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Contents equipment journey night 1 night 2 thoughts resources
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EQUIPMENT
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NOTES CAMERA WIDE ANGLE LENS
First, have a camera, I used a Nikon camera for these shots. You can use any other camera bodies if you choose. You will need a lens that will allow you to gather as much light as possible. This allows your exposures to capture the night sky and your surroundings for interesting compositions. I recommend a wide angle lens 24mm with an f number at 1.4.
With low f number exposes the night TRIPOD REMOTE
Movement equals disturbance
Next you will need a tripod (very important) this will allow your camera to stay fixed in position otherwise any movement will blur your image during shooting. I have noticed I can find tripods at Goodwill, Arc or any Thrift stores in your area for cheap. I recommend a remote shutter release either a cable or remote anything that will allow you not to handle the camera. Any sort of movement will cause your image to become distorted especially when you press the shutter release button. A remote is the way to go!
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JOURNEY
Step one is to find the darkest parts of the sky; through an internet search I found Westcliff and Silvercliff Colorado to capture the night’s sky. I have chosen these two towns because they decided to reduce their light pollution in order to see Milky Way. This seems to be a logical starting point.
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NIGHT ONE In Westcliff I have set up my camera on the tripod and focused toward the endless evening. Tonight I am using my 18 - 55mm lens. With my head lamp on so I can see my adjustments under the nights sky I change my shutter speed and then f-stop to lowest point with this lens.
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In this case the camera is at f3.5 at 10 seconds of exposure. The ISO is at 3200 to bring out most of the light. The 10 second exposure will probably cause the light to bend because of the earth’s rotation.
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NIGHT TWO I will be contending with moon this weekend so we will see how this works out. I would normally not want to do this, but I would like to see the effects if any in taking these photos in the pale moon’s light.
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I am using a 24mm wide angle prime lens, which allows more light to be captured for an over all better exposure. I have picked my location and planned these shots earlier in the day.
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I have set my exposure for 8 seconds with an f1.4 and an ISO setting of 3200, although you can adujst accordingly as you see fit.
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Focusing the camera is always the hard part to do, I usually find if I move the lens to infinity symbol then looking at the brightest star I bring it back a few mm when the star is at its brightest then it will come into focus. This might take many tries to this get it right. then with your remote click and take your photo.
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THOUGHTS 20
Okay, Okay, I will make this brief, but I need to write this message. I Found it amazing we as humans get so caught up with our day to day lives, that we forget about how small we really are and that we are truly lucky to be on this planet orbiting this sun, in this solor system. Which is one of so many in the Milky Way floating in what appears to be an endless blissful night.
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RESOURCE
Here is a website that gives you an in depth overview of the how to shoot at night. Equipment that you will need to know us or how long your exposure will be using Nikon or Canon Camers. www.lonelyspeck.com Will supply you with the equipment you need sold new or used www.bhphotovideo.com Camren photographic resources can provide local rentals or out of state rentals. They are not too hard hitting on the wallet. Camren has a ton of equipment for rent. www.camren.com
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This site allows you to find dark skies through its map so you can take photos of the night sky away from light polluted inhabited areas. There are other cities that have taken steps to get rid of their light pollution altogether. maps.darksky.net This site tells you if the weather is clear or the moon is out. www.noaa.gov
More info at astrophoria0@gmail.com
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ASTROPHORIA is about my personal exploration in astrophotography in the Colorado Rocky Mountain wilds. All the while using tips and tricks from the internet blogs and local camera shops.