The Seven Points To Remember About Astrophotography
#1: The more you magnify a celestial object, the field-of-view becomes narrower.
#2: A wide field-of-view will require less tracking with a telescope to pinpoint an celestial object than a narrow field-of-view.
#3: Even though your camera sensitivity will increase at higher ISO settings (ISO 400 and ISO 800), the graininess or “noise” is also increased.
#4: Light pollution or atmospheric turbulence is worst near the horizon. Plan night time imaging sessions when the objects appear high in the sky.
#5: Detailed and vivid lunar images are clearest during the quarter moon phase.
#6: Use the moons “terminator line,” the light dark shadow line, to photographs cratered terrain with some amazing 3-D detail!
#7: Highest quality deep space images are taken when the sky is darkest. The period just before the moon rises, or during the New Moon phase are two excellent times.
The theme for the budding night imaging hobbyist is practice and perseverance create proficiency. Imagine how time consuming this would have been with 35mm film! The digital camera opens the doors for many more people to get involved in photographing the interesting objects found in the night sky.
The more you practice, you should be able to see the improvements, which will provide the motivation to continues on and create some of the most beautiful images you can imagine.
If you choose to advance to the astrophotography techniques levels using a telescope it will be helpful to first practice and enjoy just plain stargazing without any imaging . Learn to use the telescope and its features and learn to read the star charts, maps and get some good astronomy guidebooks. Make sure you have some pictures other people took to use as a guide when identifying what you find. By taking the time to have a better understanding of the night time sky, you will be able to make better decisions when beginning your astrophotography adventure.
This hobby can be a lot of fun, and is easily one that can be shared with others. Star gazing and imaging parties on key dates when certain celestial objects are in the right spots can be an enjoyable way to learn new tips and share your enthusiasm. Then again, a nice summer evening in your back yard, looking for Saturn’s rings can be a relaxing way to wind down at the end of a long day.
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