First steps into astrophotography
Always loved stars. Whenever I see a starry night sky away from the city, I feel amazed, hopeful and complete. It's crazy that this, and so much more, was what the night sky looked like every night just 200 years ago or so, before light pollution. (Well, not exactly, but let's be romantic).
The photos you see below don't really represent what I saw that night. I could only see maybe 10% of those stars. Still beautiful, though. I always look for familiar constellations, like the dippers, but yeah... that's how it is here. I know there are still places in Europe, especially up north, where light pollution is minimal, like northern Finland. I hope to visit a place like that one day.
Photos taken on October 3rd, between 9 and 10 pm. Northern hemisphere.
18 mm · 30" · f / 2.8 · ISO 1000
18 mm · 30" · f / 2.8 · ISO 800
18 mm · 13" · f / 2.8 · ISO 2000
18 mm · 10" · f / 2.8 · ISO 2500
If you know anything about astrophotography, you'll see that I'm an amateur, but that's alright. If you have any tips for me, feel free to get in touch :)
What did I learn that night?
• Don't be afraid to use a higher ISO.
• 30 second exposure results in noticeable star trails (which surprised me), so aim shorter, around 10-15 seconds.
• Take test shots after setting the focus manually, and adjust until you get the sharpest results.
• Don't be THAT lazy. Take off those unnecessary filters.
• Save up for a modern tripod. (It took me good few minutes to set up and fold this old one i found in the basement).
• Wear thicker socks :)
It was nice though. All dark and quiet.
Next time, I'd like to bring a small chair and table, make some warm herbal tea, sit back, relax, stargaze, and snap a few photos. Let's hope I get to do that one day.
As always, thank you so much for being here. Your comments make me happy. Please take care, and I'll see you soon!