography, everyone used shoulder bags unless you were going backpacking in which case you would put your gear in a backpack. So, I've spent a lifetime using shoulder bags. In fact it just feels natural to use a shoulder bag. Perhaps if I had grown up using a backpack as children do these days, I would feel differently. But, use whatever works for you.
Mads, it's never easy. I've recently lost a very good friend as well. It's so difficult to wrap your mind around. I always try, though, to use my experiences and memories with someone, as inspiration to carry on. My friend went with my wife and I on many adventures. Hearing their input in my mind, helped so much. Granted, it took a while to not be sad about them not being here anymore. But, I've been able to now look back on those times with deep appreciation and joy. My thoughts are with you sir. As always, stunning images. Thank you so much for sharing!
Cheers Mads, it’s Sean in Atlanta. I’m sending my condolences and best wishes to you and all who knew your friend who suddenly passed away. Death is never easy to fathom, especially when it is so unexpected. Be strong and safe in the knowledge that he has continued to another time and space and I have always firmly believed that. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual and I can feel your pain being somewhat empathetic.
Sending all good thoughts, prayers and wishes to you and your friend’s family.
Sean
Heartfelt tribute for Alyn. Like most of us, we never had the pleasure of meeting him, yet somehow his death has deeply affected me.
Like you, his passion for his art was unmistakable. Life hangs by a very tenuous thread. Be present, enjoy every day and make the most of life.
Mads you are a great person and it's very nice that you mentioned Alyn. Emotions run strong and it's times like this reminds us that our time here is brief and we must do our best to enjoy every day we have. Great moment shared with us.
Alyn was amazing, such a kind soul sharing his knowledge with all of us. I'll think of him the next time I do astro, I'll miss his insights into the night sky...definitely a great loss.
How...did you walk past all of those deer and not say one word about them!?!? There were soooo many~?
That forest in the mist is fantastic...burnt/cut trees are kind of suspicious.
Great Words, Great Work! Yes, life on earth as we know it is so fleeting. Like most civilizations have done, we need to prepare for the afterlife. I Pray and Hope that many will find the right path!
Lovely tribute to Alyn. Thank you for sharing with us
A side of you we never see… praying for Alyn’s family, and for you. As usual stunning photos peppered with a little education. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Well said Mads, I too also think of Alyn when I step outside to see the night sky. He was brilliant young man who inspired others to love astrophotography.
Thanks again Mads,for sharing Denmarks beautiful landscape’s
The fog contributed nicely to these shots allowing sharp details throughout with a finite background. Beautiful job of framing and composing your shots.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Condolences to his family.
Don’t feel the least bit guilty over enjoying the “now”, when someone has moved on to the “forever”. Alyn was a special soul. He will be missed. But, here. Now. We must cherish the memories and look forward to then.
You’re a good man Mads showing how much Alyn meant to you. We are all going to miss Alyn, his talent, his skill and the images he made for us all to enjoy… Take care and join the rest of us in looking up at the nigh sky remembering that great talent Alyn Wallace…🥲
Back when all I had was my phone on a free-standing monopod I took a photo of myself sitting on a rock beneath a sprawling tree overlooking the valley below. That's where my photography journey began. A few years later there was a bushfire that closed the park for quite some time while they rebuilt the paths cleared the debris. When it eventually reopened I was excited to return but found all that remained was a small piece of its charred stump. I think that loss upset me more than if my house had have burnt down.
Keep wearing your heart on your sleeve, that is what makes you a special person and a great person to follow. Alyn was also one of my fave people on RUclips. RIP Alyn🌌
Damn, until you mentioned it I was not aware that Alyn past away. He was my favorite astro photographer and seemed like a very nice and humble guy. That is so sad.
Most certainly lightning. Multiple branches at the top of the tree absorb the energy & direct it to the ground through the trunk. The energy converges int he trunk & is enough to start a good enough ember to sustain burning from the inside out. If u look through the tree you will notice a lot of the convergence points where branches funnelled the energy are usually burnt too
It’s great how you make a photo out of something (the dead trees) a lot of us would just walk by.
Lovely words about Alan, he touched so many lives Mads and gifted us his brilliance through his work and will be missed for years to come. My latest blog touches upon how we leave a trace after we’re gone. Bit sad to see the fire damage to the trees and the loss of a beautiful part of the forest. It does make you wonder is there was a specific reason for this to happen
Thank you for the tribute to Alyn, Mads...he left us much too young. About the burned / cut trees - I've seen that happen in the western U.S. where a fire will burn in a 'chimney effect' from the inside of the tree and it will continue to burn up to its crown unless its put out from the inside. Yes, its unfortunate to have to cut it down but I suspect that in the minds of the firemen it may have been the only way to control it and prevent the fire from spreading to others in that forest. Thats my theory but best to visit with the local authorities for the whole story.
So sorry to hear the sad news about your friend! Understand the guilty feeling, but life is for living! You did great doing this video although you are sad, thank you for that. Also sad to see the trees that were burnt, hope it isn't one of those maniacs destroying trees.
There is an appointed time for everything,
A time for every activity under the heavens:
A time for birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what was planted;
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up;
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
Mads a back pack with hip/waist support will releave back issue. Though I assume someone makes one. Lol😂 with the exception of one lens I can haul numerous as an Olympus shooter.
Re the trees in the ruined location. You are correct Mads, this was not caused by lightning, rather by DEW's Somebody wanted to cause a Forrest fire.
Alyn Wallace was the sole reason I am who I am today. The man who motivated me to purchase my first camera.. Here I am over a year later, happier than I have ever been before chasing a dream I never thought was even a consideration.
I will be forever grateful for Alyn. I really hope Alyn's family and friends know just how much of an impact he's had on peoples lives.
The deer were wondering why you weren't taking their picture. They were surely posing. RIP Alyn. We carry on. 🙏🏾 👍🥂
I was expecting some words from you mads about alyn😢 got a little bit of relief now. He will be remembered.
A few of us were out shooting Astro last night and were all taking about how sad it all is that he has gone. Sorry for the loss of your friend Mads.
I never met Alyn but felt I knew him through his videos. I would have listened to it totally doing a piece to camera like that. 😢. Well done and nice words.
Sorry to say I would hazard a guess that the tree fires may be vandalism/Arson. I have seen it here quite often. The felled tree may have been too unsafe to leave standing.
Great images as always.
It's very sad to hear about Alyn, he was a master of the sky for sure.
This location sure has some wonderful atmosphere going mate
Sad indeed very sad when the deceased is a fair bit younger than me. I can only guess how his family is feeling
I found out through an other photographer yesterday but fair play for your tribute 📷 👍
I had not heard the news about Alyn, so thanks.
It is sad new about Alyn Wallace. He will be remembered for being an outstanding astro photographer, as well as a respected and admired photographer. The burnt trees there in Denmark remind me of the burnt out interiors of the northern California redwoods one occasionally see, where the charred interiors are the result of lightning strikes...very similar looking.
He almost came on October for the eclipse in Brazil with me. Every night on the field I can't avoid becoming emotional😢
Sorry to hear about your friend passing away, I to have had a best friend die with any warning. I used to be an artist, then I had a major stroke at 45 due to an AVM in my brain, I'm mostly paralyzed on my right side and have aphasia pretty bad. Now I can't draw any more, but I can still get out there and photograph, to tell you the truth it feels like cheating every time I push the shutter button compared to drawing. Are lives could change at any moment.
Very nice and heartfelt tribute, Mads.
I noticed that you were taking shots with the zebras present. What do you have your zebras set at? Thanks. So sorry about Allyn. 😢
It seems appropriate for you to share the sense of shock with loss of a fellow photographer. To enjoy the space of photography can be quite honouring.
The photographic community has lost a star, would like to think he’s up amongst them. RIP Alyn 🌌
Nothing but respect for your intro with the sad news about Alyn. I watched his videos on an irregular basis and they were the reason for me trying out a little bit of astrophotography.
It's lightning, Mads. When trees are hit by lightning, they sometimes begin burning on the inside. In fact, that happened to one of our local old oaks. Too bad, of course, but that's nature for u 😢.
So dismayed by the news about Alyn. Thank you for letting us know.
So sad to hear of his passing, far too soon. It's truly scary how quickly a medical condition can "kidnap" the body's organs so completely that in just a few weeks or days it can be the difference between life and death. May he rest in peace and perhaps he is on an excursion among the stars of the vast universe he so often looked out into, admired and photographed. 🕯
Always take care of your friends, dont postpone a message, a cake, a drink. Life is very fragile and very short.
Beautiful tribute to Alyn Wallace. He is now legendary and his work will live on. He has inspired thousands to take in and photograph the beauty that is the night sky
Question, generally speaking, what zebra number do you recommend for landscape photography? (70, 75, 80, 85, 100, 100+ etc)
It's a real shame about Alyn. My condolences to his friends and family.
I walked all over Rome last year with a shoulder bag, one camera body, and two lenses. Not a problem. I might do that continually in the future.
Those trees were definitely struck by lightning. Sometimes it strikes the tree in the middle. People don't realize that lightning actually travels from the ground up. They were largely hollow inside, meaning they were half-dead already. It's a shame, but that's life.
I am now using my big backpack as a hold-all that I stuff everything I imagine that I might need into and keep it in the car, but only carry what I actually use in my shoulder bag. I'e like you , a body and a lense, + batteries and filters.
😱what a sad news. Bless his soul.
I bought four hardcover signed copies of Alyn's Phitographing The Night Sjy books, I kept two copies gave two away as presents. He only signed 1000 copies. He such a loud as an inspirational astrophotography and genuinely good human being. As for the burned out trees I wonder if teenagers lit then on fire then but they didn't burn down, then forest management officials sawed them down? Lighting is unlikely because two lightning strikes that close together have a low probability.
You're lucky to find these mysterious views, your trees look like Ents from the Lord of Rings, all knobbly and knarled. Fun
Alyn was 'The Real Expert' - His expertise will live on, as he was so willing to pass it on during life. RiP Alyn
Condolences my friend😢
As long as you mention his name, he will never truly be gone
Alyn's passing is a reminder to us that our time in this life is limited and that it could end very abruptly, even at young age. Knowing that, I find comfort in my christian faith. I hope he did too. My thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace, Alyn.
Now regarding sling bag vs backpack. Personally I like the "freedom feeling" of a sling bag. It's also more discrete and better looking in my opinion. But I don't like the unbalanced way of carrying it and how it's hanging loosely on the side, bouncing around when you're out and about. I still prefer a backpack and having the camera in a simple pouch between the shoulder straps. Goofy looking? Maybe. I also have a compact backpack with a zipper on the side for easy access to the main compartment - free yourself from one shoulder strap, swing the bag to the front of you and you can get your camera out in a heartbeat. Pros and cons and whatever floats your boat. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
I feel exactly the same way Mads, it's an absolute tragedy, that someone so young and so talented can just pass away. It isn't the place to get political and I've heard the explanation for Alyn's passing, but post covid, we seem to live in a world where so many young people just die suddenly and we're supposed to just accept it. Alyn will be sadly missed!
Hi Joe, yes indeed a tragedy.
His parents have made an update on his Instagram regarding the cause of his death. Probably worth checking out.
May he rest in peace.
Please keep your conspiracy theory bullshit to yourself.
Oh hell I just decided to watch this and only now have found out about Alyn. Damn damn damn
sorry for the lost of your good friend
Rest in peace, Alyn
34 is way to young to go..I will miss his monthly vids! RIP.
That tree at location 2, that would look like a magic(al) fantasy tree at night with a small light inside to make it glow, like a heart in the tree, or like you see in some fantasy items in the staffs of magical creatures or wizards etc.
Don't you think? :-)
About the shoulder bags, yes I did comment on that, with my experience... As long as you keep the gear light it should not cause issues indeed. It's still not my preference any longer, as I mentioned there I found for myself a better solution that also keeps my gear right at hand, but that is all personal preference. :-)
Those burned trees... Lightning strike was my first thought but you're right that the tops do look fine.
But it better be done for forest preservation than just vandalism!
Love the image at 7:48
What lens have you used in this video?Tamron 28-200?