Rocket launch photography is challenging and requires planning, expertise, and patience. It's a test of skill and creativity to capture the power and beauty of a launch. A launch opportunity only happens once every month or two in New Zealand and you only have one chance to capture an image. I started taking rocket launch photos from the beach near Napier and eventually Mahia. After photographing several launches from afar and investing in the necessary equipment I had my first opportunity to photograph a rocket up close with Rocket Lab's CAPSTONE mission. This was a special launch as a microwave sized satellite was going to be launched to the moon from New Zealand soil. I recall seeing the rocket light up the night sky from my position a few kilometers away in the freezing cold winter night. I was filled with a feeling of awe as the 18 meter tall rocket tore its way into space and onward to the moon. Since then I have returned to photograph another two launches, one for Blacksky Inc and one for Capella space. The latter I had the privilege of being a photographer contractor for Rocket Lab.