alphonso49uk

Ill be hoping to take some decent pictures of the milky way in Namibia later on in the year.
Could someone please advise if Im correct in thinking that if I take multiple photos with a view to stacking them later I do not need to alter the shutter or aperture for each different shot.
As I understand it...if the stars move slightly between shots then the stacking software will align the shots.
Am I correct in thinking that this process is not like HDR when different exposures are taken and stitched together to form a composite later.
Ive read a lot about this online but I cant find an answer to this particular question...probably because its so blindingly obvious.
Thanks in advance.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

You might want to join the astrophotography section

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

There is a stack/align tab in PS. I prefer Starry Landscape Stacker. There are multiple options/programs on the SLS website that explains each one's best use. They all cost something. If I recall correctly they run about $20~40 each. Both PS and SLS will do the alignment for you. SLS is more precise in my experience. And no you don't need to change exposure for each shot. So for instance, you can shoot 20 exposures at 20 seconds each with just a pause between each. If your body has an intervalometer it is automated for you. Google the rule of 500 or 600 (it can be listed either way) to figure your max exposure time depending on your lenses focal length. That must be followed to prevent trails. Have fun.

alphonso49uk

Thanks very much...youve answered my query perfectly

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Google StarStax, a free utility that will perform the function you want. I have done this by selecting the images in Lighroom, telling it to open layers as layers in Photoshop and then merged the layers with the blending style set to Lighten.

alphonso49uk

Cheers

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Practice at home now. If you have some clear nights, get some pics of the stars. Experiment and figure it all out before your trip.

acreutz

You are correct: multiple images with the same settings is generally the best way to go, then stacking images. You are starting a complex hobby, but one where it's easy to get started with good results if you use some good image stacking software. PS is not a good choice. I personally use DeepSky Stacker (free), but there are many; and often they come as part of packages that include a lot of specialized software for post-processing. Keep in mind, the initial stacked image is very unsatisfying, and a good first place to post-process them (after they are stacked) is indeed PS, using Curves and levels to expand that histogram and make some pretty dramatic shots quite easily.

If you are using a tripod (i.e, not using a motorized mount that rotates to compensate for the earth's rotation), take relatively short exposures (3-5 seconds with 100mm lens -- experiment to see what you like: the aim is to reduce star trails); that seems way to short, but if you stack 10 or 20 (or more) of those images, you get good results. And then you start learning about ways to improve that image (eliminate sky glow, eliminate camera heat signatures; take dark images to correct other imperfections; etc. You can go as deep into this hobby as you want, or stay relatively simple).

Enjoy!

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

I agree wholeheartedly

alphonso49uk

Thanks a lot for your replies