A PHOTOGRAPHER from Somerset has travelled all the way to Texas to capture an elusive picture.
Josh Dury, an astro-photographer from the Mendip Hills area, took a trip to Dallas to snap the best shot of the total solar eclipse which was visible from North America on Monday, April 8.
So far in his career, Josh has made a name for himself from his photographs around Somerset and the South West, including the Northern Lights behind Glastonbury Tor.
He felt a trip to the US to capture the ultimate outer-space photo would be the perfect opportunity to expand his portfolio, but the journey there was far from simple.
Firstly, his flight from Bristol Airport got cancelled, and the entire expedition was thrown into disarray.
"Flight cancelled from Bristol - high emotions," Josh said.
Read more: Northern Lights visible from Glastonbury Tor last night
Luckily, he managed to get another flight from London Heathrow, and arrived in the states just in time.
However, he wasn't in the clear yet, as a cloudy sky again threatened to stop Josh from capturing the elusive shot of the eclipse.
Good fortune came his way eventually, as the clouds gradually dissipated just in time for the eclipse - Josh said seeing it was a 'huge privilege'.
"It was a highly emotional experience," he added.
"To think of the difficulties in coming to Dallas and to witness the event felt like it was meant to be.
"Even with a scattering of clouds, to capture details in the solar corona and the prominences made it a very special event to see - the lone star eclipse.
"Weather prospects were in favour from historic records, and also a longer period of totality - maximum of around four minutes 30 seconds along the eclipse path, three minutes 52 seconds from Dallas."
As well as taking photos of outer-space from Somerset, Josh frequently shoots some of the county’s most fascinating historical sites and features.
He was even named Historic Photographer of the Year for 2023, an achievement he was humbled by after almost giving up on his photography dream.
“I am delighted to be announced as an award-winning photographer,” he said.
“After my journey in the past year, nearly giving up a photography career and to winning and being recognised for major photography competitions, this year really has been an overwhelming experience.
“To have my work being recognised by major photographic bodies, it’s been featured on television radio and in print has been very emotional.
“I’m delighted to be back with a resurgence, and the stars haven’t shined brighter than ever!”
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