An ET-inspired photo adventure that took two years to perfect!
Imagine a photographer's determination to recreate a magical moment from the beloved movie ET. Michael Meighan, along with his friend Nathan Edwards, embarked on a journey that spanned almost two years, attempting to capture the iconic scene of Elliott's BMX flying past the Moon with ET riding in the basket.
But here's where it gets tricky. The planets had to align quite literally! During the first full Moon of the year, Edwards, a plasterer by trade, pushed his bike uphill to a precise spot on Eglwysilan Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Meanwhile, Meighan, positioned 1.4 miles away in Treforest, Pontypridd, watched through his camera lens, keeping in touch with Edwards via phone.
"It was quite a spectacle for the curious neighbors," Meighan, 39, from Cardiff, recalled. "They wondered what was going on when they saw me with my huge camera lens next to their house."
Edwards, 33, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, had meticulously prepared for this moment. He fastened a plastic wash bowl with a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket to mimic ET sitting on the bike's front. He then patiently waited for his friend to capture the shot they had been planning since 2024.
Meighan explained their previous attempts, saying, "We've tried various locations and used a phone app to pinpoint our positions relative to the Moon's expected location. But with only 12 full Moons in a typical year, the odds were against us—until last Saturday night, when the weather finally cooperated."
"We were overjoyed to finally nail this shot," Meighan said. "The planning was the hardest part. Once that was done, executing the shot was simple."
Afterwards, the friends shared a heartfelt embrace and celebrated their achievement in a nearby pub.
Meighan praised his friend's dedication, saying, "He's an incredible person and friend. Without him, this wouldn't have been possible. His enthusiasm and commitment to grab the bike, drive to a random location, and do it all for the sake of this image is truly remarkable."
So, what do you think? Is this a testament to the power of friendship and determination? Or just a fun photo adventure? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
