A Simple Guide To Shooting The Stars
Astrophotography may look complicated but it’s actually quite easy once you get the hang of it. Nowadays you can use your phone for astro photos. I’m going to keep it simple and talk about the steps and settings I use when shooting Astrophotography.
The first step is finding the perfect location. Dark skies are essential, so head away from city lights to an area with minimal light pollution. Check the moon phase, aiming for a new moon or a night when the moon is below the horizon, and make sure the weather forecast promises clear skies.
Next, gather your equipment. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is your best friend here, paired with a wide-angle lens that has a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower). A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable to keep your camera steady, and a remote shutter or your camera’s timer helps prevent unwanted shakes. Don’t forget the essentials: fully charged batteries, a memory card, and a headlamp with a red light to preserve your night vision.
Once you’re set up, it’s time to dial in your camera settings. Switch to manual mode and set your focus to infinity. Zoom in on a bright star to fine-tune the focus. For ISO, start with 1600-3200, and use the widest aperture your lens allows. Shutter speed is where the 500 Rule comes in handy: divide 500 by your lens’s focal length to find the maximum exposure time before stars start to trail (e.g., 500/24mm = 20 seconds).
Here are my astrophotography settings that I use majority of the time.
ISO: 1600
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter speed : 20 seconds.
Focal Length: 24mm
Framing your shot is an art in itself. Look for interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or even your car to add depth and context to your image. Take a few test shots to check your settings, and make adjustments as needed. When everything looks good, use a remote shutter or timer to capture your shot without vibrations.
Astrophotography is all about patience and experimentation. Each photo is a new opportunity to learn and improve. So grab your gear, find your trail, and capture the night sky!
