How To Photograph The Milky Way & More | Landscape Photography Tips & Techniques

This is my most comprehensive landscape photography tutorial yet. In this incredible journey through the Southwest, I teach you how to capture Milky Way Photography (with various techniques), Ultra wides, Intimate abstracts, and even some tips for better aerial photography. I really hope you enjoy the video.
Workshops and more!
shainblumphoto....
Lightroom Masterclass
www.michaelsha...
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: fm.pxf.io/c/26...
GEAR I USE:
I get a small kickback from the sales if you use these links. It really helps the channel and keeps me able to produce these videos. Thanks so much!
MAIN PHOTO/VIDEO GEAR:
Travel Camera Bag: shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/4ePK6o
Main Photography Camera: amzn.to/3j96BH9
Video Camera: amzn.to/3hZE9Z4
My Most Used Wide Lens:amzn.to/3zYPyhw
Night Sky Lens: amzn.to/2LLy2cn
Telephoto Lens: amzn.to/3zUckqU
Audio In Field Mic: amzn.to/3omtsRp
Lav Mic: amzn.to/35kxZei
Tripod: amzn.to/34hB3s5
Drone: amzn.to/3ocYjzy
SMALLER GEAR I USE OFTEN:
Rocket Blower: amzn.to/3ocXczS
Lens Wipes: amzn.to/31LLhzF
Timelapse Remote Sony: amzn.to/3mmHf8L
Timelapse Remote Nikon: amzn.to/3jguNFn
Mini Tripod: amzn.to/35jzsRX
Drone Filters: amzn.to/2IQ1Mnr
#photography #landscapephotography

[@NigelDanson]

Stunning video mate. It really has everything and those locations look incredible! Photos aren't bad either 😝

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much man, really glad you enjoyed it!

[@DarrenRussinger]

Fantastic work!

[@samf1135]

I must have said 'Wow!' 15 times during this video, absolutely beautiful work! I love seeing the 3 butte pics side by side, they are each beautiful in their own right but together it makes them all the more captivating, I've paused on that frame for 5 minutes now just comparing and enjoying them! I absolutely love your videos sir, keep up the good work!

[@maryl1833]

I always wonder how Ansell did this. Technology is making it so much easier for a neophyte like me. I am anxious to try photostacking. Beautiful images, Michael!

[@KimSol90]

wow! Your photos are absolutely stunning, and they always capture my attention. I love the way you use light, color, and composition to create such beautiful images. Your photos are a true inspiration to me,.Thank you for sharing!! :)

[@jperez6439]

Absolutely beautiful work. I especially liked your aerial photos.

[@deenugent473]

These are amazing photos Michael!

[@iordanhristov7111]

Fantastic images, mate! Very inspiring!

[@ramnoham593]

Wonderful video. enjoyed every moment. Lots of information and ideas.

[@philiplee9283]

Great teaching, beautiful photography. Thank you.

[@adamkrauss303]

Thoroughly engaging and inspirational video, with solid tips to boot. Awesome captures.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

You’ve opened my eyes to capturing abstracts with a telephoto. I see you use a sigma 100-400. Do you ever find yourself wanting say the sigma 150-600? More zoom? I’m in the market and am considering these two options. Thanks!!

[@rolsonn]

Outstanding photos and tips. Enjoyed the photos in southern Utah. Hopefully, I return in the next year or two.

[@Wildwillow76]

Phenomenal images Michael. Lots of favourites and the sunset shot of three was my favourite. The foregrounds were epic!

[@ravenfallsphotography6254]

Breathtaking! Those drone shots were especially powerful. (BTW, I notice you bill your shots as being made with a Mavic 3, but your equipment list in the description links to a Mavic 2 Pro. Maybe it's time to update those links?)

[@jdflyer7377]

Fantastic video. Truly one of your best! 📷👍

[@noskin.noproblem]

Awesome narration 👌👌

[@garrigasebastien]

Stunning as always … wow 🫶🏻

[@MichaelShainblum]

thank you!

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

I watch a lot of famous landscape photographers and by far you are the best by miles.

[@ilikeglobox]

Stunning video, thanks for sharing!

[@markvandenberg4606]

Always great videos and images. 🙌🏻

[@mattmcmaniac]

So good! Thanks for all the knowledge.

[@robertstonephoto]

Excellent work!

[@tomgrigsby5401]

Great work as always

[@JoshMainka]

An absolute masterclass Michael. Hope you've dried out after Ireland 😇

[@vagabondshoes_it]

Those kind of videos to save and watch forever 🤩

[@alexslobodkin671]

Amazing video. Thanks you so much!

[@Nstockton77]

very impressive shots

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you!

[@hazenhafez]

Loved this video 😊

[@josecarlosmora9318]

Me encanto, gracias.

[@williamzaca6280]

Fantastic!!!

[@MichaelShainblum]

thank you!

[@franjopavkovic2732]

wonderful video

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joseokseo378]

Good video

[@domhaughton6809]

Truly outstanding video Michael. So many fantastic images from each of the topics you covered. I'm looking at flights to Utah now 😅 As for which wide angle cracks in the ground shot, I liked the astron version best, because of how you arranged the foreground patterns. Looking forward to seeing how you got on in Ireland with Nigel and Mads too. Very inspiring work!

[@MannyG32968]

Superb video! 👏👏 what's that device used to turn from horizontal to vertical? Thanks!

[@Tinaleann_]

I’m a new subscriber, been looking for tips for astrophotography. My biggest issue is the light pollution 😩

[@MichaelShainblum]

Gotta get about 1.5-2 hours away from any big city. Which can be easy or tough depending on where you are based.

[@LandscapesDronescapes]

“Beautiful Beauts” can I borrow that one please?

[@00_Ryan_00]

Eh…but 7:10 is the best.

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

An absolute masterclass Buddy... Every part of this is full of highly valuable info and delivered so well too... The shots...well the shots are banger after banger after banger !!!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much man! Super stoked to finally finish this!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

I am a sucker for stars, I prefer that bute shot, but those aerial abstracts! Gets my photo juices going! xD It was such a pleasure meeting you and hanging out with you in Ireland, Michael. I hope to visit you in the US at some point :)

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much Mads, great meeting you too. Come visit soon! :)

[@BrookWassall]

One of your best videos yet, not just for the images, but for the narrative and editing too. It really felt like you took us on a personal little workshop! Those 3 images showing different times of day looked amazing when beside each other. A really nice grouping of colours! 👌🏻🙂

[@LepeOlmedo]

This in one of the best landscape photography videos ever made on KZbin. A complete masterclass. Thanks Michael, you are a true inspiration for a lot of us! Greetings from Argentina.

[@chanjeff4406]

Mind blowing shot and execution of the milky way panorama at 12:50. May I ask how you about some questions: (1) How did you ensure that the compositions can overlap each other vertically and horizontally when you took them at night, without any assistance tools (e.g. angle markings on your tripod) or light for checking the overlapping positions? (2) I noticed the foreground filled up most of the areas on your bottom horizontal row. Did you use f2.8 throughout the stitching and set different focus point for ground and sky? (3) Were all of the 15 brackets (5 horizon x 3 vertical) that you mention single exposures, or did you take several images on each of these brackets for further noise reduction? (4) Did you use lightroom's AI denoise program to clean up the noise at ISO 12800? Much appreciated!

[@dougstevens9973]

Another beautiful piece of video, Michael. Thanks! If you don't mind me asking, what time of year was this trip?

[@jmart_4]

I haven't messed much with other apps for stitching panoramas, but have had good results with PS/LR, but have been doing 50% overlap. The obvious trade-off is more time taking the shot.

[@NeilArthurs]

Wow, what an absolutely wonderful video! Everything about it was just marvelous! 👍 You have once again proven to us all how talented, focused and dedicated to this art form you are! A video that will be used by many, myself included, as a reference guide on how to shoot better, tell better stories with photography/video and how to inspire folks to get out and shoot more! Simply magic!

[@xilouwanping]

Unbelievable. I have been following you for a long time, and I have a question. You never use a shutter cable, won't it cause camera vibration? For example, when you shoot the Milky Way or at sunset.

[@johnchambers6272]

There is everything here for the landscape photographer. A masterclass video with stunning images. Well done Michael.

[@artiedoc]

Magnificent video Michael ! And thanks @nigeldanson for the link !!! Well thought out and presented especially your explanation of how you approach night shots ! Love the aerial shots as well 👏👏👏👏 Best ….

[@AnomandarisPurake]

Some amazing images. The horizontal panorama Milky Way shot was unreal. And then you casually throw in some pics from Capitol Reef NP that most people would kill to take! Thanks for sharing.

[@sander5086]

If only all photography video's were like this, great work Michael!!! Some of those drone shots are absolutely stunning!!!

[@StarScaperPhoto]

Very relaxing video and stunning photos! Ofcourse I particularly like your nightscapes 👌

[@suryajala]

Great combination of technical tips, personal story, and great images. Your choice of music really deepens my emotional response, too. FYI I follow Thomas Heaton, Sean Bagshaw, Nick Page, and others. You all are creating a new form of photo education and art. As an amateur, former pro (45 years ago!) I'm grateful and learning more all the time.

[@TheTraventuresChannel]

Honestly, I love the butte shots all together as a team. Obviously each stand out for different reasons on their own, but having them side-by-side really gives the shots meaning and depth. Wonderfully done by the way -- all around.

[@stevenbishop5633]

Great stuff. Thanks for all the tips!! BTW, I’ll also be in the southwest to capture the annular eclipse and landscapes too.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Oh very nice, have fun out there! thanks!

[@DavesEpicPhoneShots]

Wow these images are spectacular. Masterpiece photography 🤩Great tips as well👍

[@charlesschenk6290]

Hi Michael, How are you locating some of these out-west locations. Are you camping a the spot? If these locations were easy to get to, there would be a dozen people there at the same time. For some of the areas I suspect you may need to hike a couple miles from the road to get there. The hike back out at night. Oh the desert changes temperature from day to night - forty degrees or more. I'm in Utah (high desert) at the moment, with forty degree temperature swings. The aspens are a perfect shade of golden-yellow at the moment.

[@MichaelShainblum]

I use Google Maps and Google Earth to find my spots generally. Around these areas I car camp which is quite nice. For some of these shots, I had to hike into areas, and others were fairly close to the road or the dirt paths. I make sure to use offline Google Maps with my pins so I always know where I am hiking to in case I lose service. Which in this area, there isn't much.

[@ashvarma2486]

Truly excellent video Michael. One of your best and one of the best on KZbin. Very informative. Many thanks for sharing.

[@BrettWoodPhoto]

Unbelievable imagery mate !!! That aerial at 16.21 is a jaw dropper. Inspiring & refreshing as always. All the best to you Michael.

[@doodles1977]

Agree, my jaw literally dropped at that exact moment.

[@zzzfffccc]

Another great video full of great content, Michael! What you are doing is so inspiring! Makes me want to get out there more and explore. I just realized I have been shooting Milky Way with ISO maybe too low … lol …but maybe it depends on the camera

[@davidmaltby2065]

Another outstanding and informative video. The images were brilliant

[@StalwartMan]

It was a great episode and I am very happy to constantly learn new things with the techniques you explained, thank you very much for this beautiful episode.

[@honorab6220]

OMG every image was amazing and the aerials were beyond belief! Lots of good advice too. I'll be at some of the same locations later this month so I'm feeling particularly inspired and can't wait to apply what I've learned.

[@richardpesce5325]

Magnificent images and instruction! Thanks again for all your efforts!

[@gregs2466]

as usual, I really did enjoy your photography! Michael, you are a very talented photographer. I love how to seem to venture out to my neck of the woods (so to speak) to do some of your best shots. However, your shots of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding coastline are fantastic. I have been following you probably for the past 4 or 5 years and everything you do is just wonderful. Keep up the good work.

[@girvincn]

Thanks for the video, Michael. I really enjoyed it! What program are you using to stitch your drone panoramas? I have some panoramas that I've envisioned, but when I try to stack using Lightroom or Photoshop, they come out looking horribly distorted. I probably should have done way more overlapping than with a normal telephoto lens panorama, but am curious if you have better luck with certain programs.

[@MichaelShainblum]

I used Lightroom for all the Drone Panos, but if lightroom didn't work I would use PTGui. Thanks!

[@girvincn]

Got it. Thank you! I'll give that another shot. @@MichaelShainblum

[@nealschneider6554]

Great video with excellent tips. All of the photos you shared in this video are fantastic!! Thank you for sharing your work with us, Michael.

[@paulbelliphotography]

Beautiful work as always Michael 🔥 what a video, stunning!

[@SPsiuping]

👍👍👍 Amazing photos ❤❤❤ and even though nowadays I use my smartphone only, I appreciate your professional tutorial and insight 👏👏👏

[@juanitakelly3082]

Wow! Another video jam-packed with tips and gorgeous images! Thank you, Michael!

[@JasonLorette]

Hoping to get into the Nevada desert when I go to Vegas in January for some night sky photos...just need to find some great spots!

[@pacnorthwest4231]

I have a Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens and Nikon AF-S DX Zoom NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II Lens I really want to get to landscape photography and wondering if this kit will be good to use. I have had it for awhile. Just wondering if I should upgrade now and not wait or use what I have? Any advice from anyone is greatly appreciated.

[@Gearedfilm57]

I missed a great shot the other day. I had my drone on a mountain and it was foggy on top of the mountain. If I was thinking I couldve got a great shot of the clouds flowing off the mountain and the sunrise in the background

[@NickNoblePhotography]

Awesome. Will be by factory butte for eclipse. Can you suggest good Milky Way location nearby?? Thanks.

[@cherylwilcox9648]

Fantastic photography, Michael! I loved the twilight image best of the three you showed early on. The Milky Way pano was amazing as well. You mentioned being in the badlands - where you in the Utah Badlands? I'm hoping to go the South Dakota Badlands next Milky Way Core season with a stop at Devil's Tower in Wyoming.

[@GusMcCrae01]

Excellent. With all the work put in here, I bet you couldn't wait to get to Duke's Slick Rock Cafe in Hanksville.

[@danasnyder3072]

I really enjoyed this video, and learned a great deal more about astro work, through your simple directions---with videos, stills, and drone shots. When I listen to your calm voice, it's easy to grasp the feel of the place, and absorb the information. The milky way pano was my favorite,

[@JeffZias]

Another amazing video Michael, thank you for the inspiration (and the important tips)!

[@josehellmeister4420]

Amazing video ! Thank you so much to share with us. Congratulations !!!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Really loved the diversity of technique, content and locations in this one Michael. Thanks so much for the inspiration. Looking forward to the next one as always.

[@stefancondik]

WOW! this is great video packed with beautiful captures and interesting insights. Thank you!

[@barryashenhurst2071]

Blue hour-plus stars, what a lovely idea. Another good one Mick. Well done ol' fella. A question though: do you consult the histogram to verify your star exposure, or ignore it?

[@RickMentore]

An extraordinary display of photos and photographic technique, thanks MS! @ 7:00, undoubtedly, the last image require more work, knowhow and then those stars; however my fav. is the middle image, the sky colors and ambien light are enchanting!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Really glad you like that one Rick, thanks so much!

[@MauroCippitelli_MTB]

Hi Michael, just one question: in your opinion is better to use luminar or Helicon witn Capture One (I own a perpetual license)... Luminar is a tool with a lot of other feature, but Helicon could be used in Capture One... I never use focus stacking and I have a lot of dubts

[@albertollt]

Wow, really amazing pictures!! Just wow..

[@stefg1971]

I was at Moonscape Overlook this summer, unfortunately it was too close to the full moon at the time of my big trip. Nevertheless, I was able to take some photos that I won't forget there....

[@Tpformanphotography]

Wow! Just another beautiful video Michael. Some truly outstanding work in some of my personal favorite locations in the southwest.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Really glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@arjundhannyify]

Love your teaching style, the vibe of all your video(s), the deliberate thought behind each photo, and the processing style of each n every picture, including nightscapes. Do you have a course on post-production techniques that you use n teach ?

[@1958zed]

I love how the curved foreground of the full Milky Way shot at 12:50 matches the arch of the Milky Way, creating a circle. Inspiring, as usual.

[@MichaelShainblum]

thanks so much!

[@robertomorgenstern907]

Michael, as always a great video. You have showed such beatiful photos. The Milky way arch is just fantastic.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Many thanks Roberto!

[@eerofi]

Excellent video and photos! Thank you!

[@karelmachado8535]

how can you do 20 second without tracking ? Pictures look amazing.

[@LandscapesDronescapes]

Great video by the way with some seriously beautiful shots

[@janjaabraham]

The photos are all beautiful, each in its own way. But the milky way photo is a story in itself, magical. 😍😍

[@patrickbobet7725]

beautiful as usual. For the twilight blend can you please make a video about how to blend it in photoshop. Thanks.😀

[@MarkGilligan4]

Always enjoy watching your video's.

[@CraigMasseyWhitePixels]

Awesome video, stacked with amazing images and inspiration to take out into the field no matter what the landscape subject matter is! Brilliant! I'm at the start of my astro photo journey and your images are a real target for me to be able to produce something like those.

[@NORTRONGAMES]

amazing video. I personally liked the astro shots thought all of them are amazing.

[@azdigbee]

I can take the photo but am lost on a compter...... I don't have any edit software because I wouldn't have a clue how to use it anyway.😪

[@warricksmith5178]

Another truly fabulous video, Michael. These images are among my favorite of yours, which is saying a lot! And your timing is excellent: Later this month I'm heading to the badlands of New Mexico for landscape and astro, so your vid provides fresh inspiration as well as a useful refresher of some of the basics.

[@Bringisen]

Beautiful photos ang video🙏