Tips on Taking Photos: A Guide for Astrophotographers

Not all photography subjects are earthbound. The objects we see in the skies when we look up have their stories to tell too. This is why some people are into the hobby of astrophotography and you can be one of them.

Astrophotographers are those who take a picture of a celestial object. The equipment used could be a simple point and click type of camera or a more sophisticated one such as the Hubble space telescope. Subjects range from the moon, stars, constellations or the Milky Way. Like any field of photography, capturing images of heavenly bodies poses its own set of challenges but they can be overcome by a few tips on taking photos.

Some astrophotographers prefer to use a manual SLR to take their pictures but since this is the digital age, it is more practical to take your pictures with a digicam. Choose one with the most number of pixels you can afford to get. A digital picture is made up of pixels or picture elements and the more there are on an image, the sharper it will be. However, remember that more pixels mean a larger file size so a lesser number of pictures can be stored in your memory card.

Further, pick a camera that allows you to set your own shutter speed. With astrophotography, you will be dealing with very low light conditions so the camera should be capable of slow shutter speeds. Because of this condition, you will also need a tripod and cable release for the shutter. If you hold the camera with just your hands, you will likely get blurred images.

Make sure that your camera is capable of optical zoom and not just digital zoom. Optical zooming magnifies objects without sacrificing quality of the image. Some photographers attach telescopes to their cameras for greater magnification.

In addition to the equipment must-haves, there are other issues to consider. The moon is the only celestial body that gives off sufficient light for good photography. The other objects are too distant and too faint but this does not mean you cannot take pictures of them. You just have to capture their images with as much light as you can. This involves opening the lens aperture wider and for a longer period of time so that more light can be used. A high ISO, a measure of the camera’s light sensitivity, is also desirable because higher ISO results in a brighter image.

A summary of the ideal camera settings for astrophotography would be: widest lens aperture (f/2.8), longest shutter speed, highest ISO number, Tungsten setting for white balance, infinity setting for focus and self-timer or remote release to open the shutter. If you have finalized your settings, put your camera on a tripod, aim it at your subject and take the shot. Take different exposures so you can better evaluate your results later.

Astrophotography is a challenge! Before embarking on this challenge, be sure you are an expert when it comes to photography lenses and your camera. Knowing your lenses will really help you achieve the perfect shot. Get the basics at Photography Beginners Guide!

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