Beginners Guide to Capturing Epic Photos of Starlit Skies (VIDEO)
Not long ago we featured a comprehensive guide to photographing the Milky Way, with camera settings advice, gear recommendations, post-processing tips, and more. We’re following up on that today with this primer for inexperienced photographers who want to capture awe-inspiring images of starlit skies, even when the Milky Way isn’t visible.
Instructor Glenn Martin is a versatile award-winning Australian pro whose eclectic portfolio contains spectacular images of everything from landscapes to wedding photos. He’s been teaching astrophotography to beginners for years, and this 11-minute guide is just what you need, whether this genre is unfamiliar or you just need a quick refresher to brush up on your skills.
You’ll be able to get the job done with whatever DSLR or mirrorless camera you own, and Martin provides an easy-to-follow breakdown of all the appropriate settings for achieving accurate exposures. He also reveals the unique interplay between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for this uncommon style of landscape photography
Just about any wide lens will get the job done and Martin has a few recommendations for optimum results. Martin discusses how to use other must-have equipment like tripods and remote shutter releases that help ensure that your shots are sharp and breathtaking. There are also several quick tips for shooting in Manual mode.
A lot more goes into achieving sharp images of the nighttime sky beyond configuring the camera properly. To that end Martin demonstrates a foolproof focusing technique that he promises will deliver precise results—whether you’re shooting wide-field landscape scenes or deep-sky subjects.
Martin’s guarantee is this: “I’ll share valuable tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to overcome common challenges so your next astrophotography adventure is a success.” So jump aboard, get out there this weekend after dark, and photograph the sparkling nighttime sky with your newfound skills. It’s easier than you think.
Then take a trip to Martin’s popular YouTube channel where you’ll find many more instructional videos for all types of outdoor photography.
And be sure not to miss the comprehensive guide mentioned above so you’ll know exactly what to do the next time the Milky Way embelishes the sky.
