Photographer over the Moon with ET image recreation two years within the making

A photographer says he’s “over the Moon” after recreating an iconic scene from the film ET in a photograph that has been virtually two years within the making.

Michael Meighan and his good friend Nathan Edwards have tried repeatedly to recreate the scene from the 1982 hit movie, when Elliott’s BMX – with ET using within the basket – flies by the Moon.

The planets lastly aligned throughout final weekend’s first full Moon of the 12 months, when plasterer Edwards pushed his bike uphill and into place on Eglwysilan Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Meanwhile, Meighan watched by his viewfinder from 1.4 miles (2.3km) away on a residential road in Treforest, Pontypridd, whereas the pair saved in touch by telephone – attracting the eye of curious house owners.

“They came out wondering what was happening when they saw a man with a huge camera lens next to their house,” recalled Meighan, 39, from Cardiff.

The care assist employee confirmed them the scene by his digicam with Edwards “huffing and puffing” on the opposite finish of the telephone whereas moving into place following a five-minute uphill bike push.

Edwards, 33, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, had fixed into place a plastic wash bowl full with teddy bear wrapped in a blanket to make it appear to be ET was sitting on the entrance of his personal bike.

He then stood and waited for his good friend to get the shot which they first started planning in 2024.

Meighan mentioned he and Edwards had scouted different places and tried the film recreation scene earlier than by utilizing a telephone app to pinpoint their required positions given the anticipated location of the Moon.

But alternatives for fulfillment had been restricted with 12 full Moons in a typical 12 months – till they obtained the proper climate circumstances final Saturday evening.

“We were over the Moon to finally get this one,” mentioned Meighan.

“We’ve attempted to get this shot a few times.

“The climate has messed us about, [also] not with the ability to get the alignment as a consequence of the place the Moon is rising, nevertheless it lastly got here to.

“The actual planning is the hard part. Once it’s planned, it’s very simple to execute.”

They shared a “huge embrace” and celebrated in a close-by pub afterwards.

Meighan paid tribute to the dedication of his good friend, because the plan was first mentioned following one other full Moon photoshoot two years in the past.

“He’s a fantastic person, a fantastic friend and without him this would not be possible,” mentioned Meighan.

“The enthusiasm that he shows and the dedication to grab the bike, drive to a random location and to do that for sake of this image, it’s just brilliant.”