Star Tracker Editing Tutorial

In this video we look at an awesome tracked image of this fabulous windmill from start to finish. We'll go out into the field to shoot using my astro modified Nikon Z6 camera coupled to my ioptron Sky Guider Pro star tracker. I wanted to shoot with longer focal length lenses for this shoot and so I brought both the 35mm and 50mm Nikon "S" lenses with me.
I'll also go through my complete post processing star tracker editing tutorial focusing on one of the images, including light painted foregrounds and tracked sky replacement using Lightroom, Sequator and Photoshop.
I know it's a long video but you can't rush these things and I hope you get something out of it. Happy to chat in the comments section below.
Direct Paypal payment link: paypal.me/nigh...
Website: www.nightscape...
Facebook: / nightscapeimages
Instagram: / nightscapeimages
Equipment I use:
Photography
Nikon Z6ii amzn.to/2UXHY7y
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/2LWpSvH
Nikon 20mm f1.8S amzn.to/3rk5aJj
Nikon 24-70 f4S amzn.to/2EkWZF0
Nikon 35mm f1.8S amzn.to/36GTVkX
Nikon 50mm f1.8S amzn.to/36J7twe
Laowa 15mm f2
Sirui W2204 Tripod amzn.to/2YTg2Qf
Timelapse+View Intervalometer timelapseplus.... Discount Code: NIGHTSCAPEIMAGES
Yongnuo RF603nii remote triggers amzn.to/35ppbCD
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone amzn.to/35ocjNc
DJI Air 2 S Drone amzn.to/3xRiGqk
Yongnuo Flash amzn.to/2qUaYyH
Yongnuo Flash 2 amzn.to/35pqNMF
LED Lenser P7.2 torch amzn.to/34l2rlV
Z96 continuous light amzn.to/2LYYey6
Syrp Genie Mini amzn.to/35y0MuV
Sky Watcher Star Adventurer amzn.to/35qf68G
ioptron Sky Guider Pro Tracker
Video Equipment:
Sony A7siii amzn.to/3z7LZ8q
Sony 20mm f1.8 G amzn.to/3Bc9sam
Sony 24mm f1.4 GM amzn.to/3xMTMYY
Tamron 28-75 f2.8 Sony amzn.to/3es44Gw
Tamron 28-200 Sony amzn.to/3zeqtz1
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal amzn.to/3z9y8yl
Z96 video lights amzn.to/2LYYey6
Yongnuo YN300 video lights amzn.to/2qTfU6V
Rode Wireless Go ii Radio Microphones amzn.to/3wROry9
Magmod Flash Modifiers amzn.to/2ElgBZD
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a very small commission on the above links if you decide to purchase the item. This commission slowly adds up and greatly helps me to continue creating content for this channel. I very much appreciate your support!

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great tutorial Richard, thanks a million. Great to see you back in the field also, your enthusiasm as usual is contagious. Beautiful images

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks very much for having a look Michael, I really appreciate your comments.

[@pauldomsten8331]

Each time I watch your videos I think, this is the best Milky Way channel on KZbin. You cover every aspect of night shooting.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Very kind of you to say Paul. I very much appreciate you watching.

[@fabriciohenrique8722]

You have no idea how your videos help me... I have greatly improved my photos from your channel, I am very grateful for your teachings even though I don't speak my language! I hope one day to participate in your Workshop, hugs!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you for your very kind words of encouragement Fabricio . .much appreciated my friend.

[@theblazephotography]

Wow..... Very beautiful and interesting .thanks for sharing. Big like and subscribed.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching, I appreciate your comments.

[@muhammadakhilla8282]

step on lightroom is that matter? why you dont import directly from file explorer to the sequator ? i dont know 🙏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Well you can do that but I prefer to do some basic edits first.

[@muhammadakhilla8282]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thank you for the answer,,, btw i love your videos❤

[@johnbrennen1776]

File management/ dodge, burn, file management /dodge, burn...my choice 35mm...well done!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching John. Really appreciate it.

[@cherylwilcox9648]

Watched this one after watching your How to Edit Simple Tracked Milky Way Photography video and I think purchasing RC-Astro Star XTerminator is on my must do list for the upcoming core season here in the US. Another excellent video with great information.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased you're finding the videos helpful Cheryl. Yes I use StarXterminator all the time now.

[@Alan-vk6bk]

Slowly working my way through your video's. Just wish we could see the milky way core like that in the UK! Addicted to this type of photography..

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I hear that a lot Alan. Thanks for checking out the videos.

[@carmelthomson9917]

Hi Richard!! Great image! I do prefer the 35 mm version...I think you lose too much with the 50mm, having said that, the 50 is good for the easterly perspective of the MW core. It's been so long since I've been able to get out to shoot the night sky..between lockdowns and work and weather, I've almost forgotten how to do it 😂. I have just taken possesion of a Sony 20mm f1.8 lens..so I'm really keen to try that out! I also have the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, so I can play around with different focal length's!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Awesome Carmel. The Sony 20mm is a wonderful lens. Hopefully you can get out soon.

[@balintk.9373]

Hey Richard. Great content as always. I do have technical questions. From your experience what is the recommended number of tracked milkyway images? Also do you shoot dark frames too? How do you deal with images where in the corners light pollution is creeping in? Last night I was out with my startracker too. Pretty much I had the same 2 minute exposures with the same settings. The camera was running for 1.5 hours. I have a lot of good pictures (some of them were ruined by Elon's satelites...) and ~ 12 dark frames. After testing I am not sure if e.g. 30-40 tracked images are going to give me massive improvement over lets say 10 tracked images, considering all of them are sharp.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. For the astro landscape type shots I take I haven't seen the need for a huge amount of images to stack. I always try to balance the time required to take so many images with the overall productivity of the night. Most of the time I don't just want to have one shot after so much time in the field. I almost never take dark frames anymore. . to be honest I hardly see any difference. I think they are very beneficial for deep sky astro photography more than this landscape stuff. To be honest you'll get a great result with one tracked image as long as it's well focused and polar aligned. Thankfully I don't have to deal with massive amounts of light pollution. Sometimes having some light pollution at the bottom of the shot can be of assistance to help make the foreground subject stand out more . ..just my opinion though.

[@basilbcf]

Excellent tutorial on shooting/ editing Milky Way. One thing I do (probably not really necessary) is make certain that my tripod base is perfectly level (I have a Neewer Leveling Base) so that I know my Star Guider will track perfectly. Question: Do you use Long Exposure Noise Reduction turned on in your camera for the long exposures?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Basil. Good idea to level the tripod . .I also do that. No I don't generally use long exposure noise reduction .. but others do.

[@darkskyimages5911]

Another great video! Your passion is palpable and motivating. Great work, Richard. Thank you!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend. I'm pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@GregMcCall]

Ha modified camera? I think astro modified is a better term. Really. I would have thought modified so stock filter removed so camera doesn't reject the lower end of the spectrum where Ha lives at 656 nm. Great video I'm glad you like iPolar as pointing to SCP should not be hard and avoided. I will play again with widefield astro one day.. Lucky you being able to escape lockdown.. I like the wider field 35mm better (and it's a better milky way image)

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Greg. Yes I prefer the 35mm version as well. Yes you are correct about the modification to the camera. Hope you're keeping well.

[@tomservo3728]

Hi Richard, always good to watch your videos and be in awe of the Australian night sky, where I am locally in the UK is shall we say, nocturnally challenged. I just wondered; have you compared 1 of the 10/11 images with the stacked image to see the difference? Comparing them from your video with my 2 monitors seem to show hardly anything noticeable (I appreciate this could be the you tube effect, but I would expect a lot of difference even then) the 10 images on their own seem first class.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Tom. You make a very good point. The single images are very clean indeed and could certainly be used to good effect by themselves. I guess I reckon that while I'm out there with everything setup I'll go the whole hog and shoot multiple images. But it would certainly save a lot of time just doing singles. Also with this setup I could easily shoot longer durations at an even lower iso. I'll give that a try down the track.

[@michaelmckeag960]

Regarding wind, I was set up recently on the rim of Crater Lake (Oregon Cascades) and could see while adjusting fine focus on a star that wind vibration was going to be an issue. My setup was similar to yours. At the suggestion of one of the workshop instructors I replaced the MSM V bracket with a robust ball head and eliminated the wind vibration. The hinge locking mechanism of the V bracket is astounding, but the bracket can be a bit springy, which can be an issue in the wind.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Very good thoughts indeed Michael. Thanks for watching.

[@bobvila1010]

Ayoye!!! Félicitations pour cet excellent vidéo! I watched your channel over 2 years ago and once again, you blow my mind again. Very detailled technical explaination and voice tone excellent. This is one pf the best video you produced, as far I am concern. Merci encore from Québec!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You are very kind indeed Andre. Thanks a lot for watching my friend.

[@ivan7453]

Hey Richard. How many millimetres of dust did you blow off your tracker;) Thanks for another great video. Please keep them coming.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, yes there was a bit of dust on it ..!!! Appreciate you watching Ivan.

[@MrNeogaz]

Thank You! Love your work!! I would love to join you in a workshop one day. Bucket list add. Australia is a long ways from Atlanta, Georgia :) Many thanks for sharing!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Johnnie, really appreciate it.

[@simonharding5696]

Such a great video, and, as always, full of invaluable advice and guidance. I know I've said this before, but your videos are superb for anyone wanting to learn more about the principles of photography. The enthusiasm and delivery is the best by far on KZbin, and there are some excellent creators out there. I'm watching this one a few times, just to make sure I get the full benefit! My favourite of the two images is the 35mm, just heave of the wider landscape view under the star's. The 50mm shot is stunning for the Milky Way detail. It has to be said, choosing a favourite is never easy with your work. Thanks for another great video, and it's great to see you out again, under the stars.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for your very kind words Simon, I always appreciate your comments. Yes I also prefer the 35mm shot on this occasion. Take care, RT

[@grmrtnz]

Richard excellent video. You had me sold on Photoshop’s sky replacement tool until I saw you having to cleanup the dark parts of the windmill. I believe you would have save some time and effort if you would have used a dark luminosity mask. There are many tools (I use Lumenzia) that can produce a mask like that in no time. Anyway, they were beautiful images. I cannot pick one over the other… they are both fantastic!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Glidden. Yes a lot of people use luminosity masking tools. I guess my thought process is to show people what is happening by doing it manually and hopefully giving some insight into what the tools actually do. I always appreciate your comments.

[@johnd5244]

They both are spectacular! But I think the 35 mm is my favorite one. But I would print both and hang them in my house. Thank you for sharing

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much John

[@darren6762]

Awesome job explaining all that, well done! I think the 35 mm is my fav because you didn't light the back bit of the windmill on the 50 mm pic but if you had I might have liked the 50 mm pic, they both look fantastic.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Darren. Yes just a subtle difference and that's the magic of light painting I suppose. Appreciate your thoughts.

[@RalfKinnigkeit]

Thank you for this Video. Very nice and helpful. BTW, If you ned to paint a sraight line in your mask, like to poles from the windmill, click at the first position press and hold shift and click on the second position. You´ll have a straight line.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Ralf. Appreciate your editing tip my friend.

[@treeman3663]

Hi Richard how you going in lockdown?? Missing your videos maybe you could get the milky way from your back yard.. take care stay safe

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm not going too badly. We are able to travel a bit more this past week which is good. I'm just keeping myself as fresh as possible.

[@derekduckitt5900]

Superb result. Not sure if I'm comfortable with the windmill not being vertical though, but I have learnt an enormous amount from this that I have been wanting to know for a long time. Very grateful for this video!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Derek. Haha, if you saw half the windmills around here you would understand them not being vertical ..!!! The blades on this one almost spin in a figure 8 pattern ..!!!

[@grzegorzjermoaj3829]

Great photo and great tutorial Richard. In Poland, unfortunately, the season for the Milky Way is over, so it's great to see it in the southern hemisphere. ;)

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend. I really appreciate that.

[@michelelzo8583]

These are amazing, i think i prefer the 35mm (i do not have one) but i do have a 50mm Z lens i want to try now that i saw your image. I just ordered the 20mm Z lens, so i am excited to get out and try that. Thank you for taking the time to share, makes me want to get out and explore new places and shot the night sky.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Michel. Yes all of those Nikon Z lenses are great for shooting nightscapes.

[@davidmaltby2065]

Iam in awe of your skill and ability to communicate your skills so clearly. Iam yet to try photoshop, haven’t had the guts. I like the 35mm best but in saying that the 50mm is an awesome image too

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching David. Your comments are very much appreciated my friend.

[@jmfoty4280]

Could you use an off-camera flash to freeze the windmill blades during your light painting phase of the process?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Well you could try but I think the problem will be that during all the rest of the exposures the blades are turning and therefore there will be a black disk behind the "frozen" flash shot. Of course this could no doubt be edited but may be a bit of work.

[@tomcagle1171]

Thank you Richard for a great tutorial. My personal preference is the 35mm.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Tom. I think I have to agree with you.

[@abroomby]

Well done Richard, another great video and like you with lock down I have too been spending sometime in the backyard with the tracker. I look forward like many to being able to get out and about and shoot some new compositions in some new locations. :)

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Alan. Yes the sky has been very clear these last few weeks and it's been a frustration to not be out there. Finally got the opportunity.

[@tomthunem3444]

Let me join the chorus of kudos for this latest episode. Great stuff! Richard, do have a tutorial on how to use the star tracker itself? Maybe it is in your KZbin video library and I am just not seeing it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Tom. I don't have a dedicated video on the setup of the tracker. I do mention the process in a few videos though.

[@klassenrick87]

Cheers from Canada🖐️👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Rick

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Thanks for another useful tutorial. If you gonna have track pano in the future, please teach us how to do in the field and post process, it will be great too. Looking forward to seeing that.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks very much for watching. I'll see what I can do regarding the tracked panos.

[@timelapsescapes]

WOW what a TUTORIAL Richard.This will help everyone be able to edit their images to the max. Fantastic cheers Frank

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Frank

[@phototoursperu7542]

Thank you very much Richard from sharing your amazing skills

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for tuning in. I really appreciate your comments.

[@juliehawken3128]

Wow. That is a wonderful image. Such detail. Well done Richard.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I really appreciate that Jules. I hope you're going ok ..!!!!

[@GARY1951A]

WOW Richard, These are just amazing! both are just incredible but if you made me just choose one, I would choose the one you took with the 35mm lens! I am glad to see you out again - I assume your lockdown is over?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks very much Gary. I think I like the 35mm one the best also. The lockdowns here are coming and going .. at present we are on a little bit longer leash ..!!!

[@carlreid4161]

The 35mm for me Richard, full screen it looked mind blowing an excellent image mate.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I think I agree with you Carl. Thanks for watching.

[@shilmandavia3548]

Your videos are treat, lovely work as always! Btw, have you always had a modified z6 or is this a recent mod?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. I have had the modified Z6 since about January this year.

[@sw_sight3623]

perfect , thank you , you are my inspiration , Greetings from Germany

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching my friend

[@lactech27]

Amazing video.. what a tutorial.. im still more to learn about it. Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm glad you found it useful Luis

[@jffro]

Love the compression of the 50mm but to get Rho Ophiuchi in with the 35mm on this occasion is my favorite

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I think I love that one the best also.

[@MrSebastien76600]

Hello Richard, Great video ... as usual. Well done !

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching

[@dhg1960]

Thanks for yet aother super video. What are your feelings as to the modified Z6?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Well it's mixed feelings really David. It does a great job but I reckon the standard Z6 is also excellent for capturing some H-Alpha nebulas so I'm not sure I'd do it again. There are colour balance issues for any other form of photography so it's dedicated to shooting nightscapes.

[@thruthelens7100]

Excellent work as usual mate. Love both images.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching mate, always appreciate your comments.

[@stevebrooks6144]

Excellent video and image, thank you Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Steve

[@rishabhbharti4393]

I am from india .....sir

[@tony_r_pierce]

Excellent tutorial. Fantastic results, thanks for your videos, Richard.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased you enjoyed the video Tony, thanks for watching.

[@kenfinlay9199]

Brilliant video Richard very very helpful.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for tuning in Ken, really appreciate it.

[@voederbietels]

you are a true master sir. here in holland we have so much light polution it iss very hard to get some milky way details

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for watching Frank. Yes we have very dark skies here in Australia. All the very best my friend.

[@bobsheridan6692]

Absolutely beautiful images Richard. Thank you so much for taking us through the step by step post processing techniques to make it come together.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Bob. Really appreciate it.

[@shupingyin8082]

So good. Enjoyed it very much

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

As always I very much appreciate your support.

[@1mickwarwick]

Great video Richard! The 35mm is definitely the winner this time around. Wonderfully structured video, easy to follow and beautifully explained. Well done! 👍🏻

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for hanging in there Mick, really appreciate it. Yes I reckon I prefer the 35mm also.

[@robb7342]

What a great way to cheer up the rainy-day blues, thank you so much once again. Such an amazing difference in the core being front and center to what we see here in Kingston, Ontario. 35mm would be my pick with this foreground.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for tuning in Rob. Yes I like that 35mm one as well.

[@michelelzo8583]

i was thinking the same, i should have taken more advantage while i was in Chile to take more shots like Richards. I am in Ottawa and the sky does not look like that up here.

[@PentaxLife]

Fantastic as always Richard and I think the 35 mm

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always Jeff. Yes I also prefer the 35mm shot.

[@stephanegrosjean4990]

Very good, as always, congrats! Playing with DSO lately, the next step for your tracked sky would be to add dithering during capture. I’m not sure this can be done with your eq mount, though. The idea is to have a few pixels shift for some images, so that noise will be better removed when stacking. If tracking is too good, you end up stacking noise too. Any astrophotographer would also tell you that you must have darks and flats too. More work, more capture time, more processing, that’s the issue. You should try to see if this is worth the effort. But anyway, love the final image, well done! On a different topic, would it be possible to have your raw of the tracked milkyway? I’d like to try processing it in pixinsight and see the result. There are many tools in that software that can make a difference. I tried with a test I did last summer, also with the 35mm f/1.8 lens on the Z6 - that lens is so much better than the 20mm in my case - and processing with sequator and capture one (my usual combo) gives a very different result than with pixinsight.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for your comments Stephane. Yes I'm aware of dithering but to be honest I'm resisting going down the very deep and expensive rabbit hole of deep space photography. I have an affinity with astro landscape photography. . I guess that's where my heart lies. I do sometimes shoot darks but usually not flats etc. Do you have an email address. . .I can send the tiff file of this sky image to you.

[@stephanegrosjean4990]

@@nightscapeimages.richard I sent you an email. Thanks.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

Ncely done Richard! Thanks for sharing! I am just using PS to stack my images as I use a Mac, I see Sequator does not offer a Mac OS version. Is there a substitute program that you would recommend for Mac users?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Todd. Yes for the mac you can use Starry Landscape Stacker. See here: apps.apple.com/au/app/starry-landscape-stacker/id550326617?mt=12

[@Interbeing_CDN]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks Richard, I guess I will need to pony up and spend the $30 on it. Wishing you clear skies, Todd

[@d.arlenebonnett681]

What a beautiful final image and a great explanation on the editing! Thank you. Maybe I missed this, but how does PS know where to go to get the "sky replacement" image or did you bring the Tiff file back into PS before choosing "sky replacement"? I watched this segment several times and didn't see this step being done.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate that. You can import any image from your computer library into the sky replacement folder. Sorry I didn't go into more detail about that. So I edited the sky image first and then saved it as a high quality tiff file to insert into that library.

[@d.arlenebonnett681]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks for your time! I actually found this today under the sky replacement. Obviously, it was the first time I tried to use it, because the answer was right there! I love your videos and hope to get to Australia sometime. Stay well, stay safe!

[@andreaboyle9435]

What a beautiful result! I have a couple different star trackers and I’m looking forward to the day when I can get something similar. I do have a question regarding your tracking set-up. I noticed that you are using a counterbalance with a 35mm lens and wondered why as I thought they were used for longer lenses (and resulting increased weight) on the tracking unit. Do you find it advantageous? Thanks again for this beautiful tutorial!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Andrea. Well the counter balance is useful for any lens as it gives a smoother movement. The motor of the tracker doesn't have to do so much heavy lifting. Also some of these trackers have clutch slippage issues .. I have had that .. and the counterbalance helps with that also.

[@andreaboyle9435]

@@nightscapeimages.richard, this is so good to know. Thanks so much and I'll look forward to your future posts!

[@Robert-R]

Hello Richard - Thanks for another excellent tutorial. I noticed that you had the MSM V mount as part of your setup. Have you noticed any issues with vibrations from wind as a result of having that in the mix? I'd heard some complaints of it flexing too much in the wind and inducing oscillations, however, I have a feeling the comments may be more based on belief rather than actual experience so wanted to get your feedback from using it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Robert. Yes I'm quite happy with the MSM V mount. I think the extra weight and bulk of the ioptron mount keeps everything rock solid. I've never used the mount with a big heavy lens so that may make a difference, but I have used it in windy conditions with no vibrations.

[@Robert-R]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks for the feedback, Richard. That's good to know. Best regards.

[@stephenkilleen6514]

Great video Richard, was wondering what the plate is between the ball head and the track? On your set up? Looks like an adjustable plate? Thanks!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching Stephen. That's the MSM "V" Mount. See here: www.moveshootmove.com/products/z-v-platform-designed-with-alyn-wallace-preorder

[@stephenkilleen6514]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Awesome, thank you! I've been looking for something like this for more movement

[@gurdeepkhosa3055]

Great images and tutorial Richard! Love how the tracker can breathe new life into a night sky image. Just wondering if you astro mod'd your camera yourself or sent it into a shop like Camera Clinic in Collingwood?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much Gurdeep. No I wouldn't attempt to modify my own camera. I did send it to Camera Clinic in Collingwood.

[@gurdeepkhosa3055]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks, I might go pay them a visit when all this crazy is over. Have a good weekend 👍🏻

[@antipodesastro667]

Gorgeous images Richard. The 35mm was my personal favourite! 🤩 Thank you for sharing your work flow too! Lisa

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much Lisa, as always I appreciate your great support.

[@kmulhall8233]

Fantastic tutorial. Stunning images

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased you liked it.

[@michellediggins1175]

Great video once again Richard . Love the look of the milky-way with the star tracker . 35mm was my fav image . But they seriously are both brilliant . Take care

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Michelle. I think I also prefer the 35mm shot. Hope you're able to get out a bit more.

[@michellediggins1175]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Hope to 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@jorgediehl6845]

Big picture! I write from Brazil. Do you have a video tutorial on how to align the south polar with the sky-tracker? Thanks.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Jorge. I use the ioptron Sky Guider Pro with a built in ipolar camera. This is how I align the south celestial pole. I mention it here in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaTRiZJnnqh1Z6c

[@jorgediehl6845]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Tks. Hug

[@alanbowie]

Stunning images! I'm a Z6 user. Can you use a star tracker in a timelapse? Forgive my ignorance.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Alan. Yes you can use a star tracker and do timelapse. See this video. Result near the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZXQdmWjh9p7acU

[@alanbowie]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Many thanks for replying. I'm now off to look at star trackers!

[@RaySweeting]

Hi Richard great video as usual. Can you cover the Astro modified Z6 camera/process in detail at some stage or a link if you have done one already.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Ray. I don't have much technical info on the astro mod as I sent it into a clinic to be done.

[@RaySweeting]

@@nightscapeimages.richard ok thank you

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Do you need the Internet to use your computer

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

No but the Adobe software needs an internet connection initially to set up and from time to time to update.

[@AstroHBF]

Great tutorial and awesome image!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot buddy, really appreciated.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Oh, BTW it was really good to hear you so happy, like a kid in a toy shop..... The relief of coming out of lockdown is immeasurable isn't it. Hope things improve business wise now as well

[@johncross1672]

I prefer the 35mm, nice work!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot John, yes I also prefer the 35mm shot.

[@him9394123]

stunning , I wish I could visit Australia someday

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

We have tremendous dark skies here.

[@him9394123]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yes, I live in Hong Kong, the light pollution is devastating :(

[@jffro]

Amazing image Richard, & great vid 👍 Do u get many hot pixels with the Z6? I’ve recently bought a EOSR & have noted a number of hot pixels when processing my images

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. Yes I do often get hot pixels with the Z6 but I find them pretty easy to remove in post. I think all the new mirrorless cameras suffer from this.

[@jffro]

@@nightscapeimages.richard cool, that’s good to know as I thought there might have been an issue with the camera as I’m shooting with the same tracker as yours but still getting hot pixels…being in Qld doesn’t help with heat on the sensor

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@jffro Yeah the heat up there will certainly add to those hot pixels.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Awesome tutorial Richard. Very easy to follow along with. Windmills and the milky way are such an amazing combo 👍💫

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I really appreciate that Adrian, thanks heaps for tuning in mate. Yes you can't beat a good windmill I reckon ..!!!!

[@manjul1966]

Hi Richard - that Video just blew me away. So much for sharing your amazing techniques & knowledge. It is truly appreciated!! Stay Safe

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm pleased you enjoyed the video Manjul, thanks so much for your comments.

[@manjul1966]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Both gorgeous Richard - the colours in the 35mm had more of those (for me at least) gorgeous purples. Could this be because taken with the Astro Modified Z6 (or was the 50mm shot also taken with the same camera). Simple stunning!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

They were both shot with the same camera. Just a bit different processing.

[@ernyr516]

Hi Richard , the 35mm would suit the majority but i do like what the 50mm does to the image, its different again and in a good way . At least your out of lock down , i hope the 18 oct in Sydney is get out of town day for us . I used a grey card to balance the astro 6d so you get a much better result and very little modifying in post with the reds .I'm sure the Z6 has a custom white balance setting ? i can try to send you an image , one and only , for this year with the astro 6d if you like . cheers Erny

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Erny. Yes I've been playing around with a custom white balance on the Z6. I'd be keen to see your image for sure.

[@ernyr516]

@@nightscapeimages.richard i will do my best to send this image to you where is the best place to send it with some data for you

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@ernyr516 send it to [e-mail]

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Just come back to see how you process the sky from Astro mod camera. Very simple to follow how to get rid of that pinky look . Thanks again.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot my friend. I will do more of these videos moving forward.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Please do more this year. I think many people wanna learn how to shoot and edit this astro mod tracked photos too. It is up to another of level of astro shoot.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@akkarparkiamopas3401 I will do that.

[@raphaelcoelho1557]

Amazing work as always. Just dont know if sky replacement is better than using lighten blend also between the sequator sky and the first layer instead

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Rafael. These are all simply tools to get the desired results my friend. They all have their place.

[@raphaelcoelho1557]

@@nightscapeimages.richard For sure. I was just wondering if it would not be easier 🤔

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@raphaelcoelho1557 Also you need a sky to replace and my experience is that it's easier if that sky already matches the one you want to use to replace it.

[@skyrunner000]

My goodness, your passion for this totally comes through on this video, well done. When I get the guts to have a stab at this I will, but until then I will just watch your videos. 👏🏻

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Richard. Yes I am very passionate about what I do but I also like to be as helpful as possible to anyone who wants to do this stuff.

[@fr7110yu]

😍😂❤👍✌

[@rishabhbharti4393]

Information ❤❤❤❤

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I hope it's helpful to you Rishabh. Thanks for watching.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Beautiful edit!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for checking it out.

[@nickhawtin7243]

Great video 👍

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks very much Nick, I really appreciate that.

[@paidasumankumar]

great work mate

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I very much appreciate you watching Suman.

[@JensChrStrandos]

Excellent work:-)

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I appreciate you having a look my friend.

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Great video ,full of information ,thankyou.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Glad you like it Phillip, appreciate you watching.

[@PhillipMcCallum]

@@nightscapeimages.richard I thought today was Saturday hahaha

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@PhillipMcCallum Haha . .yes I must have gotten mixed up ..!!!

[@santoshmahalik]

Excellent tutorial... No one teaches like you.... Easy to understand and reproducible... Hope I can try these techniques some day. Thank you 🙏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Santosh

[@davidweir3917]

Wow!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching David.

[@paultutton9443]

I've always enjoyed your post processing and 'How to Get the Shot' videos Richard, so this one was a nice treat! The tracker adds a great technical element and your final image was a beauty 👍. I'm sure you've been experimenting with tracked panos and was wondering whether you might consider a tracked MW arch in a future video? Thanks as always mate, much appreciated - keep up the good work 👏👏.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Paul. I haven't done a lot of tracked panos. They are a real pain to line up.

[@geoffsharpe6456]

Thanks Richard, Another very informative tutorial on your techniques. The final image was excellent and it seems like you have come to terms with the Ha mod on the camera. Looking forward to seeing who you bring to the channel for a chat. 👍😊

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Geoff. Yes I'm slowly getting the hang of the HA mod. I'm still working on the guests . .a surprise.

[@cagiva85]

Holy CHRIST Richard that is some beautiful capture ... I've said it before and I'll keep saying it bud you are a true GENT and your passion is definitely infectious. Total respect for showing your FINE ART LIGHTPAINTING and work flow, its extremely generous and thoughtful of you. Amazing amazing amazing... Thank you so much 🙏🙏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, thanks once again for your kind and encouraging comments Royston. You are certainly a great support to me and that is surely helping me continue with the work I do. You're a true legend mate ...!!!!

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

Great tutorial Richard, thanks for sharing. Both images are amazing, but if I had to choose, I'd go with the 35mm.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I think I agree with you Rory, thanks so much for watching.

[@thebeardedgeordiephotography]

This was the very tutorial I needed Rich! Just had a night under the new moon with @HBFilms here in the UK and this will be my go to video to work through my images. You ripper! 🍻🍻

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching mate. I'm pleased it's been helpful. Hope you got some great shots.

[@calvinphipps3121]

Gorgeous as usual Richard! Thanks for continuing to inspire! Have done a few tracked images with sky replacement but this pushes me to keep trying Thanks again for sharing your passion with us

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased you like it you like it Calvin. Thanks so much for your kind words.

[@steveostini4868]

Excellent tutorial Richard, been waiting for this one. Fantastic image , you can't beat a good windmill shot. I slightly prefer the 35mm shot. As others have said your passion shows through.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Many thanks indeed Steve. I appreciate your comments, glad you like the content.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Awesome images Richard...... No surprise there, I was impressed by your steady hand in your editing, lol I like the 35, but the 50 makes you feel like you're in the milky way, so both are great, just gives a different feel. You do a great job with your editing, and your work flow works well for you, so that's cool. I have so much to edit from the summer's night scape shoots ( or astro missions as I've seen it called on fb) I DO NOT like editing, so I procrastinate big time, lol

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Haha, yes I would also prefer to be out shooting than sitting at a computer .. but it's a price we have to pay . .especially with these nightscapes. Thanks heaps again.

[@pearcem66]

Fantastic video again Richard. Great to see from start to finish again. The 35mm was my favorite but both were stunning. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I've fallen in love with nightscape photography. Mainly because of your enthusiasm and willingness to guide others in the processes. Awesome.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot for watching Mark. I'm glad you've been inspired by the night sky.

[@bobg982]

Wow Richard, another great image to support a thorough tutorial, or is that vice-versa? In any event, great! Thanks again for your hard work on this wonderful channel.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Many thanks indeed Bob, I certainly appreciate your kind support.