This is the story of how I came to shoot the Milky Way with the 395 shack.  I realize I speak of it as if there is only one shack off the 395 (which there isn’t, there are tons of shacks) but the one I am talking about is the one that everyone likes to  take a picture of:

 

Apart from the unique little charm of the slotted rooftop, I never understood why THIS shack is unique from the dozens of other dilapidated shack off a Highway. Even after begin there and seeing it in person, I still do not understand the obsession. When I went there in August, the Milky Way did line up perfectly behind the shack, so I can give it  points there, but other than that, I don’t understand the appeal.

That being said, one must be prepared when coming here at night.

Tip 1:

Scout during the day!

For those who want to take a photo of this at night, I highly recommend scouting for it during the daylight. The location of it is fairly close to Mono Lake, less than a mile where the 158 meets the 395.

Believe me, trying to find a shack off a dark highway in the middle of nowhere, in the dead of the night, is a terrible use of time.  Do NOT do it.  It’s common sense right? But then again, if you are cruising up and down a dark highway in the middle of nowhere ,in the dead of the night, just for the sake of a photograph, you are probably a little insane to begin with.

I actually have the location pinned, so I can share it with anyone who wants to visit it in the future.

Tip 2:

Dress appropriately and proceed with caution

You’re going to have to go through a fence and lots of wild grass to get to the shack. Dress appropriately.   And yes, there is a hole in the fence and you don’t have to actually climb anything, but this could be technically trespassing, so also proceed with caution.

Tip 3:

Be patient. 

Remember the shack is off a highway, which means that there will be passing cars that will light up the foreground.  It is good in the sense that you do want your foreground (the shack) to be exposed, but the downfall is you do not want to overexpose.

In all, if you manage all three, you should be able to get the shot you want!