Low-light and astrophotography tips for beginners

This week, we ask Michael and Marc to share their top tips for taking night-time photography. Whether you’re interested in shooting in low light or by starlight, read on to find out their advice for beginners.

Remember, exposure is important

It’s important to understand the different characteristics of long exposure. By keeping the camera’s shutter open for an extended amount of time, you can experiment with a number of different types of subjects—for example, light painting. The longer the shutter is open, the more light hits the sensor, and the brighter the exposure. The less light, the dimmer the exposure.

This may sound simple, but it can make all the difference when calculating times for photographing the Milky Way or matching the intensity of light when light painting.

Have a think about composition

One of the most challenging parts of any genre of photography is composition. For something so subjective, a good composition can completely change a photograph’s dynamic. Composition can be as simple as following ‘the rule of thirds’ or as complicated as breaking down the many elements that make up an interesting photograph. Many people tend to just think of composition in terms of where the elements in the frame are. But composition also includes colour, contrast and subject matter. When creating a composition, it’s extremely important to look at all aspects of your image.

Try and anchor typical landscapes with a larger subject. For nighttime photography, it can be tempting to focus on a single subject in the background. This can make for some stunning shots but can eventually run stale. For example, if you create a second subject that takes up more of the frame, you can balance it with the Milky Way in the background. This leads to a much more dynamic image.

Play with light and shadow

Shadows tend to take on a life of their own. If you’re stuck for ideas, try using shadows as the photograph’s main focus. Part of playing with light and shadow means also playing with negative and positive space. The empty sections of the frame can draw attention toward other elements within a frame.

By keeping the surroundings of the subject unlit, you can draw the viewer's eye toward the main subject while strengthening the image’s negative space.

Bring the right gear

Either a DSLR or a mirrorless camera will offer you the best chance of a great shot. A full-frame camera will normally offer superior high ISO capability over a crop sensor. It can be a good idea to choose a camera with a wireless remote and/or viewing from a smartphone.

A wide-angle lens, in the 20mm to 24mm range, will be ideal for astrophotography in particular. Otherwise, a fast standard lens will also work, like the 50mm f/1.4. If you only have a fast telephoto prime, around 85mm or 100mm, then that will do as well. Just as long as it has a wide enough aperture.

Make sure you bring some spare memory cards and batteries with you. If you’re outdoors, it’s important to have a comfortable and waterproof backpack holding everything you’ll need for your night in the field - not just your camera equipment. You’ll want something to sit on, a thermos of warm tea or coffee, and a head torch to save you from fumbling around in the dark. If you’re taking photos of the stars, there are plenty of good apps available that will show you - in real-time - where to find all the stars and the Milky Way.

Thanks Marc, thanks Michael.