The darker the sky, the better chance you have of capturing the intricate details of stars, planets, and moonlight. Utilize light pollution mapsīefore you head out to find your next nighttime subject, use an interactive light pollution map like Dark Site Finder to find the best locations for star-centric long exposure photography.

That means steering 30-50 miles clear of cities, suburbs, and well-traveled or lighted roads.ĭon’t be afraid to be a pioneer in rural areas: Finding hidden ruins, small forest lakes, and interesting mountain-scapes off the beaten path can net you some seriously unique and eye-catching images. So, unless you’re shooting cityscapes, you’ll get the best results by avoiding areas with light pollution. Light pollution obscures your view of the night sky. In other words, if you stand in front of a tree or find a valley with mountains that “block” your view of the city lights, the light pollution will remain because the light source still exists and is still creating the same effect even when you can’t see it doing so. Unlike the blinding glare from the sun that you can avoid by putting your hand over your eyes or putting on sunglasses, light pollution doesn’t disappear when you “block” the artificial light. “Light pollution” is, essentially, a reflection of excessive artificial light into the atmosphere that washes out your view of stars, planets, and constellations. Step 2: Find a location free of light pollution If you see “mostly cloudly” or “overcast”, however, you’re better off picking a clearer night. Phrases like “passing clouds” or “mostly clear” are a sign that good shots are within your grasp. To avoid surprises, start by reviewing your local weather report. Moonlight provides gorgeous ambient light, but also hides the stars from your camera’s view. And, if you want to shoot under the ambient light of the moon, know that clearly exposed constellations will be sacrificed for a nicely lit landscape.

If the sky is full of clouds, know that the chance of getting a good shot of the stars (or a clear one of the moon) is slim. Unlike daytime photography, surprises (like clouds and rain) don’t usually produce good results in night photography. Picking a day with the right weather conditions for your shot is paramount. Step 1: Check out weather and sky conditions first The following six steps will be a good starting point for your next (or first) long exposure photography trip. Unless you’re shooting a cityscape, you’ll need to venture beyond the realms of light pollution to get a clear view of the sky. Night photography requires a bit more planning and strategic supplies than daytime photography.

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