Capturing stunning photos of the Milky Way with a DSLR camera can be a rewarding and exciting experience, especially if you are a new astrophotographer. However, you might find it a bit difficult. Thus, in this article, we will discuss professional steps to follow to capture the Milky Way and create unforgettable images with a DSLR camera.
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Without further ado, here are some steps you can follow:
Get your kit together and ready:
The first step is to get your equipment ready. Alongside your DSLR camera, you will need a fast lens with an aperture rating of f/2.8 or faster, a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release. You might also need a head torch with a red light mode.
Choose the right location:
After getting your tools ready, look for a location with minimal light pollution. We recommend you search for a spot away from cities, street lights, and other sources of light pollution.
Generally, things to look out for when searching for a location include:
- A clear sky
- A dark sky location with little to no light pollution – you can find such a location easily with the aid of Dark Site Finder.
- A visible part of the Milky Way in the sky
The Milky Way is generally considered to be visible from March to July. But it will depend on some factors like your location. For instance, in the northern hemisphere, the best time to view the Milky Way is from April to September, with the best viewing conditions occurring in the summer months.
On the other hand, the Milky Way is usually visible from February to October in the Southern hemisphere, with the best viewing conditions occurring in the winter months. We suggest you use apps like Photopills, Star Walk, or Stellarium to pick the right time to view the Milky Way based on your location.
Check the weather and move out:
Next, check the weather forecast before setting out of your apartment or studio. This will help you to prepare yourself better. Do not go out when the weather is cloudy or after rainfall. If the weather is good and the sky is clear, ensure you dress and prepare well for the night.
Mount your tripod and set your camera:
Once you arrive at your desired location, set your tripod and mount your DSLR camera. A sturdy tripod is necessary for long exposures.
Set your camera to manual mode:
We suggest you set your DSLR camera to manual mode when you want to shoot the Milky Way. Shooting in manual mode will give you more control over your camera settings.
For the best camera settings, we recommend you start with a wide aperture (preferably the lowest f-number) and between 3200 t0 6400 ISO range. Furthermore, we suggest you start with an exposure time of 15 to 25 seconds and adjust as necessary. Try to prevent image blur by keeping your shutter speed below 30 seconds. But this will depend on lighting conditions and the sensor size of your DSLR.
Switch your DSLR to manual focus:
We also suggest you switch your camera to manual focus. This will prevent it from tracking or capturing foreign or unwanted objects in the sky. If your camera has a live view, you can zoom in on a bright star and adjust the focus until it’s sharp.
Do not forget to use a remote shutter release:
A remote shutter release will help capture the Milky Way without touching the camera and causing any camera shake or vibration. This act will result in clear images of the stars.
Take multiple shots:
Once you have set everything properly, we suggest you take several shots with different camera settings (especially aperture and exposures) until you get your desired results.
Edit your Milky Way Images:
Finally, edit your Milky Way images with advanced editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to add more effects and feel. Although editing is a personal preference, we recommend you adjust the white balance to somewhere between 4000k-5000K.
You might also need to adjust the exposure, decrease the highlights and increase the contrast and shadows. You may also adjust the image clarity to make the Milky Way appear a bit more white against a dark background.
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Which camera can capture the Milky Way?
You can capture the Milky Way with any DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a larger sensor. Generally, full-frame cameras are the most suitable for astrophotography because of their larger sensors, which allow more light to enter the camera.
Thus, you can capture the Milky Way with any mid-range or high-level full-frame or crop-sensor camera. Thus, we suggest you choose a camera that fits your budget and features the necessary specifications for astrophotography.
In conclusion, shooting a Milky Way with a DSLR might seem a bit difficult if you are a beginner. However, if you follow our tips and engage in steady practices, you will produce great results. Apart from a DSLR, you can also use a mirrorless camera with a larger sensor.