Introduction to Digital Astro-Photograph by Jerry Lodrigussy
Oct 30, 2012 21:10:26 #
Photography of the night sky can be an extremely rewarding hobby revealing the spectacular beauty of nature and wonders of the universe.
It can be as simple as a camera mounted on a tripod, or as complicated as you want to make it with liquid-cooled CCD cameras, robotically controlled telescopes, and computer-enhanced images.
Although astro-photography is a very easy hobby in which to get started on a simple level, it can be difficult to master at its highest level. You must be prepared to spend the time learning the craft.
But, don't let this discourage you. Start out easy, shoot some star-trails with camera on tripod. Advance to piggyback photography and finally prime-focus astro-photography.
It's easy and it's hard. That's what makes it Zen-like!
When starting out you'll ask, "What kind of scope should I use?" "What camera?" "What ISO and exposure time?" And, the most famous of all: "How do I focus this thing!" Later you'll find yourself wondering: "How do I take a photograph of an object that I can't even see visually in a telescope, let alone on the focusing screen of a viewfinder in a camera?
These questions have been asked, and answered, hundreds, if not thousands of times. The best place to start, naturally, is at the beginning, and this web site will try to help you. But, do not just go out and buy a telescope and digital camera first thing if you don't already own them. Take some time to learn about these hobbies of astronomy and photography and carefully research what you want to get.
http://www.astropix.com/HTML/I_ASTROP/INTRO.HTM
It can be as simple as a camera mounted on a tripod, or as complicated as you want to make it with liquid-cooled CCD cameras, robotically controlled telescopes, and computer-enhanced images.
Although astro-photography is a very easy hobby in which to get started on a simple level, it can be difficult to master at its highest level. You must be prepared to spend the time learning the craft.
But, don't let this discourage you. Start out easy, shoot some star-trails with camera on tripod. Advance to piggyback photography and finally prime-focus astro-photography.
It's easy and it's hard. That's what makes it Zen-like!
When starting out you'll ask, "What kind of scope should I use?" "What camera?" "What ISO and exposure time?" And, the most famous of all: "How do I focus this thing!" Later you'll find yourself wondering: "How do I take a photograph of an object that I can't even see visually in a telescope, let alone on the focusing screen of a viewfinder in a camera?
These questions have been asked, and answered, hundreds, if not thousands of times. The best place to start, naturally, is at the beginning, and this web site will try to help you. But, do not just go out and buy a telescope and digital camera first thing if you don't already own them. Take some time to learn about these hobbies of astronomy and photography and carefully research what you want to get.
http://www.astropix.com/HTML/I_ASTROP/INTRO.HTM
Nov 14, 2012 19:15:08 #
G.Feduccia
Loc: Paradise in Florida Panhandle
Hi Nikonian, What a wonderful way and introduction to amateur astro photography! I am probably one of the few BSA Scout Merit Badge Couselors in the Panhandle of Florida who have tried to teach constellation photography and a-focal photography with a telescope and camera.
Geese, I have not done any celestial photos in years, and none with my digital stuff. I plan to do some afocal stuff with one of my telescopes and digital cameras (with stacking) in the near future.
Anyway, thanks for posting your message.
Gary
Geese, I have not done any celestial photos in years, and none with my digital stuff. I plan to do some afocal stuff with one of my telescopes and digital cameras (with stacking) in the near future.
Anyway, thanks for posting your message.
Gary
Nov 14, 2012 19:19:21 #
G.Feduccia
Loc: Paradise in Florida Panhandle
Again Nikonian, I see that you are in Long Beach, Ca, that is pretty light polluted. I am sure that you either leave and go to the Sierras or use filters. How do you cope with that horrible light pollution?
Gary
Gary
Nov 16, 2012 00:24:43 #
G.Feduccia wrote:
I get the fork outta Dodge: desert in the winter; 10,000-ft in the Rockies in the summer.Again Nikonian, I see that you are in Long Beach, Ca, that is pretty light polluted. I am sure that you either leave and go to the Sierras or use filters. How do you cope with that horrible light pollution?
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