Starting from scratch astrophotography day

This course covers all aspects of astrophotography at a beginner’s level, whether with DSLR/mirrorless cameras or specialised astro cameras, from wide-field photography with an undriven camera to through-the-telescope imaging. Topics include:

* Basic night photography with a DSLR, using a tripod and a range of lenses. Control of the camera, choice of ISO, shutter speed, lens, etc.

* Driven exposures, eg piggybacking, use of driven platforms such as AstroTrac, Star Adventurer etc.

* Attaching a DSLR to a telescope, including a mention of afocal imaging for those with compacts and phone cameras. Increasing the focal length for planetary imaging (Moon and planets)

* Planetary and lunar imaging through a telescope using a webcam – capturing and processing images. Choice of cameras, increasing the image scale, tips and tricks

* Long-exposure imaging through the telescope – comparison of DSLR and dedicated cameras. The choice between single-shot colour and mono cameras. Autoguiding

* RGB imaging, choice of filters, and basic image processing using Photoshop.

* Computer control of the camera and the telescope using the manufacturer’s remote capture software and proprietary software such as APT. Control of the telescope using software such as SkyMap etc.