Michael Simmons Photography

12/05/2026

Pretty cool ideas coming from RRS.

08/05/2026

You don’t expect to find this out here.

In a landscape known for sandstone, silence, and endless shades of red… a lush green tulip bush stands its ground in the middle of Wadi Rum. Alive, stubborn, and completely out of place, in the best way possible.

By day, it almost blends into the scene. But at night, under the hoodoos and the rising Milky Way, it takes on a different presence. The green catches what little light there is and seems to glow against the desert floor, framed by formations that have been shaped over millions of years.

It’s a reminder that even in the harshest environments, life finds a way to hold on, and sometimes, it becomes the most compelling part of the story.

Sony - Alpha Universe A7cii - Astro Modified by Spencer’s Camera - 12-24 f/2.8 GM
14 GM - f/10 - ISO 2000 - 1/15 sec (5 image focus bracket)
Sky: Tracked with Move Shoot Move Nomad
Really Right Stuff Ascend 14 Carbon Fiber Tripod w/ integrated Ball head

wadi Visit Jordan

05/05/2026

Big news on my end and one I’m genuinely excited to share.

I’m proud to officially announce my partnership as a champion/ambassador with Really Right Stuff.

This one means a lot to me because it’s not new gear hype… it’s something I’ve trusted for nearly a decade. My original RRS tripod is still going strong today, after being dragged across deserts, mountains, coastlines, and just about every adventure I’ve been lucky enough to chase. It’s taken a beating and never once let me down.

Yeah… it was definitely a buy once, cry once purchase. But looking back, it’s easily been one of the best investments I’ve made in my photography.

What stands out the most is that it’s American made, built with intention, and designed to handle whatever you throw at it—whether that’s photography, video work, hunting, sport shooting, or even just needing something rock solid to hold your phone steady.

If you’re in the market for a tripod and want something that will truly last, I can’t recommend them enough.

👉 Click the link below and go straight to the source for your dream setup.

https://reallyrightstuff.com/?ref=qxxcvvtn

Grateful for the opportunity, and excited to keep putting this gear to work around the world.

The video below is one showing the Ascend 14 at work in Petra, Jordan with the center column inverted to get the shot.

30/04/2026

Want to see some dark skies and photograph some stars? Look at joining Black Lion Photography and I in Big Bend this June.

22/04/2026

“HOW #2”
Balance rock inside of Big Bend national Park is probably my most favorite place to visit, short hike with epic views. This past week I was able to explore with my good buddy and fellow Astro photographer and share this amazing spot with him and my clients during my astrophotography workshop. I finally had an opportunity to shoot the south side of this rock facing north and it really does appear to be a portal into another dimension and I still can’t wonder about HOW in the world that rock got there!!

Which side do you like best?

Sony - Alpha Universe A7cii - Astro Modified by Spencer’s Camera - 14mm f/1.4 GM
14mm - f/2.8- ISO 800 - 1.6sec (focus bracket)
Sky: 414 frames at 12mm - ISO 1250 - f2.8 - 20sec
Really Right Stuff Ascend 14L Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod w/ integrated Ball head

🇨🇱 Visit Big Bend VisitTexas Big Bend National Park Texas is Life Sony - Alpha Universe Spencer's Camera & Photo Really Right Stuff

21/04/2026

Hey everyone, I have a new blog out recapping the Capture the Cosmos Workshop that just ended. Love for you to check it out.

https://www.distantlightphotos.com/post/capture-the-cosmos-april-workshop-recap

What a week…It all kicked off before the workshop even began. My brother from another mother, Jason Perry (), made the long haul from Australia to join me out in West Texas. Anytime we get together, it’s guaranteed to be a good time, but this trip didn’t disappoint. We spent a few day...