The Bracken Observatory
Every image in this collection was captured by
astrophotographer Paul Bracken from his backyard observatory in Pleasant Hill,
California.
These aren't digital creations. Each print represents dozens of hours of patient exposure, capturing photons that have traveled thousands of years to reach us, revealing colors and structures invisible to the naked eye.
Featured here: The Elephant's Trunk Nebula
High-Definition Luminescence
We offer these deep-space captures as high-definition Metal and Acrylic wall displays. Unlike traditional paper prints, these materials use dye-sublimation and face-mounting techniques to create a luminosity that makes the stars seem to glow from within.
Featured Work: The Wizard Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16"
True 16-Bit Color Depth
Standard computer screens can only display a fraction of the color spectrum captured by modern astronomy cameras. Our acrylic face-mounted prints preserve the full 16-bit tonal range, revealing subtle gradients in the nebulosity that are often lost in digital compression.
Featured Work: The Wizard Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16"
A Window to the Infinite
The Float Frame Effect
To enhance the sense of depth, this piece is mounted in a slim 'float frame.' A small gap between the metal print and the black molding creates a shadow line, giving the illusion that the nebula is hovering within the enclosure. The result is a sculptural, 3D presentation that pulls the viewer into the cosmic vortex.
Featured Work: The Rosette Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16" | 36"x24"
Architectural Scale
The Cygnus Wall is a dense ridge of star-forming gas some 20 light-years long. Its complex topography of ionization fronts and dark dust lanes commands attention, acting as an anchor in spacious rooms. The warm, organic tones of the nebula provide the perfect visual counterweight to cool grey walls and modern minimalist decor.
Featured Work: The Cygnus Wall
12"x8" | 24"x16"
High-Gloss Immersion
The ultra-high gloss finish of our ChromaLuxe metal prints creates a depth that feels less like a photograph and more like a window into deep space. In this specific piece, you can even see the ghostly reflection of the Bracken Observatory dome itself—a silent signature connecting the print back to the place it was captured.
Featured Work: The Horsehead Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16" | 36"x24"
Bold Contrast & Texture
The Horsehead Nebula is famously dark and moody, which makes it a striking anchor for lighter, warmer spaces. Against soft peach or cream walls, the deep reds and inky blacks create a stunning focal point. The ultra-smooth surface of the metal print also provides a perfect modern counterpoint to traditional textured walls, popping off the surface with razor-sharp clarity.
Featured Work: The Horsehead Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16" | 36"x24"
Organic Tonal Harmony
Art doesn't always need to shout to make a statement. Here, the interstellar dust and gases of the Flaming Star Nebula pick up the deep greens and earthy tones of the room, creating a seamless visual flow. Even when resting in the soft shadows of a sunlit afternoon, the 36-inch print holds its own as a quiet, commanding presence that anchors the living space.
Featured Work: The Flaming Star Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16" | 36"x24"
Unprecedented Nuance
Captured here resting on the rim of the observatory dome, the Western Veil Nebula reveals intricate filaments of blue, copper, and glistening gold. The detail in this metal print is so distinct that fellow astronomers have called it 'phenomenal' and 'the most beautiful image of the Veil' they have ever seen, praising its natural, organic feel compared to typical space imagery.
Featured Work: The Western Veil Nebula
12"x8" | 24"x16"
