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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.
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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)
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 open ISO 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 balance For jpg. Try Tungsten for white balance
Camera and Lens Settings Lens Manual Focus is critical Find something to focus on – Getting good focus stymies many night photographers. Know your exact infinity lens marking Try using LiveView at full magnification Pre focus before dark and tape the lens. Try using a laser pointer If 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
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