Deep Sky Astrophotography for Beginners

Do you want to take Those epic images of Galaxies, Nebula and Star Clusters?

Have you got a DSLR or mirrorless camera and are keen to attach it to your telescope?

Our team are local expert astrophotographers so you have a chance to learn from the best in WA.

Deep sky astrophotography is an admirable pursuit. It’s complicated but with our guides, you’ll discover how to attach your camera to your telescope, the best times for deep sky astrophotography, what objects make good targets and when, what equipment you need and the best camera settings to take images.

Help with Deep Sky Astrophotography is provided during our Dark Sky Night events, every second month. This makes it easy to provide step-by-step instructions starting from what equipment you need all the way through to advice on processing images to get the best results. 

What Happens at Dark Sky Night Event?

Every second month, Stargazers Club WA heads to Lower Chittering to experience our stunning dark night sky. When you’re away from city lights,  you can see so much more! Dark Sky Nights are 2.5 hours long and our wonderful team are on-hand to help you get to the next step of your astronomical journey. This includes help from the basics to advanced with:

  • Equipment – telescopes, cameras and all the accessories you can think of
  • Aligning your telescope to track the stars
  • Focusing
  • Attaching cameras to telescope for Deep Sky Astrophotography
  • Techniques and tips

You’ll discover how to get the best out of the equipment you already have or what you may need in the future. Our local experts will give you lots of tips and techniques to make the hobby of astronomy so much easier.

When’s the next Dark Sky Night?

Astrophotography frequently asked questions

Dark Sky Nights are usually held in Lower Chittering. This provides us a great dark night sky that is still conveniently close to Perth. 

We hold Dark Sky Nights every second month.

Dark Sky Nights are especially for anyone who has a telescope that you’re learning to use. You don’t have to be a Stargazers Club WA member to come to one of our Dark Sky Nights. Non-members are always welcome.

Gold and Platinum members receive free events with membership.

Dark Sky Nights are especially for anyone who has a telescope and/or camera that you’re learning to use. It’s a great way to improve your skills and continue in the hobby of astronomy.

If you don’t have a telescope yet but want to know more, we recommend that you attend one of our BYO Telescope Classes. The ticket price is cheaper and you’ll learn more about telescopes in general and discover what type would be suitable for you, if you’re thinking of buying one. Plus, you get to see a number of different telescopes in action with their owners and talk to experts about what would be best for you.

Yes! Dark Sky Nights are recommended for older children aged 15-16 years with a keen interest in astronomy. Younger children are also welcome. They may become a bit fidgety during presentations or become tired in the later evening, but you’re always welcome to take a break from the event at any time.

Our team who accompany us on all our events and classes have extensive experience with a large range of telescopes, DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Meet our stargazing team here.

curious for more info?