FREE 6+ Star Photography Ideas

Everyone, at varying degrees, holds some fascination for the night sky. Perhaps people are drawn to the contrast between the blackness of space and the pinpricks of light bleeding through the veil. They could be looking for signs of life or maybe a message from the stars. Or it could be that that starry view gives its spectators that overwhelming feeling of insignificance–as if all the worries of the world– war, famine, disease–are nothing but made-up nightmares of humanity.

Whatever the case may be, the starry skies have become a prime subject for photographers everywhere. Check out our list for some ideas on composition. And when you’re done, visit our list of Abstract Photography for more inspiration.

Night Star Photography

Download

Star Trail Photography

Download

Shooting Star Photography

Download

Tips for Star Photography

Taking photos of the stars requires a little more preparation than your ordinary Twinkle Lights Photography. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

• Location

Star photography doesn’t just mean that you can point your camera any time into the sky and start taking shots. In order to get a clear view of the stars, you’d need to be in an area with no light pollution–and that means being a distance away from the city.

• Weather Conditions

It’s advisable to keep track of the weather conditions beforehand. You don’t want to reach your destination miles away from civilization only to be met by a wall of clouds. Ideal weather would be clear skies, of course; but you can also make do with mostly clear to partly cloudy.

• Tripod

This is not an option. Having a tripod is a must.

• Moon Phase

If you plan on taking pictures of the moon, well and good. You don’t have to pay attention to its phases unless you want to take a shot of one in particular. If you want a shot of the Milky Way galaxy, however, or just the starry sky in general, it’s best to do so during a new moon.

Creative Star Photography

Download

Moon and Star Photography

Download

Just the Right Settings

Unlike Landscape Photography, star photography needs a little bit more of technical know-how.

• ISO

To get a brighter image of the night sky, you’d need to start with an ISO of 3200. A few years back, this was not possible for many high end cameras. But thanks to technological advancements, you don’t have to settle for less.

• Wide Aperture

A wide lens allows you to capture more of the view. It also helps you gather more light for a clearer image. Photographers recommend a lens with the maximum aperture of f/2.8.

• Long Exposure

Long shutter speeds are good for getting brighter images of the stars. If you’re taking star trails, it’s good to keep them for as long as you can without losing that contrast. However, for a still picture of the stars, you can’t keep the shutter open for too long or, well, you’ll end up with star trails.

That and More

If you’re beginning to think that maybe star photography is a little bit too technical for you, it’s perfectly fine. There are others who will do the job for you while you enjoy the view right in the comfort of your own home.

All you have to do is download your favorite and set it as a wallpaper for your desktop or even as a background for the homekeys of your phone.

You can also print them and have them framed. Hang them on your wall and give your room an elegant piece.