Astrophotography: 14 MUST KNOW Starting Tips!

Image Processing Guide: bit.ly/astro-p...
1) Astrophotography is more than deep-sky imaging
2) Become obsessed with your progress
3) If it were easy, everyone would do it
4) Take online advice with a grain of salt
5) Your mount is really important, get a good one
6) Don’t start with a long focal length telescope!
7) Get ready for image processing
8) Weather is cruel, and you will obsess over it
9) It's expensive - there is no way around it
10) Social media sharing joys and letdowns...
11) Get out there and shoot
12) Dark skies make a big difference
13) Don’t be afraid of the dark…
14) Join your local astronomy club

[@mashpotatomountainobserver3338]

You made me realize about three years ago that it was possible to see deep space objects in such detail from a backyard. Until then I thought a huge observatory was needed to get such images. It's been a very rewarding three years full of ups and downs and not until recently have I produced an image that could actually hang on a wall. Yet the amazing sights to be seen and the fun nights have made it all well worth it. Doing visual first then EEA and then on to astrophotography has been a life changing experience. It has helped me profoundly and given the confidence to accomplish very complex tasks when cold, tired and frustrated. Truely a life-long pursuit of looking up at the heavens and wondering. Thank you very much for letting me know.

[@donbouc]

, .! L

[@berniestang2616]

Im new . I know trials ahead . Im wanting to photograph Andromeda !

[@wiktorwektor123]

@@berniestang2616 If you want to photograph Andromeda galaxy, the cheapest way to do so is DSLR camera with tripod and dark sky. Andromeda galaxy under dark sky is 8 times bigger than full moon. Get pair of binoculars and check yourself for more details.

[@darktiex9577]

First KZbinr that doesn't end their videos with like and subscribe. I just love people like that.

[@CaptConnoissuer]

This video has been so reaffirming to my struggles I’ve been doing Astro photography for about 2 1/2 years now and I’m still not quite in the place I want to be yet. My main problem is how expensive the hobby is. I’m 14 and don’t have a job so it takes me a long time to gather all the equipment I need from various sources, but this video has inspired me to keep going and I really have seen a lot of progress from when I’ve started, so thank you.

[@southernexposure123]

@Ayodeji Oyetosho: Congratulations. I'm an olden dude, age 74 at the moment. Some years back (and I now forget the exact details) one of my first and most appreciated pictures was made with a short fL lens on a DSLR type camera. It was Andromeda shot on a non-tracking tripod, a shutter speed of maybe 1 or 2 seconds and the lens was maybe 100 mm or was it 200 mm (memory fails lol) but I do remember it was a prime lens. I got something like 750 subs. I placed the object at one side of the live view screen and shot until it reached the other side of the camera screen. I'd get 50 or maybe it was 75 subs before moving the camera again for the next several shots. It took quite some time to get the stacking done in my computer. Then, I cropped it like crazy, but still got a highly satisfactory final picture after editing. I could see color, the spiral arms and the dust lanes and the stars were pretty well focused. These days getting focus is more challenging. I'm happy to hear you're beginning the hobby at an age where you can get focus a lot easier than I can now. 😃 Keep going the way you're headed and you'll progress at a steady rate. Don't allow short supply of money discourage you. My main advice is to pick targets that will fit the lens you have (there's likely a lot more of those than you might first think) and shoot those targets every chance you have. Good luck.

[@trutris124]

Bro I am 16 and don’t have a job at the moment bc of college. I got a celestron astroamaster 130AZ given to me because it was not used. It is definitely expensive, but take your time and use what you got. Right now, I am just using my phone and the telescope and I am getting some nice photos of mars and Jupiter.

[@michaelclancy7874]

@@trutris124 ZWO Seestar S500 $500 It will blow your mind. Or a used Canon T6 and a Used Rokinon 135,,F2 lens

[@Amo_Astra]

@@trutris124bro 16 and in college? Crazy.

[@trutris124]

@@Amo_Astra now I am 17. Yes, I was dual enrolled

[@Astro_Lugia]

I’m 14 and just got my first telescope. It’s nothing fancy but it does the job. And holy moly I’m hooked. I’m out there every night looking at random things, even if they just look like white dots. When I get bored of just white dots, I look for other things like planets and well, the moon. Sometimes you just have to get your telescope and go to random stars just to see what they are

[@Ggsmm44]

Yoo im 14 too but i have a big ahh scope so its complicated

[@potatochip2287]

I got a 4.5 inch reflector telescope for Christmas, I went out last night and looked at Jupiter and the Orion Nebula, I didn’t get a single image of either before my toes almost froze off in the 10°F weather , but I had the time of my life looking at what I did look at, and figuring everything out, I’m excited for what’s to come in my future of astrophotography , you are a big inspiration for me :).

[@priyanshuraha]

All the best👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😁

[@XPFTP]

i did my very 1st imaging with a 4.5 . i did a video of jupiter. it was small but yeah know... i loved every min of it. then i got the bug hard. went to a 12 inch dob. then came the hardcore starting out imaging. eq mount AVX. still use it ... orion 80 edapo the gray workhorse they sold. old canon 350 ir self moded. love every min of it.

[@Paulie1978100]

It's an amazing buzz!! truly addictive!!, well done bro!

[@philipps3988]

Happened to me just 3 years ago when my son gave me a real small simple scope - but seeing Jupiter and Orion through it got me completely hooked…now running a C11 and a C14 and can’t get enough 😂 enjoy!!!!

[@lichasvocke8642]

As a newcomer in Astrophotography i can only confirm everything you said. Im doing this hobby now for 2 years and just a few month ago i got to the point where my images are like i wanted them to be. It was a lot of frustration, trial and error to get there but its worth it! Awesome video Trevor Hopefully this will get more people started in this hobby like i did because of you 2 years ago!

[@finnreumers1506]

I agree as well but also as a newcomer I don't agree that you need an EQ mount to take deep space images. I use an alt az mount because they are cheaper and easier to use. I just connect my DSLR and lens to it, align it and I can take amazing photos that im proud of.

[@416pp]

What’s your current setup?

[@tarang221]

@@finnreumers1506 alt az is enough for dso ?

[@thisissparta3965]

There is no bigger question than 'Who are we, where are we from?' Jodie Foster, Contact and Professor Brian Cox 'We are all made from Star stuff'. You talk of frustration but frustration is what people with questions experience. Passion leads to experimentation, experimentation leads to answers. Too many folks on the astro journey expecting immediate results. As a martial artist then I can tell you the journey is lifelong, so is same for any pursuit of excellence. Being inquisitive and being persistent is the key to astronomy. If you don't have an answer then someone else prolly will. Trevor Jones has that passion and following those that are better is what leads you to becoming better. You don't get to be the chess champion without beating the grandmaster. In other words, a wise man knows he can't know everything. One thing I know as a researcher, if you need an answer, Google it. As Mulder and Scully would say ' The truth is out there'.

[@lichasvocke8642]

​@@416pp If you meant me with the question: Scope: TsOptics 80/480 Apo Cam: ZWO Asi 294mc pro Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 pro

[@kmydet]

stating that cloudy nights come whenever something new arrives or you're excited is so true. i had perfectly clear nights for weeks and as soon as my new ad8 came, the next week was full of cloudy and rainy nights

[@help8help]

I drive a semi for a living and I see so many beautiful places. I’ve been trying for two months and I finally finally got a good landscape with thousands of stars in the sky. I’m just blown away with how much more my camera can see mounted on a tripod with a 20 second exposure. I saw a black hillside and a couple stars.

[@ronallen2458]

I give this video one million likes. “Life is too short to spend it on the sidelines, watching and critiquing others. Get out there! Capture. Create. Inspire.” Thank you for the inspiration I needed today.

[@mejksonnenschein]

I haven't seen such an inspiring and motivational video in a long time. Thank you for that.

[@Sora-bo2rl]

I tried shooting wide frame sky image with my phone, and I find it give an interesting result. You're absolutely right on that!

[@sinsunjajpdfja8293]

I love how calm peaceful and positive you guys are

[@spacenthusiast]

Truly inspirational... I'm a young astrophotographer (I'm 15) and this video made me very very very proud of my passion!!! Thank You!!!

[@mattm2507]

Hey I bought your book and, I’m just blown away at how detailed you made it. It’s like reading a tutorial. I wasn’t expecting 133 pages either. Thanks 😊

[@williamkacensky4796]

If you're in a grizzly state wearing headphones is not a good idea.

[@Space_and_weather]

Very much, I've gotten snuck up on by a bear while reading and only noticed it cause it sneezed

[@NatanielsArt]

Or mountain lions

[@nordic5490]

@@NatanielsArt 200x more people are killed by dogs than mountain lions

[@skyblockjake]

Blasting angry music out of a big speaker work? In mountain lion and wolf country here.

[@NatanielsArt]

@@nordic5490 very possibly, luckily I haven't encountered a wild dog while shooting in the middle of nowhere

[@rudyamaya2532]

What great tips. I have been in this hobby for the last 2 years, and just now are my photos getting to the point where I can consider enlarging and printing. Point #15 - don't get discourage with your initial images. They will get so much better and it okay to continuously revisit the same target year after year.

[@michaelmuyambo7309]

The concept of failure, learning, improvement and repetition I've come to appreciate from astrophotography has helped me become more calm and grounded in other aspects of my life. Thank you for introducing me to the hobby and for sharing your insight and knowledge. Clear skies

[@KreatandZonalwolf2]

this advice did help i was capturing the orion nebula and i kept trying i'm really proud of my self it may not be the best but your right i took it I me spend my time learning to do this and you helped

[@jamesw5713]

Also, its amazing how your early bad images can still impress you and keep you motivated, simply because, you made it.

[@paulk119]

I love your channel! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us new folks. Always encouraging and hugely helpful..

[@aw7425]

As always you knocked it out of the galaxy, thank you our Astro friend, clear skies and happy holidays to you all

[@thisissparta3965]

No, Trevor never knocks it outta the galaxy. He knocks it outta the Multiverse. Oh, right, multiverse not been proven yet, my bad 😂

[@briankotak403]

Super pumped that you were one of the first KZbin astrophotographers that I discovered when I started thinking about igniting my life-long passion for astronomy in 2020. You constantly give thoughtful advice. #5 - invest in a good mount that can handle larger and heavier rigs in the future. My first purchase was a beefy mount. It took almost a year to subsequently get a telescope! Spent many days just staring at the mount in my home office. It has served me well though (3 telescopes later). Thanks for your dedication to this amazing hobby and your exceptional videos. Merry Christmas to you, Ash and Rudy! Clear skies my friend. Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@whoe_whate8487]

Thanks for the great tips Trevor. Im a beginner, and still have no clue what I’m doing, but I’ll take every opportunity to improve and get out there and take some pictures. A few nights ago I saw the Andromeda Galaxy for the first time through my telescope, and it really inspired me. And you’re correct, this is a VERY expensive hobby. Given enough time, I think i’ll be able to save up for some actual gear!

[@mikegorecki345]

Absolutely the most helpful and informative source on the internet... Thanks

[@jimmazurek5589]

Excellent advice. Oh, so true! It has been a joy to follow your journey in AP from the beginning.

[@FknGrrr]

Thank you for the fantastic video! I love your focus on tracking your own progress. I'm coming to astrophotography from visual astronomy, and I got into the habit of sketching what I was observing early on. Being able to go back and see the difference in my ability to see was really encouraging. I'm really looking forward to seeing what progress I make as I progress with astrophotography, as well.

[@bryanjohnston3114]

You give the best advice, I’m trying get my rig together and I’m getting close.

[@PetraKann]

Astrophotography is similar in difficulty than almost all other hobbies. It really depends on how far you’re willing to take it. Fishing for example can be a simple case of a handline thrown from the edge of lake or it can be Marlin fishing with expensive gear and tackle and a very expensive boat. In fact I would say that astrophotography is way more easy today than it was prior to computers and advanced software. The learning curve is steep as it is in other highly technical activities. From my point of view the challenge in astrophotography (after you’ve bought the gear) are access to clear nights and dark skies.

[@JamesBossert]

Hands down my favorite astrophotography channel. This is amazing. Thank you for the inspiration and the passion!

[@lukomatico]

Superb message buddy, I enjoyed every second of it - right from hitting "Play" to the end screen rolling :-) Keep up the great work, wishing You, Ash and Rudy a great Christmas, and can't wait to see what you share with us in 2023! Oh, and as if I'd forget - CONGRATULATIONS on 400k! :-D

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you Luke! Keep up the great work, brother. All the best in '23!

[@ToddGrivetti]

Excellent content and explanation. As a landscape photographer, you gave me additional insight into astrophotography. Appreciate your insights

[@leoncorns1450]

I watch many astrophotography videos, but only your videos Trevor capture the excitement and wonder of the hunt for these amazing heavenly objects. Truly inspiring.

[@eplerizer]

My favorite online advice is "your $1,800 Crestron is not really good for DSOs. Better off buying a different scope". Love that advice. So practical. Just buy new stuff! Why didn't I think of that? BTW, I'm doing just fine with a 6SE and ALT-AZ. Will upgrade mount when I have a few thousand to spend (not likely), or get a wedge (most likely). Also "don't waste time with a wedge". Get a German EQ Mount. Love that advice, too. Sorta like "don't be homeless, buy a house".

[@richardadams7683]

Such a wise head on such young shoulders. I've been an amateur astronomer for nearly 60 years and it's only fairly recently that I've started taking photos through the telescope. I started with an i-phone attached to the eyepiece and moved to a DSLR. The main objects were the Sun and Moon with the occasional attempt at Saturn and Jupiter. I suppose I've been playing at it, but found it extremely fun and rewarding. Whilst waiting for a bank of clouds to pass in front of Saturn, I decided to have a look at the Orion nebula. I decided to play with the exposure settings and was amazed at how much detail was revealed just by adding a couple of seconds to the length of each following one. I ended up with a series of photos that showed the transition from a light-polluted sky to a sky complete with an array of stars and a beautiful colour image of the great nebula itself. This was the first time I'd seen it myself rather than from the photos of others, which made it more real. Now I'm hooked and as a result, have some cause to thank clouds for allowing me the time to extend my play. Since then I've captured the part of the Moon that reflects Earthshine and have some great photos of it. At 70 years of age, I'm under no illusions that there will be many seasons left for me, but I'm happy in the knowledge that I'm going to see for myself, what I've only seen from the efforts of others. Thank you for providing such a sensible and down-to-Earth conversation in an area that must have turned many would-be astronomers away. If they'd seen your video first, they'd be well under way as the next generation of amateur astronomers getting ready to capture the Universe in all it's spectacular beauty.

[@masked2523]

Great vid!! I started astrophotography about a year ago and I have not had one night where no mistakes have happened. But every time I go back out there to re-try the next night clear night I don't make that same mistake again, but I find something else wrong which I have to fix next time. This is what makes you to want to keep getting outside and taking pictures of deep in space. I am 15, my mount is only an a-z goto mount, my camera doesnt show live view, my scope is not for deep space and my sky is extremely light polluted.. But even though it is said to be impossible to get deep space I am still trying and getting closer with every night. I recently got my first deep space image of the ring nebula, the feeling of it first popping on my camera was amazing!!! I am saving up for an eq mount, a better scope and a better camera, but in the mean time I am still fighting my way through the toughness of this amazing journey, even though 99% of the time I come in late, cold and with no success. I still keep trying, this is because... of a great astrophotography who lives locally has given me so much of his time to help me and advise me, because... my love for astronomy is extremely high and because... I know one day, that everything will go right and I will get my first deep space image which I can call my own which will be perfect in my own eyes. Clear skies all!!!

[@Cynaut407]

Thank you AstroBackyard!!!!!!!!! I acquired my fathers Celestron Nexstar Evolution 8 and his DSLR after his passing from contracting covid from a patient 2 years ago. I picked up this hobby to honor and remember him. Unfortunately I was never able to learn any of this from him before his passing. I have been unsatisfied with what images I have taken and ready to just give up. Space was always our passion especially when he landed a dream job of working at Nasa on the medical staff. I am still a total newb and looking for the right direction to start taking somewhat decent tips. If anyone is willing to give me steps in the right direction i would appreciate it. I know you wont see this message AstroBackyard but THANK YOU for this video. You have helped keep my dream alive of honoring my father!!!! Keep it up. Your videos are truly inspiring

[@santoslo77]

Extremely informative video! I agree with always celebrating any amount of progress. I’m just beginning to get into astrophotography, and just last week I was able to capture a small image of the Orion Nebula. Just that feeling got me so pumped! I’m so excited to see what’s in store for my future with astrophotography. But I’ll always remember that it’s never gonna be easy. Even the best of the best make mistakes.

[@slider6177]

Man, you nailed everything the way I'm feeling and what I'm going through with this hobby. I've been heavily involving myself with your videos for quite some time, buying some merch and really try to get out. I've got such heavy anxiety and ADD that I've just been all over the emotional spectrum with where and how to start. I really appreciate how well you communicate the enjoyment and remind us, it's a life long enjoyment and to not rush. Thanks for being "the mount" in my hobby and keeping me steady on days when this hobby just rattles me.

[@thisissparta3965]

Speaking of anxiety. I may have been missed early on with diagnosis for autism or Asperger's so know how you feel. Being rattled is what happens to a lot of those that have achieved great things. Most peeps that don't get instant results just give up. Those that achieve greatness fail then say well that didn't work, what if I try this. They keep going because they are looking for answers and keep going till they find them. Trevor was a baby when he started his journey and although he may be too humble to admit it then he has quickly became a master. It's a lifelong journey so even he has some way to catching up with the old timer grandmasters that are in their 60s 70s and 80s but hey, what's the rush 😁🖖

[@OSkarSS20]

Absolutely agree with all Your points! Even tho my main target is Northern Lights(Aurora Borealis), specially close to heart point was bout weather.... I am obsessed with checking many apps and many times per day... But I love doing it... I will carry on doing it and upgrading my toys for it...

[@VladMatejka]

A few days ago i repaired an old Meade 900mm by 60mm refractor. .965 eyepiece and got my dslr on it. I got it tuned to Jupiter and low and behold the image was grey. I didn't care. I could see some moons. I did everything i think I could and the image was still gray - winter and cirrus clouds probably didn't help, but it didn't matter. I got to see what those who came before us saw when their knowledge of what was out there was barely moving along. It's not as pretty as a space probe or large telescope image, but it gave me chills. Doing it yourself is a totally different experience. You have to take the small victories I agree. It's about the journey, not the end.

[@SuzanneWhitehead-ot9fi]

Your huge Celestron models are truly amazing! I love them!

[@angelsalas7884]

Great video Trevor! I started astrophotography after taking a picture of the orion nebula with a smartphone on a dobson telescope and I was hooked. After 2 full years of astrophotography, I can't help but agree with all you mentioned especially the awful cloudy weather all of 2022 has had and that we gotta be patient, next year might be better. These great tips can help to keep us all motivated no matter the time we have been in this hobby. Thanks for inspiring so many to take up this amazing hobby!

[@c63blackseries63]

Extremely valuable advices here, I myself just started and found out how expensive the hobby can be - and trust me I love some expensive hobbies. Very frustrating for a non-photographer to learn the huge amount of detailed techniques. But it's watching professionals motivations like this one that will keep me going! Thanks for sharing!

[@ld1897]

You are truly inspirational to me, I started this journey because off you, and I'm enjoying the process. I needed this video, thank you. I've had some amazing victories and just as many disappointments; weather, focusing, willingness to go somewhere dark and being afraid, but I'm in it for life.

[@toanthai]

Great tips, Trevor! I have doing AP for a total of 4 months now. I have been watching your channel for years. I have a Canon 6D, Star Adventure 2i and Svbony sv503 70ED. Recently, I added an ASIAIR plus and a guide scope. This helps a lot with longer exposure 😊 Keep cranking these videos. I will be watching them. Clear skies!

[@dylan-reece]

Absolutely Fantastic Video Trevor. Thanks for including all of Us. And for all you do for our Astro Community. Rock On! \m/ Bloodstone.

[@george___43]

I'm very excited to start this hobby. My new telescope comes in a few days. Your videos are really helpful. I will definitely purchasing the "astro-processing" guide. Thank you.

[@writerian]

I've watched this vid three times now. It's the best pep talk I've ever received. Thanks Trevor. You rock!

[@FPVsimon]

For me it’s all about the progress I’ve made in 2 years, my first image of Orion maybe a n00b pic, compared to the HDR image I do know but is still one of the most treasured images I’ve done, I was soooo chuffed with it with the cheap 2nd hand gear I used, and I mean less than £150 for everything I love this hobby ❤️

[@thisissparta3965]

Chuffed with the cheap second hand gear 🤣 nice. Oh how I'd love to have an Astrophysics or a Takahashi triplet but you know the latest scope I just bought was a SW ST80 for £118 and I absolutely love it. Beats those Amazon, made of plastic and promising a zillion times magnification turds that part the oblivious with their winter heating cash 😂 the interest of the astronomer is a PERSONAL journey and while I may salivate over an Officina Stellare fitted with Primaluce Labs Plus mountings on an Avalon tracking mount and a few Teleview eyepieces (which most pensioners giving their life to the hobby may incidentally possess) then to be honest just knowing I have 'A decent scope' makes me grin like a Cheshire 🐱 cat 👍

[@woozii.capalot]

I just started on Christmas n took a picture of the Orion Nebula with just my phone n a telescope. A couple days later n it’s already way better

[@thisissparta3965]

@@woozii.capalot Even if there are better images out there then nothing feels better than the pictures that you take yourself and the future improvements you see in them.

[@woodswalker88]

Hi! I'm a Pre-Newbie. I just started looking up a few months ago. We camped at Cherry Springs and I was STARSTRUCK!! Then came the big disappointment: the 2nd nite it RAINED. I swore I would be back!! Meanwhile I joined the local astro club, bought some binocs & discovered that with a little effort I could still see stars in my suburban area!! Then I learned that you can't see the galaxies & milky way as well with your eyes as with a camera. That's when I started looking into astrophog. My resources: I've used photoshop for making electronic music videos. Camera: a Moto G Android phone. No telescope yet. My hopes: I want to get out and look at the Milky Way forever. May as well have a camera taking a long exposure. This gives me an excuse to go to the most beautiful remote places and be outside looking at stars as long as possible. It's not because I want a bunch of pix on the wall. It's because the stars are a spiritual experience for me. Thanks for your video!

[@RazorChrist]

I just passed my first full year doing astro photography, and it's been quite a year of learning. But your tips over the months have helped immensely. The obsession with weather is no joke..lol. But astronomy has been a passion of mine since I was a kid, and I'm finally able to explore that passion. There have been some crushing lows between fighting my rig or going two months with bad weather. But you have to be dedicated to this craft, or it'll make you walk away quick. But being under the stars is a kind of therapy for me and it's not something I'm going to be giving up any time soon. Cheers and clear skies, Trevor!

[@1pcmedic]

Yes, all true! The satisfying feeling of personal progress is priceless, with anything.

[@tjsnapper1953]

I'M a newbie to this journey and struggle around the night sky because of my health limitations but I am not going to to give up. Thanks for your inspiring contributions

[@toowhiteboy18]

Been so interested in this but still haven't jumped in because it's so overwhelming. Thanks for making this video!

[@BertL1]

After years of watching the stars and enjoying my photography hobby, I have yet to make the jump into Astrophotography. It’s a goal, and one I will commit to one day. While I watch all your videos, this one is perhaps the best food for thought I’ve come upon in a long time that has lit more of a fire under me to at long last perhaps take the leap. Thank you. It’s bookmarked and I’ll watch it again, I’m sure. You will be part of the reason I ultimately get into the hobby.

[@Ch1psahoy]

2:23 I'm a long time musician dabbling in astrophotography- I've struggled with feelings of inadequacy with my music, how little I've released, my small set of fans.... But that part changed the way I think about it. I couldn't have recorded or mixed any of this stuff a few years ago. I couldn't have played guitar like this 10 years. Heck I've even seen my photo and video progress over the last year. Thank you so much for that. I came looking for astro tips and ended up tearing up lmao

[@Hathor2903]

Point 8 helped me... Almost 2 years in row with really bad weather conditions makes me starting to think about giving up and sells eveything. So thank you to keep my motivation :)

[@astroenthusiast1611]

Brilliant video Trevor one of your best, asking the community for their views was a masterstroke. Keep up the good work.

[@JFTN123]

Priceless advice!

[@mikehardy8247]

My friends and family see me pursuing this hobby with distane. Because it takes a lot of integration time, more editing time, it's a waste of time (according to them). This makes me lonely, depressed, and bitter. Tonight first clear skies in weeks. I'll be out there in low teen F. Bortle 9 skies. Seems to me like my local astronomy club sees beginners as dumb, and don't seem friendly. Been following you for years now. Big cost of hobby, that you've afforded to overcome, is a house in dark skies. Wish I would have known this 25 years ago. And your statement about always having next season. I'm old far fewer years in front of me . Thanks for putting up with my wining. STILL LOVE IT!

[@davewillis3017]

Absolutely brilliant Trevor! Very inspirational! Just walking into this hobby blind has made me realize taking long strides without baby steps can make you trip and fall. It’s the small rewards seeing your pictures progress is what is the true addiction of the hobby. Thank-you for all your kind words of encouragement. Really enjoy all your presentations! Cheers brother! Dave W

[@spideraraachnid9103]

You made my life and just everything. Thank you this is an alt but thank you I got so much nostalgia from watching this. I remember I first found you in 2020 when o started getting into astronomy

[@bluecollarboys6294]

Trevor this really encourages me man. I’ve just started this year with my simple Celestron 127 Mak and my iPhone on a mount, I lit up when I saw the first long exposure picture of the Orion Nebula I took, blurry and all!! But I just ordered my first camera for a telescope and I couldn’t be more excited. As imperfect as my current rig, and skill set is, I haven’t been this excited for a hobby in years! Thanks for the encouragement and content; it makes me proud to be entering a new community so vibrant and exciting.

[@ColeDedhand]

Things that seem so obvious that they're not even worth mentioning can really trip up a beginner. For instance, I thought that polar alignment meant centering Polaris in the crosshairs. This actually worked OK when I was using a tracking mount for visual observing, finding objects by star-hopping, and I never gave it a thought. But when I got a go-to mount I found out I had been doing it wrong for years.

[@elithic]

Geez, what a fabulous video. Not only filled with great, relevant information (for beginners and experienced astrophotographers alike), but presented in such a kind, understanding, and engaging way. Trevor, you're a master at teaching this.

[@obafgkm30108]

Thank you for all your inspiration! I decided to take an observing class in my local community college and I could not believe the number of resources and knowledge I had access to! On top of learning about telescopes and image capturing, the professor also teaches astrophotography in class... decades of experience in image capturing and processing are easily accessible to me. I highly recommend this to anyone if this option is available to them!

[@roud11]

The fourm part is so true. I was asking once about a light scope to put on both my star adventurer 2i and gti and same answers were "sell your mount" or "you're going to have tracking errors". I learned to ignore these people as you shouldn't try to please strangers on internet (if not selling prints) but yourself

[@andrewhardie8138]

Some brilliant advice in this video. I started a few months back and only just learned how to nail my Polar Alignment last night to get much better tracking. I have an EQ3 Pro mount and from a lot of forums I read i was consistently told that this mount is useless for astrophotography and I should buy an EQ5 at the very minimum. Well, I made some changes and nailed some techniques and I can now get 3 min exposure with perfect tracking using my EQ3 Pro. Do I want a better mount eventually, yes, but this mount is perfect to allow be to progress at this early stage.

[@Jim_Mundy]

Tremendous video. Thank you for your candid advise.

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

I plan to shoot in my backyard although there is plenty of light pollution from my nearby city, but I can see _some_ stars at night. I can figure out the basics, especially regarding how the equipment works. So, when I do take the time to go to a dark sky area, I'll be better prepared. I already have some photography experience as a hobby, but new to astro. I do want to try different things out to see what I enjoy the most but probably starting with astro-landscape (milky way) first since I live in Colorado. From what I gather, that is likely the type of astro I can get started using my existing equipment - plus an astro mount.

[@dlindsay1797]

Some great personal accomplishments come before the image. Successful polar alignment. Successful 3 plate alignment. Mastering the different interfaces. The hardware, the network, fine focus, back focus, PPEC. I've spent entire nights familiarizing myself with NINA and making it work, only to go the ASIair route. But it was still a satisfying venture. I enjoy your insightful take on this great hobby. Two months in and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks! Congratulations to Ashley. She's the featured guest on SkyWatcher KZbin What's Up Webcast tomorrow.

[@jatoav8or]

Just starting out and I’m already frustrated by the weather. I’m on the Washington coast and the sky goes from crystal clear to overcast in the time it takes to use the restroom! I really appreciate the information you and others offer. I can’t imagine attempting this pre internet.

[@Jamesee777]

Alone in the dark... you said, "question why every car is out so late". LOL! I'm worried about that too! Just started out viewing and taking pics with my son using an AZ GTI with Celestron mak C90 at a bortle 6 site close to home. My backyard is a level 7 but can only see half the sky. Originally bought to see terrestrial stuff over 10 years ago. Took 30s exposures of Andromeda with DSLR and looked like a hazy comet ball but it still made both of us exited. What a pleasure using a motorized mount for viewing. Can't see any DSO and Andromeda was just a smudge in the scope. Much to learn with astrophotography but your channel is the best! Amazed at what small telescopes can do with the right gear. Prior to that, used worn out camera tripod that couldn't lock position and viewing planets and stars move out of view in less than a minute was no fun. Was at Kill Bear PP a month ago and couldn't find a dang thing using my worn out camera tripod. Wish I had the AZ GTI then. Would have blown my mind. Amazing channel! Thanks for your hard work and excellent presentation and knowledge!

[@jameseaton7075]

Thank you so so so much for this excellent video. I've only been enjoying the hobby for a year and have learnt so much. But been so baffled by various forums and put off by technical nonsense. You rule!!

[@thisissparta3965]

Hey dude. As someone interested in optics then I can safely say that before making a purchase then the most important key like in war is intelligence. Sure you can go in full steam ahead and make your own mistakes, most of the successful people in life learn that way, but, why make mistakes when intelligence is your main tool. Intelligent people ask questions and who better to learn from than those vloggers that have already done that journey. Let's say I want to buy a telescope. I don't just do minutes or hours or days but sometimes weeks or months or years of research before deciding, yes, I'm going to buy that. Not the best telescope ever made, not even an FPL53 triplet refractor but after many years of looking eventually acquired a Skywatcher ST80 refractor and you know what? For the reasonable price I just Luv it. Being an astro guy is like being a baby. Start small and grow 😁

[@mjklein]

Good advice. I bought a 127mm Mak for my daughter. She wants to take some solar system photos. I have a DLSR and I got an adaptor ring and eyepiece holder. I also got a USB camera. I'm an engineer in 3 fields and I'll figure it out. Once I go through the learning curve and make a bunch of mistakes, I'll go looking for advice because it will make sense because of context. I'm looking forward to using the Astro Stacking feature of Affinity Photo after all these years. Thanks for saying what needed to be said!

[@stevethomas5978]

Awesome video and tips as always Trevor. Thank you also for including your fellow astronomers.

[@jerrysarnataro6296]

I am just starting this amazing hobby. Thank you for this inspirational video!!

[@domino089]

Oh man, that weather point...and I cannot agree more with social media and printing. I've picked up a nice pro level printer recently and started to print my photos, not only astro images. To hold your own work in hands, large scale, it is just amazing. 100 times better feeling than likes on social medias. Clear skies

[@kallesirvio2695]

Damn, #8 really hit home. I chose maybe the two worst hobbies to have somewhere with frequent bad weather, motorcycling and astrophotography.

[@Dana_Watson]

As someone who started the journey into astrophotography in July this year with only a cellphone propped on the roof or rear window of a car, I sincerely appreciate your humble attitude and willingness to share helpful advice, especially to those of us just getting started. Out of all these listed, numbers 9 and 10, in my opinion, are by far two of the most important pieces of advice a beginner should take to heart. My wife had a stock Nikon D3200 not being used, so I began trying it out. I plan on purchasing a astro modified Canon, simply to have the experience of using both, and hopefully, grow my equipment list from there. Thank you again for all the great videos and advice, and most of all, for remembering we all have to start somewhere.

[@robertw1871]

I'm not a beginner and this is solid advice that isn't biased towards one point of view.... I very strongly believe the most important thing is getting enjoyment out of this and doing what you want instead of blindly following others. It's great to have a community, but a community of individuals and where skill level makes no difference, any image is a great image and I love looking at stuff fellow photographers get even if they aren't hubble quality.

[@denispemberton1807]

This is a great video thank you Trevor, I have had my Scope for 7 years and have been unable to use it due to ill health, however, I am better now so videos like yours are a god send. Den

[@traceyhiggins5664]

Hi Trevor. We’ve been watching your channel for awhile now and you have inspired us to get into astrophotography. We live in Australia and love the night sky. We are amazed at the sky at Stanthorpe where our friends live. Looking at the Milky Way just blows our minds. Saw your video of coming to Australia at Byron Bay. Would’ve loved to have gone to that convention. Looking forward to more of your videos. Sending you sunshine from Oz🦘🌏🌙🌟

[@misaelescobarruiz1193]

Sus tomas y procesado amigo trevor son fantásticas saludos desde Honduras

[@jonrbryan]

Number 13 was a hoot, Trevor! I live on four acres in a semi-rural Bortle 4 zone in the Desert Southwest. Deer wander (and sometimes bound) down the swale in front of where I normally set up in front of my house. On a moonless night they can be ten yards in front or me and be completely invisible. Coyote choirs sometimes congregate 50-100 yards from the house. I keep thinking of getting a game trail camera to see what I'm missing. I'm 68 and have been interested in astronomy since middle school, when I used to get the Edmund Scientific catalogues and price out all the components to build a telescope each time a new issue came in the mail. Forty years ago I went out several times with a friend from work to look through his big Celestron SCT. In 1997 I took pictures of Comet Hale-Bopp with a 35mm camera I attached to my porch post. But I always put off buying a scope with the excuse that it was a lot less expensive to just buy a magazine or coffee table book and look at pictures way better than anything I could possibly take myself. Fifteen years ago a frustrated friend gave us her 6" computerized Newtonian, and I was completely underwhelmed and overwhelmed at the same time. It gathered dust until we passed it on to someone else. But things were changing. I got an astronomy app on my phone and was able to point it at a bright object moving above the trees and tell my granddaughter that it was the Space Station! In 2017 we drove to Nebraska to watch the Total Solar Eclipse. I retired. A couple of years ago I began to notice that the hobby was being transformed by CMOS cameras and laptop computers. I found your channel, and all the other resources proliferating online. My interest re-ignited, I finally took the plunge and put together an entry-level rig (my wife can attest to the truth of Tip #9). I've been having a blast for a year now, and you're a big part of the reason. Sincere thanks, and best wishes in all your endeavors!

[@void0094]

Thank you for this video. A couple of years ago I wanted to start the hobby but some KZbinr convinced me that my 4 inch newtonian telescope is ''way too small'' for astrophotography so I decided to spend the money I had on something else. I'll start this deep sky astrophotography once I have enough money to buy decent equipment.

[@henri-julienchartrand3387]

Coming from an experienced and talented astrophotographer like you, this adress will be on top of my list of videos that I will recommand for newbies. Many thanks Trevor!

[@terryrees8574]

What a great video Trevor, thank you. I'm just starting on my astrophotography journey. My partner & I bought a dobsonian 8" reflector about 10 years ago (I really wish we'd bought an equatorial mount) but hardly ever use it. After seeing another KZbinr's video earlier which took you through capturing the Orion nebula without a tracker (including all the frames required and the processing steps in Photoshop) I'm going to give it a go and if successful, buy a StarAdventurer GTi. It's only 2 hours or so for me to get to a Bortle 3 sky area in Wales, UK. Subscribed and looking forward to going through your back catalogue. My partner already go to our local astronomy club (she calls it space nerds 🙂) I may just tag along. Cheers, Terry.

[@grahamstreet596]

Thank you this has been the most straight talking informative video I have watched 🤦‍♂️ I have taken more from this one video than probably 10 others I have watched. Now feel comfortable that I'm heading down the right track. Keep up the good work many thanks 😊

[@claudiogoncalves1985]

The 13° its on spot. I get annoyed with too much silence and with the noises when alone in a strange place. Get used to the loneliness it's the most important step that i need to take.

[@mrcrashash]

Thank you Trevor. I have been at this just a little over one year. What a long strange trip it has been. I still have not made one photo yet that I would even print or post. This has got to be the biggest rabbit hole of a hobby I have ever fallen into. Your videos are always encouraging and keeps me going. Practice makes perfect they say and it sure applies to this hobby. I still enjoy just doing visual astronomy and showing my adult kids the rings of Saturn or even looking at the moon in it's phases showing the craters of it's surface. Even at my age it is still fun to learn new things and this hobby sure fit's the bill. Thanks again for all you are doing.

[@Mike-lh4wn]

The variety is really nice. Solar, moon, planetary, DSOs, milky way, comets, northern lights, star trails, widefield, etc.

[@twihardsuperfan321]

Wise words! Trevor, and a few others, were the insight I needed to, simply, begin, deep sky. It is a fantastic journey and the skies are ripe no matter where you live. I began with the moon. That first holy smokes moment after taking your first image is amazing. Mine's still hanging on the wall. A muddy pic of the Orion Nebula on a used Celestron 8" on the go to mount done with a Canon T7 screwed on to the back.

[@tedbergner6897]

What great advice. Change the subject to woodworking, painting, etc, still works. Nice job.

[@HarnessedPwr]

Man!!! I loved all your great points !!!!!! And truths !!!!

[@lewisbell8058]

I got my first ever setup 3 days ago and it felt so good using trial and error to solve all the small problems that rlly add up. Also, thx for the tip on playing some music, it does take you away from the bad things your mind tries to convince you are lurking out there.

[@danielpetzen]

What an excellent set of truths around astrophotography and very apt observations (especially about the opiniated experts giving reality detached advice). I agree wholeheartedly with all you said. I went straight from an ETX-90 to a Celestron C9.25 (fortunately with a Skywatcher EQ6 Pro after some good advice from the local astronomy club), so I can relate to what you're saying. I was on my way to sell it all several times and it took me half a year to get my first decent pictures. It was way too steep a learning currve!

[@graham-hodgetts]

Hugely relatable video. The ups and downs. The frustration and joy. Thank you for inspiring us to keep going. After a few nights in the UK around -3 degrees and not much to show from it, other than skills gained and numb fingers.

[@trevorbray7960]

Thank you Trevor for the many educational and motivational videos. I started AP 3 years ago and your channel has been a huge help in learning this craft. It is a tremendous hobby that never gets old and fills so many different buckets science, technology, exploration, art could go on on. What amazes me is the advancements in the gear. I recently started downsizing and just got the asi am5 matched with a wo flt91, 2600mc, ASIAIR plus and an eaf and what a huge difference in portability, ease of use, and quality of image! Keep creating and sharing content. Your fan base appreciates all you efforts. Happy holidays! Clear skies!

[@skylinevspec000]

Ive been a dabbler for over a decade.. Only in the last year or so have I focused my effort and so much of this video is true I feel into the big scope, big gear, big this big that trap and it threw me out so badly. Almost sold all my gear, never to look up again. I started again, small portable (Star Adventurer) , realized I prefer goto, I got a not quite proper goto EQ (Az GTI with EQ pack) realized I want a proper goto, though that kit was amazing, the GTI was released, perfection. Bundled this with my 10yr old DSLR and 135mm lens I took some beauties. I wanted less wobble, back in the day I purchased an NEQ6, it lay mostly dormant til today. After some hectic relearning I sit here processing 8.5hrs of galaxy data... Im close to 10 min exposures now days. Next step is the 12" reflector that came with the scope !!..It is over weight but I am determined to get 1 deep space picture with it. Then sell it after I mod it to be a dob lol.