How to SHOOT the STARS

What are my Opportunities

Equipment Needs

Camera and Lens Settings

Composition

Light Painting

Post Processing

What are my Opportunities ?

Star Fields

Constellations

Milky Way

Light Painting

Pre total dark images

Constellation (Big Dipper)

Milky Way

Light Painting

Pre Total Dark

Equipment Needs

Camera (Crop or Full Frame)

Wide Angle Lens (On a crop camera 10,15,17,20)

Lens aperture (1.4, to 3.5)

Remote release / Extra Battery

Flashlight

Tripod

Camera and Lens Settings

Manual Mode / 15sec. / Wide openISO 1600 / No in camera noise reduction

Keep your exposure time under 30 sec.Over 30 you will see star movement

Raw for full control over white balanceFor jpg. Try Tungsten for white balance

Camera and Lens Settings

Lens Manual Focus is criticalFind something to focus on – Getting good focus stymies many night photographers.

Know your exact infinity lens markingTry using LiveView at full magnificationPre focus before dark and tape the lens.

Try using a laser pointerIf possible use a bright object (moon)

Composition

Just as important at night, but harder to due because of the darkness.

Level camera / shoot / review / reshoot

Horizontal Composition

Vertical Composition

Light Painting

Practice first

Reg flashlight not LED

Even painting sweeps

Post Processing

Crop / Level if needed

Raw files: White Balance

Tone Curve adjustments

Sharpen

Noise reduction

Star Tips

A clear sky away from ambient light is best

Practice in your backyard

If possible pre scout your shoot location

Experiment

Star Tips

When shooting with others make sure no lights are on while shutters are open.

Be careful moving around after dark.

Enjoy the world after dark with your camera