A photographer's dream come true! Michael Meighan's perseverance paid off, and he's absolutely thrilled with the results. It's a story of friendship, dedication, and a love for the iconic movie ET.
The Journey to the Moon
Michael and his friend Nathan Edwards embarked on a two-year quest to recreate a magical moment from the 1982 film. The scene, where Elliott's BMX, carrying ET in its basket, soars past the Moon, has inspired their creative endeavor.
But here's where it gets tricky. The alignment of the planets, the Moon's position, and the perfect weather conditions had to align just right. And this is the part most people miss - the patience and planning required for such a shot!
The Perfect Alignment
Last weekend, during the first full Moon of the year, the stars (or rather, the planets) aligned. Edwards, a plasterer by trade, pushed his bike uphill to a precise location on Eglwysilan Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Meanwhile, Meighan, positioned 1.4 miles away in Treforest, Pontypridd, captured the moment through his camera's viewfinder.
The pair kept in touch via phone, attracting curious onlookers. Meighan recalls, "They came out wondering what was happening when they saw a man with a huge camera lens next to their house."
A Creative Solution
Edwards had prepared a clever setup. He fastened a plastic wash bowl, complete with a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket, to his bike. This ingenious creation mimicked ET's presence, adding a touch of magic to the scene.
And the dedication! Edwards "huffed and puffed" as he got into position after a five-minute uphill bike push. Meighan watched through his camera, capturing the moment they had envisioned and planned for so long.
The Final Shot
"We were over the Moon to finally get this one," Meighan exclaimed. The weather had been a challenge, and the Moon's position had limited their opportunities. But their persistence paid off on that perfect Saturday night.
Meighan praised his friend's commitment, saying, "He's a fantastic person, a fantastic friend, and without him, this would not be possible. His enthusiasm and dedication to make this image a reality are truly remarkable."
So, what do you think? Is this a brilliant recreation of a movie scene, or does it take away from the original magic? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
