Have you ever chased a dream so hard it took years to materialize? For one photographer, that dream became a reality, culminating in a breathtaking recreation of an iconic movie moment. Michael Meighan, a photographer from Cardiff, Wales, is absolutely ecstatic – "over the Moon," as he puts it – after finally capturing a photo that's been almost two years in the making: a stunning homage to the classic movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Remember that unforgettable scene where Elliott and E.T. soar across the face of the moon on a BMX bike? Meighan, along with his dedicated friend Nathan Edwards, embarked on a mission to bring that magic to life. For nearly two years, they meticulously planned and attempted to recreate this cinematic masterpiece. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might say it's just a photo, but for Michael and Nathan, it was about capturing a feeling, a memory, a piece of movie history.
The stars (and the Moon!) finally aligned last weekend during the year's first full moon. Edwards, a plasterer by trade, found himself pushing his trusty BMX uphill on Eglwysilan Mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf. His mission? To reach the precise spot that would perfectly position him against the lunar backdrop. And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't just about being on a hill; it was about the exact angle, the perfect distance, and the unwavering commitment to making it happen.
Meanwhile, Meighan, armed with his camera and a massive lens, waited patiently 1.4 miles (2.3km) away on a residential street in Treforest, Pontypridd. The pair stayed in constant communication via phone, coordinating Edwards' movements and ensuring the perfect alignment. Their unusual activity didn't go unnoticed. "They came out wondering what was happening when they saw a man with a huge camera lens next to their house," Meighan, 39, chuckled. He happily showed the curious residents the scene through his camera, while Edwards, 33, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, was "huffing and puffing" on the other end, struggling to get into the exact position after a grueling five-minute uphill push with his bike.
To complete the illusion, Edwards had ingeniously fashioned a makeshift "E.T." using a plastic wash bowl and a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket, securely fastened to the front of his bike. He then patiently stood and waited for Meighan to capture the perfect shot. The planning for this ambitious project began back in 2024, involving scouting various locations and using a phone app to pinpoint the precise positions needed based on the Moon's predicted location. The challenge was significant, with only 12 full moons each year and the constant battle against unpredictable weather conditions.
"We were over the Moon to finally get this one," Meighan exclaimed, emphasizing the sheer joy and relief of finally achieving their goal. "We've attempted to get this shot a few times. The weather has messed us about, [also] not being able to get the alignment due to where the Moon is rising, but it finally came to. The actual planning is the hard part. Once it's planned, it's very simple to execute." Their successful collaboration culminated in a well-deserved "huge embrace" and a celebratory drink at a nearby pub.
Meighan was quick to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of his friend. The seed for this project was planted two years ago, after another full moon photoshoot. "He's a fantastic person, a fantastic friend and without him this would not be possible," Meighan said sincerely. "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." This highlights the power of friendship and shared passion in achieving seemingly impossible goals. What do you think? Is this just a fun photo recreation, or does it represent something more significant – the enduring power of film and the dedication to artistic vision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
