For Nhill’s Ryder Byrnes, a passing moment of boredom during Covid lockdowns opened the door to an entirely new world – one measured not in kilometres, but in light years.

Ryder, 46, lives in Nhill and has developed a strong passion for astrophotography, capturing everything from deep space objects to sweeping Milky Way scenes. His journey began with an old, inexpensive telescope that had been sitting unused in the shed after originally being bought for his children one Christmas.

Not knowing how to use its manual equatorial mount, Ryder had left it alone for years. But during lockdown, he decided to pull it out and teach himself how it worked. That evening, after observing the moon, he was hooked.

From that point on, Ryder knew two things – he needed a better telescope, and he wanted to photograph what he was seeing.

He began saving for equipment and teaching himself the skills needed to make it happen. Today, he still describes himself as a learner, but his knowledge and dedication have already taken him a long way. Ryder mainly focuses on deep space astrophotography and wide-field Milky Way work, while also experimenting with planetary and lunar photography.

Being based in regional Victoria, he found it difficult to connect with fellow enthusiasts or mentors, so he relied heavily on YouTube tutorials, Google searches and Facebook groups. Wanting to make the path easier for others, Ryder has since launched the Wimmera section of the Astronomical Society of Victoria and now serves as its section director, helping provide advice and mentorship to others with an interest in the night sky.

About two and a half years ago, people began asking to buy his photographs. That led Ryder to learn printing and framing so he could present the work himself. Now a member of Nhill Gallery, he prints and frames all of his pieces personally, even hand-cutting the mat boards.

Using equipment that ranges from advanced deep-space telescopes and computerised astro cameras through to a basic DSLR on a tripod, Ryder’s work is a striking reminder that wonder is never very far away – sometimes it is simply waiting overhead.

This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 25 March 2026.