487: Justin Anderson: How to Get Started in Astrophotography

In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Justin Anderson,  astrophotographer who captures the night sky with breathtaking mastery. Justin shares his journey of photographing Comet NEOWISE and other celestial wonders, emphasizing the importance of preparation, persistence, and creativity. Today you'll learn how to set up your camera for night photography, choose the right equipment, and find the perfect locations to shoot. You'll also learn the art of scouting dark skies, experimenting with different lenses, and appreciating the beauty of your surroundings. 

THE BIG IDEAS

• Persist Through Challenges: Consistently work on improving your skills, even when conditions don't align. Persistence is key in mastering night photography.
• Embrace the Learning Curve: Night photography comes with a steep learning curve. Accept mistakes as part of the journey towards stunning captures.
• Plan and Prepare: Success in astrophotography requires meticulous planning, from checking the weather to selecting remote locations away from light pollution.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

• Scout Dark Locations: Use dark sky maps to identify potential shooting spots away from city lights. Visit these locations during the day to plan your composition and safety measures.
• Optimize Camera Settings: Set your camera to manual mode, adjusting ISO, aperture, and shutter speed according to the lighting conditions. Practice taking long exposures to capture more light and detail in the night sky.
• Experiment with Lenses: Try using wide-angle lenses (e.g., 24mm) to capture expansive landscapes along with the night sky. Test prime lenses with apertures wider than F2.8 for better light capture and reduced noise.
• Use Proper Accessories: Equip your camera with a remote shutter and intervalometer to avoid camera shake and take multiple long exposures. Bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposure shots.

RESOURCES
Follow Justin on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aurorajanderson/
Check out Justins Website - https://highhopesaurora.com/

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!