Professional photographer Paul Wilson has only been using a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) for three years but in that time he has certainly mastered the art.

Paul, from Christchurch, first bought his camera to take better holiday pictures, but admits he didn't even take if off automatic mode for the first six months.

He started seeing work by local photographers and became inspired to find out how to really work his camera.

"Since then I have come a long way," he says.

READ MORE...

* Aoraki Mackenzie Starlight Festival celebrates night sky

* Taranaki observatory's new telescope set to encourage astrophotography

"When I'm not shooting landscapes and astrophotography I'm doing weddings and portrait work.

"I'm happy when I have a camera in my hand."

It is his interest in astrophotography that got him planning the photo of Kaikoura's starry night sky.

A lot of forward planning goes into Paul's photography of the stars, from getting the right weather, choosing the right phase of the moon's cycle, dark skies, equipment but most importantly creativity.

"In my images we see the hidden galaxy we are a part of.

"The longer exposures make the Milky Way brighter and reveal colour, since our eyes basically see in black and white in darkness."

Paul calculates when and where the Milky Way will be through the use of an app.

Clear skies and of course minimal light pollution are also essential, making somewhere like Kaikoura an ideal spot.

Along with the incredible results comes a great opportunity to try and comprehend the magnitude of the world beyond us, he says.

"I love how the Milky Way puts everything into perspective.

"We are so tiny and our little problems seem to become insignificant."

His only concern is now protecting the dark skies before light pollution causes the stars to vanish from sight.

"I worry when my [2- year old] son is old enough there will be limited dark skies to see them."

Paul's images can be purchased at www.facebook.com/paulwilsonimages/