Nature Photography How To

You’ve no doubt marveled at the beauty of starlit skies, and scenes with the sparking Milky Way are among the best. Many photographers pass up these great opportunities, thinking that astrophotography is beyond their skills.

As you’ll see in the following tutorial from Nova Scotia-Based wildlife photographer Simon d’Entremont, nothing could be further from the truth. By following his straightforward tips, you’ll be able to capture epic Milky Way photos with just any gear you own.

In barely 14 minutes d’Entremont covers everything from the best choice of equipment, camera settings, and composition, to selecting the optimum time and vantage point from which to shoot. He even reveals a quick processing method that doesn’t rely upon Photoshop.

When it comes to camera gear and accessories, d’Entremont keeps things simple. Apart from the camera of your choice, a fast (f/2.8 or faster) wide-angle lens (wider is better) you’ll need a sturdy tripod. He also recommends a flashlight or headlamp so you can see where you’re walking and locate the controls on your camera in the dark.

On location in beautiful rural Canada, d’Entremont explains that an ultra-wide lens is best for this type of work because it enables you to use longer exposures without star streaks. And he has a recommendation if you’re looking for an affordable fast, wide lens. He also notes that an f/1.4 lens lets in four times more light than an f/2.8 lens of the same focal length.

With the gear discussion out of the way, d’Entremont describes the best time of year and conditions under which to shoot—explaining the importance of choosing a clear, moonless night. The good news is “Milky Way season” is happening now.

The rest of the tutorial is devoted to camera settings, shooting techniques (including why it’s best to focus manually), and composition—with a quick editing tip at the end.

After watching this helpful episode we suggest you pay a visit to d’Entremont’s YouTube channel, which is full of great advice.

And don’t miss the tutorial we posted recently from another pro, explaining how to capture the mystery and beauty of Blue Hour.