How to PHOTOGRAPH the Milky Way | Settings - Timelapse - Tips

Welcome to Part 3 of my Milky Way Series! In this video, I review HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE MILKY WAY in a straightforward and simply way. I give details on the camera settings you should use for both still images as well as shooting a Milky Way timelapse. Join me as I travel to a lake in northern Vermont to apply the settings and skills that I review in the first half of the video. You'll get a sneak peak into other aspects of my Vermont life outside of photography and also see that photography outings don't always go exactly as planned. Enjoy!
#milkyway #nightphotography #outdoorphotographyschool
Best sure to check out the rest of my Milky Way Series for a complete guide on how to photograph the Milky Way:
Part 1: How to PLAN a Milky Way Photo | Step by Step with PhotoPills - • How to PLAN a Milky Wa...
Part 2: How to PREPARE for Night Photography - Gear, Accessories, Tips & Tricks - • How to PREPARE for Nig...
▶ Love what you're learning here and want to support this channel? You can buy me a coffee! :)
www.buymeacoffee.com/brendape...
Thanks for your support!
GEAR I RECOMMEND FROM THIS VIDEO:
Camera - any DSLR or mirrorless camera that can handle high ISO settings will do. I currently use the following:
Nikon D810 (full frame) DSLR Camera: amzn.to/2phHzua
Nikon D5500 (crop sensor) DSLR Camera: amzn.to/2JqAO1J
Lenses - fast wide angle lenses are best
Rokinon 14mm, f/2.8, manual focus: amzn.to/2IBp0sf
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Lens: amzn.to/2uR7Dlf
Tripod - any sturdy tripod will do
Gitzo GT2532 Carbon Tripod (current model): amzn.to/2uN7ZZO
Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ballhead: amzn.to/2GCgbi1
ACCESSORIES I RECOMMEND FROM THIS VIDEO:
Vello Freewave Plus Remote Shutter Release (check compatibility with your camera): amzn.to/2IxlSON
Petzl Headlamp: amzn.to/2EraVeb
Alite Camp Chair: amzn.to/2JpVsPf
Gaffer Tape: amzn.to/2HeI6F5
Handwarmers: amzn.to/2FHnyHQ
Lens Warmer Muff: amzn.to/2GFgxmZ
Ruggard Rain Cover: amzn.to/2HGqxN0
Red Transparency Adhesive Film: amzn.to/2qbr16Q
PhotoPills App: www.photopills.com
▶ Check out my gear on Kit: kit.co/brendapetrella
CONNECT WITH ME:
Website: outdoorphotographyschool.com
Online gallery: www.brendapetrella.com
Instagram: / brendapetrella
Facebook: / outdoorphotographyschool
BORING BUT IMPORTANT:
All video and still images are by Brenda Petrella.
Royalty-free music from: www.epidemicsound.com
Brenda Petrella Photography, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It's no extra cost to you and it helps support this channel. Thank you!

[@mondujar279]

You are a star yourself. You explain things so clearly and concisely, it’s refreshing to know we all have difficulties and failures on the way to that one perfect shot

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks so much, Andrew! And it's true - the unpredictable moments help make the perfect shot even more special when it finally happens. :)

[@berniestang2616]

Great video !!!!

[@HistoryByGPS]

I disagree with you assumption that the time lapse was ruined. The lights and extra flashes adds to the story. Great job! - Jim

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

:) Glad you think so - thanks! That is a good perspective.

[@GaleRainwater]

Nice to have you back Brenda. I am referring back to some of your great Astro. information. Thanks

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks, Gale! It's great to be back.

[@ChipChapinSJ]

Thanks for including all the difficulties. Headlights and party-goers are definitely part of what have to deal with. At least I don't have cows.

[@OSLABADS]

You’re awesome!! Excellent teacher!! Thanks

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@natew.455]

Even though things didn’t go quite as planned, the image and clip were stunning. I’m excited to get out there!

[@berkleysdad09]

There is so much to learn in photography. Thanks for your videos and your great teaching style.

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks, Brad!

[@SidneyPratt]

Thanks Brenda.

[@stopitwithusernames]

"Night photography is a great way to really dive in and know how to use your camera, front to back." Amen!

[@montanaylago]

I'm glad that you decided to share the time-lapse even when you did not like it a 100% Better luck next time!

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks, David!

[@tonybelton345]

That was a really nice time lapse sequence. The car lights and “party” added to it I reckon. I’m going to have a go!

[@TheChapin333]

Still an awesome sight , what a lovely part of the world you live in

[@rogerholland98]

Just getting into Milky Way photography with my crop sensor Nikon. Great trio of videos that really helped me. Thanks SO MUCH!

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

You are so welcome!

[@carlreid4161]

Great series Brenda I’ve watched them all after your Friday PhotoPills series episode on Milky Way. I often take a self inflating mat to help my knees and also to just lie back and marvel at the night sky.

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

That's a great idea - thanks for sharing, Carl!

[@camerond1433]

I was literally watching this video to shoot at Lake Willoughby how funny😂.

[@gwhite5555]

Your tutorials are excellent. Accessible, comprehensive, concise, zero ego. Thank you so much. At 73yo, seeing the Milky Way is tops on my bucket list for this summer.

[@mikebailey1237]

Just came across your tutorials. You are a wonderful teacher. Love your style. I have just become so interested in night photography. 5 stars

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words. I'm glad the videos are helpful.

[@thosyoung373]

Excellent video... sometimes you have to take the uninitiated in stride. You’re not only an excellent teacher (love your videos), but a very patient person. You mentioned in Part II that it’s important to protect your night vision. Can you imagine that the very worst offender is my vehicle? At night, there are white parking lights; brilliant lights illuminating the ground outside each door; brilliant LED lights for switch settings, foot lights, power stations, door exit lights, etc; even with the headlights turned off, there are exterior and interior lights on unless the car is shut down and locked, with the alarm on. I’ve had to search the internet for large rolls of transparent red film that I can put over parking lights, etc. I guess the Japanese think their customers want all these brilliant lights on.

[@jerclarkedotorg]

Love this series! Thanks so much for your down-to-earth and common-sense approach! Being ready for dissappointment is definitely half the battle with astro. I live in Mexico City and normally can never shoot the stars, and on a trip to Sri Lanka I carried a tripod the whole time without having a single clear nigh to shoot! Wish me luck on my trips this summer lol

[@herlingwowor1896]

Loved your results those cars headlights made it look like some ufo’s came in. Thank you for this great tutorial. I have never shot nite photography but you are making it irresistible.

[@DjPorkchop73]

Hi Brenda. I have been all over YT since I got my first real camera in December and watched loads of photography channels out there and enjoyed most. However, I never saw yours for some reason until last night. I literally have learned more over night than the last few months combined I believe. The way you do your videos is top notch. Thanks for all you do for the community. And I agree with another commentor as well, I also liked the time lapse anyhow. :-) Take care, be safe and stay healthy. Oh and hope the leg is better from the fence jump. Have a great night /day!

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm so glad the videos are helpful and that you ended up finding them somehow. It's great having you here!

[@DjPorkchop73]

@@outdoorphotographyschool7366 Your very welcome and it's good to be here in your community :-)

[@95Civictuner]

Thank you much for this series! Especially for the PhotoPills tutorial and planning info. I’m really hoping for a Milky Way photo shoot this summer and this was great insight!

[@derekthomas4471]

You might not have set out to do what you intended however the time lapse you created is still amazing! It reflects the real world. Sadly I live in a Bortle 4 location so never see the true beauty of the Milky Way. I am however off on holiday to a dark sky location in the coming weeks & really can’t wait to try out the techniques & tips you’ve covered in the last three tutorial videos! Between you & Alyn Wallace (Astrophotographer), I really have learnt so much. Keep making these great videos! Thank you... 👏👏👏

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

You're most welcome! Best of luck and may you have clear, dark skies! :)

[@hvodinh]

Just stumbled on your Milky-way series. They are super instructive, thank you! Love your low key delivery style.

[@vaunsphotography6820]

Pretty cool results!

[@daggad02]

Thank your, very clear and easy to understand video :)

[@joefrat]

You are too funny. You roll with the punches and the time lapse was still fantastic. I recommend bringing a cooler of beer next time so you can join the party and maybe make new friends in the process. They could have been aspiring photographers. 😉

[@mahendrakambli466]

I'm badly waiting for your part 4 video if you are making though.. great work thank you so much

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thanks, Mahendra! I wasn't planning a 4th part to the series, but I might do one on post-processing Milky Way images.

[@raymondchao1075]

Thanks so much explaining all the details about photo pills and night Phototgraph. I learned from you a lot, great!

[@e047e047]

You are a great teacher. Keep up the good work and be careful. There are a lot of crazy people out there.

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thank you, Edward! And will do. :)

[@chevyvantravel9735]

that tl turned out really nice considering the circumstances... got me all motivated to go do the same...thanks for posting.

[@Mr31formula]

Thank you for making these tutorials. They are concise and easy to understand. Very cloudy this time of year in Michigan. First clear night going to practice on stars and star trails to practice.

[@ponymoore6140]

Another awesome video from Brilliant Brenda :)

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Thank you so much 🤗, Pony Moore!

[@fababei]

Despite the light pollution, you're right: it's a good example. All your three tutorials are full of useful information. Thanks a lot Brenda.

[@VesaGuardian]

Good results, even though you had some unexpected difficulties with tech and the party going on nearby. about the party, here in Finland, we have an old saying, that I also follow every now and then: If you can´t beat them, join them! Thanks for the video, I learned a lot, once again.

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

That's a good old saying! :)

[@JensChrStrandos]

Excellent video.

[@EricAlainDufresne]

Regardless of the party and headlights, great video. Thank you very much.

[@berniestang2616]

I think the result was still beautiful. Thank u …. Love your videos !!

[@davidgoltra9950]

Great video. I really like your straightforward, direct approach in getting the information across. The time lapse was actually pretty cool. Love the shooting stars

[@cagdasdmr]

I will try my first milky way photography on the 11th of Feb and I am trying to research as much as possible. Your series is helped me much and thank you for that. I hope I will able to get good photos of milky way. Greetings from Turkey :)

[@LawrenceScottLSPIX]

Hey Brenda I really liked the time lapse, I also enjoyed the brief time the cars headlights lit the hills at 5he side of the lake. As always, very well explained and educational and a joy to watch. Best wishes from Scotland, Lawrence :)

[@bobbowring1702]

This has helped me a lot many thanks so I now try this very soon

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Terrific! I hope you have dark and clear skies!

[@kevinbaird7277]

Great video again, i love the time lapse, so much to see, i would be more than elated to have this in my portfolio, great work.

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Many thanks!

[@Pedrohramirez]

love it, can't wait to do it.

[@bodywise007]

Another wonderful video. For single exposures the noise reduction does work. It is a light and dark exposure. Nice that you are still using a DSLR D810 and have not succumbed to the Mirrorless crowd - yet. The Lake is NEK. Hint: further north. Secret. Next level is polar mount. A new vista.

[@michebre]

Thanks so much for your videos. Very helpful for a beginner shooting the Milkyway.

[@PT-re2gi]

Always love your tips. A great teacher indeed.

[@AdelBarham71]

that was awesome!! love it and great work

[@davedemarco1743]

Brenda, great video, as always I learned a lot!! Keep them coming!!

[@donaldsmith5040]

Great vid as always.

[@gruncletim]

I just came across these videos. Even with the cars coming by and the occasional blast of light, the time-lapse was still epic.

[@cindakush2411]

awesome thanks for these videos great work.

[@scottsmith4145]

Awesome series. Very well explained. Going out in a couple weeks to a dark site in Nevada desert to shoot the milky way. Hopefully the sky is clear! Thanks for the refresher!

[@fofdeejay]

Very clear,thank you

[@stuartfarquharson213]

Thanks Brenda, excellent series of videos. Lovely dog too 😃

[@ISO50F8]

was great, well done

[@roberthennessey128]

Thank you Brenda , I just finished watching your 3 v-blogs on the Milky Way. Great information and thorough, I’m sorry you ran into the party group very frustrating I’m sure...hopefully they didn’t harass you. I just downloaded Photo Pills, this is how I found your blog. Thanks again I subscribed and will check out more of your vlogs. I’m always learning and absorbing as much as I can, took up photography-after I retired, as a hobby, I’m hooked lol.😊

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

What a wonderful way to spend your retirement! Thanks for subscribing and happy learning! : )

[@YOWValley]

Incredibly well done. I learned so much, I feel re-inspired. Thank You!

[@johnwheeler5271]

Have watched your videos Brenda.Thankyou for all your help and advice.J

[@giovannisciotti9972]

Your videos are the best i have ever seen thanks

[@donwyates]

I concur with all the previous positive commenters regarding your video(s) on this subject. I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@paulawhite4746]

I love everything you do. You make everything so clear in an uncomplicated way. I really appreciate you. Thank you.

[@alimel1267]

I loved it.. As a matter fact, I watch all three videos about shooting the Milky Way... thank you so much for all the great info.. I will try to do it with my Canon M50 and the 50mm f1.8 lens..

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Terrific! I hope you have many clear skies ahead! :)

[@christopherstafford227]

Great video - very inspiring! thank you

[@allen4505]

Thanks for making these videos. I'm glad I happened by your channel

[@Type2Surf]

Enjoying the video i cant wait to try tonight. thanks

[@nightfury4756]

Good tips! Nice video. Thanks!

[@TerryStoa]

Nice lessons, Brenda. Your videos are very well done!

[@allthesideroads8724]

Just watched the whole series and what great info. I'm going out to try my first ever Milky Way photo here in Colorado and taking all your tips and tricks with me. Especially the hand warmer trick. Never even crossed my mind about condensation at night. Thanks so much for making this video and looking forward to watching more.

[@sunnysideup1744]

Another high quality "how to" Brenda. Really love how you explain it for those of us with less experience.

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Glad you found it to be helpful! :)

[@Joe-B1]

Another fantastic video Brenda and you are an amazing teacher. Keep up the good work. Happy snapping from London.

[@gordonrobson2635]

great set of videos, everything is explained so well and easy to understand. You are a great teacher

[@kerrigolden4049]

Thanks so much for the great Milky Way how to videos, I’ve learnt so much from them! Your simple explanations are refreshing and now I’m keen to give astrophotography a shot😊

[@TheMarkJackson]

Ms Brenda, just want to thank you for your informative series on filming the Milky Way. With the aide of your videos I successfully found and photographed the galaxy.. I live in a not so light friendly environment so it was very hard to see. I was up at midnight smiling ear to ear because I found it in lightroom. Thanks so much for providing an easy informative way to do this. Can't wait to get back out tonight and try again. Weather permitting. You're a great teacher..

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Yay! That is so great. You just put a huge smile on my face. I'm glad that you were able to figure out how to get some shots of the Milky Way. It really is a fun experience. I hope you continue to have fun with it. :)

[@richardcprovost]

This three part series is the clearest explanation on using photocells to the equipment and setting for milky way photos I've seen. Thank you so much.

[@WatchHobbyist]

The best tutorial I’ve come across. Thank you

[@philliphendon4991]

I’m really trying to learn the PhotoPills app. I would have given up long ago if not for your videos. Thanks so much for taking the time to break it down so well. Great job!

[@franceee1000]

Still looked great thanks

[@sturejo]

Clear, presise, to the point - and in a charming way!

[@sarajitsil]

A very informative video series on Milky way shooting. Thanks Brenda for sharing this with the world!

[@mariacyou9265]

Your tutorials are great, Brenda. 👍 Thank you so much. 🙏 It is a pity that the lights of the cars ruined the beautiful night scenery. Best regards and take care. P.S. How nice of you to show us your four-legged friends.❤️

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

:) Glad you enjoyed seeing the fuzzballs - they definitely add a lot to life! :)

[@derekrowanphotograpics]

Awesome effort 🤩

[@stephenwoodburn2970]

Brenda, just watched your Milky Way three part series. You are an excellent instructor and have really helped me understand this process better. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to more of your content.

[@ruffirder77]

You are simply an amazing teacher.... Seriously, I have seen numbers of videos on KZbin about Milkyway photography - your video stands par apart from rest I have watched. Not only you gave great information, tips but also took all the setbacks as learning lesson and that is something I respect and value. Thank you for this 3 part video! Cheers!!!

[@daveshaw8127]

Absolutely awesome I’m hoping for the 1st time I might be able to catch a good image of the Milky Way thanks to your very informative and easy to understand videos that you make.thank you

[@pebayou.3380]

A great teacher indeed...interesting also the part "earth is moving", but thats not your fault.

[@MirthofMirthness]

Love that you put up what you got that night instead of doing it again until it was perfect. It will make me feel better when i go out and shots dont go perfectly as i predicted. Thanks for your work and keep it up!

[@deadwood1887]

Best tutorial on filming the Milky Way I have seen. Thanks for all of your efforts. Very complete.

[@diptejkumbhar732]

very informative 👍👌🙌

[@cheereverytime]

the best tutorial out of hundred thousands vids out there!

[@pwsher]

Very nice set of tutorials, As an advanced MW shooter I found them clear, concise and correct (except I am a mirrorless shooter ha ha). Thanks for being concise. Love the red sheets for the LCD. I have gone as far as replacing all my car inside and trunk lights with red LED's. Thanks again. and the party seems to always follow me as well. Sometimes, they shoot off wireworks and I incorporate that into my images.

[@terrylong8465]

I've done several Milky Way photo shoots in the past and was pretty successful but, I'm just now getting into timelapse photography. I learned a bit on FPS and timing watching this video and will follow your steps when I'm out shooting. It'll be several months before I try the Milky Way but we've got a full moon coming this month so I'll give that a try. Thanks.

[@AK-km2kd]

It will be helpful if you make 4th part of this series and explain how you post processed these images.

[@deborahhammond8576]

I am new to Astro, just watching you tubes before I venture out. Have just watched all three of yours and from start to finish they are the most informative. I realise I am possibly too late for much this year, but at least I can now hope to fathom Photo Pills and be ready for next summer here in UK

[@palnemeth5808]

Amazing! Thank you! Lord bless you!

[@user-di2st5fd1m]

Excellent!!! Thank you very much!!! You are a great teacher!!!

[@outdoorphotographyschool7366]

Awesome! Glad the video was helpful.

[@RichieTyndall]

Hi. Just wanted to say that I love your videos. You are up there with the awesome Julianne Kost over on Adobe Lightroom. Your clear, concise, no-nonsense approach to getting your ideas across tick all the right boxes for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@candaedomkowski6569]

Really great milky way series Brenda. Glad you got Ferdinand back safely to his momma!

[@roystonwalters454]

Thank you so much. I'm an astrophotography newby and I found the information you gave and the way you delivered it (no umms or ahhs - how do you do that?) second to none. Amazing.