Remember this post: https://callofnatureblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/the-moon-returns/ ?
Shooting the moon is pretty easy if you have a good telephoto lens (for example a 70-300mm). You don’t even need a tripod in many situations (I didn’t use one for the pictures I displayed in the previous article), especially if the lens has the stabilization feature.
(click below for more details and in order to visualize the pictures)
However when shooting a “starscape” the story is completely different. Not only you need a tripod, but you also need to choose your settings in a wise manner depending on the effect you desire. For example if you want to get some beautiful star trails a long exposure time (at least half an hour) is needed.
The other 2 exposure parameters (ISO and aperture) must also be carefully setup if you want a correct exposure, and in many cases this can only be done in a “trial and error” fashion. Based on my calculations, a good starting point would be 30 minutes, f4 aperture and ISO100. By “playing” with these values, the desired effect can finally be obtained. And better shoot raw in order to have maximum flexibility in adjusting the exposure and the white balance at post processing.
As a final point I recommend using a wide angle lens, but this of course depends on what you really want to shoot. Feel free to choose what suits you best!
Having said these, I must admit I still have much to learn about this type of photos. In fact, last week was the first time I shot a “starscape”, results of this experience being displayed below.
My conclusion? This type of photography has a huge potential and brilliant results can be obtained, if you’re in the right place and at the right time!
“Sky is the limit” gets a new meaning! 🙂
Long exposure time (half an hour)
Shorter exposure time (approx. 10 minutes)
Call of Nature 