Astrophotography for Beginners
Do you want to take epic images of the Milky Way above beautiful WA landscape scenery?
Have you got a new DSLR camera and are keen to get it out under the stars?
We bring in local expert astrophotographers so you have a chance to learn from the best in WA.
Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trips take us to beautiful locations. You’ll discover how the night sky works, the best times of the year for astrophotography, what equipment you need and the best camera settings to take stunning images of the Milky Way.
After a short introduction to astrophotography for beginners, you’ll get out your camera to take your very own images of the Milky Way. We’ll be right alongside to guide you on how to improve your images as you go.
Camera Settings Demystified
All those camera settings are pretty confusing! What is ISO? What F-number should I use? What exposure setting do I need with which lens?
These are all good questions and with a easy-to-understand explanations on what setting does what, combined with hands-on help with your camera, you’ll be amazed at the images of the stars you’ll be able to take.
Focusing on the Stars
How on earth do you focus your camera on the stars? It is one of the hardest skills to achieve when you’re starting out with astrophotography. You’re definitely not alone in finding this a really difficult thing to master.
Hands-on help during an Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trip is the best way to master the skill of focusing.
What Happens at an Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trip?
Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trips are usually 3 hours long and held on a single evening.
We always start with astrophotography for beginners’ basics. This is usually held outside in the early evening before the practical begins. The basics cover:
- Equipment – tripods, cameras and lenses
- Camera settings to get the best results
- Focusing
- Techniques and tips
After this introduction to astrophotography for beginners, you’ll know 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 astrophotography so much easier.
When’s the next Astrophotography for Beginners
Field Trip or Class?
Astrophotography frequently asked questions
Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trips are usually held in country areas. This provides us interesting scenery and a dark night sky to give you the best opportunity to start taking those amazing images.
We usually hold an Astrophotography for Beginners Processing Class once a year. These are usually held in the northern Perth metropolitan area.
Yes! You don’t have to be a Stargazers Club WA member to come to one of our Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trips and Classes. Non-members are always welcome.
Gold and Platinum members receive free events with membership.
Yes! Those without cameras are very welcome to join Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trips and Classes. It’s a great way to learn more about digital cameras 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 cameras in action with their owners and talk to experts about what would be best for you.
Yes! Telescope Classes are recommended for older children aged 15-16 years with a keen interest in photography. Younger children are also welcome. They may become a bit fidgety during presentations and become tired in the later evening, but you’re always welcome to take a break from the event at any time.
The local expert astrophotographers who accompany us on Astrophotography for Beginners Field Trips or in classes have extensive experience with a large range of DSLR or mirrorless cameras including Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony and many more. Roger Groom is our regular presenter. He’s one of our stargazing team.
You’re in good hands with us at Stargazers Club WA. In a single evening you’ll gain the confidence and knowhow to take images of the beautiful night sky over stunning landscape settings.
