Newbie Astrophotography Mistakes

Newbie Astrophotographer

Getting the right gear is crucial when starting out in astrophotography. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options out there, but focusing on the essentials can set you on the right path. The first mistake many make is choosing the wrong camera. While it’s tempting to believe you need the latest and greatest, … Read more

Astrophotography Long Exposure Troubleshooting

Star Trails

Long exposure astrophotography is all about capturing those stunning, night-time shots of the sky where stars seem to stand out in sharp detail. The purpose here is to allow the camera to soak in as much light as possible over an extended period, making those dim stars and celestial events clear to the eye. This … Read more

Albedo Impact On Astrophotography

Quarter Moon

What is Albedo? The albedo effect is all about reflecting light. It’s a measure of how much sunlight a surface bounces back. For practical purposes, albedo values range from 0 to 1, where 0 means no reflection and 1 means perfect reflection. Think of it like how snow seems bright when sunlight hits it due … Read more

Astrophotography On A Budget

Astrophotography on a budget

How to Get Started in Astrophotography Without Breaking the Bank Astrophotography is a mesmerizing hobby that allows you to capture the beauty of the cosmos, from glittering stars and the Milky Way to stunning planets and nebulae. While it’s often seen as an expensive pursuit requiring high-end cameras, telescopes, and accessories, it’s entirely possible to … Read more

Tips For Photographing the Northern Lights

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

Photographing the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a dream for many photographers and stargazers. These shimmering, otherworldly lights dancing across the night sky create breathtaking opportunities for photography, but capturing their beauty requires preparation and technique. From finding the perfect location under clear, dark skies to mastering your camera’s settings for … Read more

Chromatic Aberration And Apo Telescopes

Chromatic Aberration

Chromatic aberration is a pretty common hiccup in the world of lenses and optics. It’s that pesky issue where colors fail to focus on the same point, leading to those annoying color fringes around objects. What is Chromatic Aberration? Chromatic aberration, also known as “color fringing” or “purple fringing,” is a common optical problem that … Read more

How Sensor Size Affects Image Framing

Full frame vs APS-C

In astrophotography, sensor size directly impacts how objects are framed and appear in the image, particularly when photographing celestial bodies, such as planets, stars, and nebulae. Let’s break down how these principles apply specifically to astrophotography. 1. Field of View (FOV) and Framing Celestial Objects For example, a 1000mm telescope on an APS-C sensor (1.5x … Read more

Getting Started With Astrophotography

Helix Nebula

Imagine harnessing the grandeur of the cosmos and capturing it through your lens. Astrophotography does just that: it’s the art of photographing celestial events and areas of the night sky. I’m here to guide you through the foundations of this enchanting pursuit. In astrophotography, enthusiasts venture into different domains, each with its unique charm. Wide-field … Read more

Astrophotography – Long or Short Exposures

Long Exposures or Short Exposures?

Astrophotography is a fascinating blend of art and science, drawing enthusiasts who marvel at the night sky and long to capture its beauty. Two primary methods to achieve stunning astrophotos are long exposures and short exposures. Understanding these techniques is essential to elevate the quality of your celestial images. Long exposures involve leaving the camera’s … Read more

Astrophotography Etiquette

Astrophotography Etiquette

Astrophotography etiquette is all about showing respect, both to nature and to fellow photographers. This isn’t just about capturing stunning images. It’s about understanding the impact of our actions when we’re out there under the stars. Light pollution is a big concern. Even a small amount of stray light can ruin hours of work for … Read more