What You MUST Know About Starting Astrophotography

[@AstroBackyard]

The effort you put into this video was not lost on me. Excited for the next one🔥

[@jackbunker5457]

The mention on your IG story brought me here and the production quality and information kept me👌

[@CosmicCaptures]

Trevor, you are a huge inspiration and one of the reasons I started my astrophotography journey. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. And thanks for putting CosmicCapturs in our IG story. I just saw that 😁 All of this means a lot to me 🙏🏻

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm happy that you found me through AstroBackyard and to see you here 😃 @jackbunker5457

[@jerronymoje7244]

You are the best Trevor for supporting Tim! I also came here because I saw your IG story.

[@jeffnewgard]

I’m also here from the IG recommendation. This video is amazing and can’t wait to follow your journey on here! 👍🏼

[@astrofalls]

Such a high quality video!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Bray, it's so great to see you here. You may have noticed some of your IG pictures at the beginning of the video. And then there's another moment where I use a workflow I learned from you. In the Lunar & Planetary Photography section, there's a short scene where I use the MoonPanoramaMaker plugin for Firecapture. Thank you so much for helping me learn and grow through your videos. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@gerardford1116]

An excellent astrophotography primer. I'm not a beginner in this hobby and have fallen into many of the traps you have identified in your video along my journey. I think the most important fact you communicated was that astrophotography is a group of independent systems that require synergy to produce product. This can be daunting for beginners, and factually the learning curve can be quite steep. Nevertheless, the rewards are well worth the time and effort (in my opinion). If possible, join an astronomy club, or find a mentor who can help you not make mistakes in the beginning of your journey. After a period of initial frustration, I made a friend who started his journey with film astrophotography and as such his experience was quite broad and deep. Similar to your advice, he broke down the components of astrophotography for me, with advice to understand each component before moving on to the next component. His method allowed me to gain knowledge and most importantly confidence to progress. KZbin videos are also a great resource for knowledge (as was yours). Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to more excellent content!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and for commenting here. You are right; falling into various astrophotography traps and heading down a stony path is very easy. Initially, I was so confused about all the complicated words and abbreviations we tend to use in this hobby. It is a steep learning curve, but I totally agree that it is worth the effort. I also second your note on finding like-minded people and someone who can push you in the right direction. That's one of the things that made the most significant difference for me. Again, thanks for stopping by. It's much appreciated.

[@theturdflinger]

This video is fantastic! I took the plunge earlier this year and got a small dob, nothing has matched the feeling of looking through the eyepiece and seeing saturn for the first time.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Great to hear! I agree; Saturn is very special when you see it with your own eyes for the first time. A small don is a fantastic choice to explore the universe visually. One of the good things is that you also learn to navigate the night sky, which is very valuable no matter where your astronomy journey takes you.

[@kaeez]

I was surprised when I scrolled down and looked at the subscribers after watching this wonderfully prepared, clear and concise video. Your efforts won't be futile. I can already see you getting big in a jiffy. Please keep making such more awesome content!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you so much 🙂 I have just started posting videos and I'll keep them comming 👍🏻

[@East_Owl]

I was bummed to jump in your library and only find 2 videos. I’m looking forward to a nightscape video!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Sorry to hear you were bummed. I have just started but there will be more soon. Thanks for commenting :) Nightscapes 👍🏻

[@XanderWarriner]

Brilliant summary, this will be incredibly helpful to beginners. Love the production quality, you can clearly see the passion you have for your craft. All the best and clear skies!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and think it will be helpful for beginners.Clear skies to you as well :)

[@bhupathinagashivakumar1468]

Thanks to KZbin for recommending this video. This guy earned a subscriber and I am looking forward for great and quality content. Hope you deliver it.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Welcome aboard! I’ll do my best to deliver more quality videos 👍🏼

[@user-yj9rv8ry6v]

A great overview of the different types of Astrophotography, most enjoyed, looking forward to the next video!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Great to hear you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting :)

[@AstrocandyTV]

A nicely-produced astro video? Hail a new breed of astro-tubers!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I am glad you enjoyed my production and thanks a lot for commenting :)

[@kingboyf5544]

Great video! Looking forward to the Nightscape gear video especially!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm glad you enjoyed and thanks for letting me know what you would like to see 👍🏼

[@benwilliams9627]

Awesome channel Tim and as a beginner this is by far the best videos I have seen on the web. Please keep them coming and once again thank you for taking the time to make them.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thanks for saying that :) This video was a ton of work, so your comment means a lot to me. And there will be more to come on my channel.

[@FredLombardo]

I started with Milky Way photography and was hooked. Now DSO photography is my passion and I’ll soon be starting Planetary photography. Excellent work on this video.

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm glad you liked the video :) Keep having lots of fun with the different types of astrophotography 👍🏻

[@DocBHaas]

Wonderful, introductory video. I’m starting with a good nightscape photography. I really appreciated the thoughtful approach about the minimum amount of gear needed to enter into this realm of Astrophotography.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Glad you enjoyed it! I agree; nightscape photography is a fantastic way to start the hobby. You can do a lot in this field. Thanks for leaving a comment, and good luck with your endeavour. Clear skies :)

[@lanes8237]

What a great introduction to all of the different specializations and what a fantastic introduction to the basics!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I am glad you enjoyed the video 😃 and thanks for commenting 🙏🏻

[@gibbybtw280]

The quality of this video is insane, amazing video

[@CosmicCaptures]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@successfusiontv]

This video blew my mind! The quality of production is just too good! Can’t wait for more content from you!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thanks for watching and letting me blow your mind :) There will be more 😃

[@rensvandewaterlaat6380]

Deepsky astrophotography (nebulae) is what i like🙂

[@CosmicCaptures]

Good to hear that. One of my next videos will be dedicated to Deep Sky Photography 👍🏻

[@jackastrophotos]

Great video. As someone who is expanding from planetary into deep sky imaging myself, I’m looking forward to your future content.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Welcome aboard! In one of my next videos I will focus on deep sky photography. Thanks for commenting 👍🏻

[@hotflashfoto]

This is the kind of information I wish I had seen 4 years ago. But now I have, and I thank you, sir! I'm interested in using my DSLR, so for me, nightscape, solar, DSO, and maybe lunar. To do planetary would require purchasing a telescope and I just don't want to do that at this point. Maybe later, but not now. As mentioned, I got started 4 years ago when I bought my EQM35 mount, but fell into one rabbit hole after another trying to control it with my laptop and various apps. I bought special cables and other things and just kept failing. However, I just ordered an ASI Air Plus that is due to arrive in a few days, and from what I've seen on a couple other YT channels, this works with my mount and my tablet, so I should finally be able to get started imaging this week! You earned my subscription and definitely a Like! Please continue your excellent work and videos.

[@CosmicCaptures]

I started astrophotography with a setup that included the ASIAir and am very glad I did so because it did not get in the way of learning the hobby but supported my efforts. I'm sure you will like it. I hope that I will be able to support you with some more knowledge in my upcoming videos. Thanks for subscribing and the Like. It means a lot to me 🙏🏻

[@user-lc4he3cz5u]

Very good video! Very nice editing and really enjoyable to listen to. You could expand this series! In the beginning you show telescopes. For example for me the most problem was the choice of equipment. There are hundreds, thousands of telescopes, lenses, cameras! What should I choose, in what budget! I think this would help many people buy their first dream equipment and not get discouraged by bad equipment. In the beginning, people have problems with the most basic activities and need to be guided like a child. Guides on editing, explaining everything step by step are still not many.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you for the great feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I totally get how overwhelming choosing equipment can be, and I’m actually gathering material for an astrophotography gear video. Your suggestion is spot on, and I’ll keep it in mind as I work on future content. Thanks again for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@jackbuchanan8138]

In your upcoming videos about each type of astrophotography, I would love to see comparisons between images you can capture with “basic” gear vs more advanced techniques. Love the video quality and presentation!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Great suggestion! I have somthing like that in mind. Thank you!

[@ahmedibrahim-fs6dc]

Great video for those who don't know how to start!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Glad you think so! Thanks for commenting :)

[@spaceinyourface]

I loved that .

[@CosmicSandcastles]

TIM this video is awesome. i love the Cosmic brand brother!!! ill have to add you on my upcoming channels on my homepage

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you so much for your kind words and your support 👍🏻

[@tomj8969]

thank you, I will pass this along to others. It took me a year to learn this on my own and this information is so valuable. :)

[@CosmicCaptures]

Glad it was helpful :) It also took me a while to learn all ot this. Looking back many things seem basic but in the beginning they are not. Helping others to learn what I have learned is why I have made this video. There's much more knowledge that I want to pass on in upcomming videos.

[@astrophotocologne]

the production quality is exceptional . Fun to watch.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you very much, Frank. I’ve been enjoying your videos too 😃

[@astrophotocologne]

oh really, although they are in German? Would love to learn more about Filmmaking, I really love your style@@CosmicCaptures

[@CosmicCaptures]

Yes, really. It helps to be German ;-) If you would like to talk about filmmaking, you can contact me via the contact form on my website www.cosmiccaptures.com

[@jeffg4420]

Hi Tim, great video with good content. I am most interested in Deep Sky Astrophotography of nebulae and galaxies. Thanks!

[@Chryoss]

Wow, what a professionnal quality video ! Continue like that and I wish you to get 100k+ subscribers in no time 👌

[@CosmicCaptures]

Wow, thank you! I think I want to publish a few more videos before we talk about numbers. We'll see what this is taking all of us. Thanks for commenting 🙏🏻

[@ceejay0137]

That was an excellent introduction to astrophotography! A lot of video makers cover only one of the aspects, so it's refreshing to see a broader presentation of the options. Deep-sky is not possible for me unless I take a fully portable setup out into the countryside, because I live in a very light-polluted town. For that reason I concentrate on lunar and planetary imaging, and occasionally solar. You have my sub, and I'm looking forward to more content from you.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Glad you liked it! You are making an excellent point about the importance of your location. I picked up solar imaging because we don't get astro darkness during summer, and I thought I couldn't do imaging at all. It's great to have so many options in astrophotography, and all of them are so exciting.

[@Cheapass-tro]

Well made and informative. Keep it up. Here's a comment for the algorithm. Hopefully more will add a comment as newer channels need to get out there.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. It'll definitely help to grow my channel. I enjoyed the last video that you posted. Good stuff 👍🏼

[@BonzaB1]

Enjoyable video. For me I'm just starting out in deep sky. Would love to see more content concerning that. Thanks.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you :) More deep sky content will come 👍🏻

[@MikeLikesChannel]

The best advice I *ever got* from a seasoned astrophotographer, the best one in our club… he told me “don’t start.” So yeah, I do Hyperstar EAA… and that’s where my budget will keep me.

[@CosmicCaptures]

“Don’t start” that’s indeed brilliant advice 👍🏼

[@khanceptbelal]

Thank you for this video. As a beginner explorer of the cosmos above, I appreciate you breaking it down

[@CosmicCaptures]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck with your explorations 👍🏼

[@stansienkiewicz2349]

Lunar and Planetary; Great Video!

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thanks for your vote 👍🏼

[@jona5003]

This deserves so much more likes and views. Cool and interesting video👍

[@CosmicCaptures]

I have just started with my channel, meaning I am a "nobody" or a blank piece of paper for KZbin. The YT algorithm needs to get to know me better to present my content to the right audience. What matters now is how people respond to my videos. Therefore, I am very grateful for your comment. It will make a difference and help my channel grow. Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@jona5003]

@@CosmicCaptures Ill definitely keep watching, keep it up!

[@stamatiaannasi202]

Amazing video!!! I would like to see one about exotic astrophotography. I am so exited about this Chanel

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you! Is there a specific topic in exotic astrophotography that you are most interested in?

[@stamatiaannasi202]

I would like to learn more about spectroscopy and the astrophotography of rare objects in our solar system such us minor planets, asteroids, or strange objects in space. I think that I am not the only one that is interested in! Continue this amazing job!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I don't intend to create a video about spectroscopy anytime soon. But check out "Dark Sky Geek" here on KZbin. He has a number of very helpful videos on spectroscopy. I hope that helps. Minor planets, on the other hand, are something I might explore on this channel in the future.

[@stefanschneider3681]

I couldn't agree more, well done! But since you asked for comments: You did include some pretty intimidating gear in your video 😉 ... what I would add to the list of "must knows" is the dependence on the weather. It's just not a hobby you can plan like playing volleyball, outdoor photography or drawing 🤣. It's got both sides: The patience to wait for these exceptional clear nights - and on the other hand not getting overwhelmed when they do come around, not getting lost in choosing from all the beauty that is out there! And it's usually not the Friday evening when you can sleep in the next day, so finding the balance between your daily life and loosing some sleep would be another one. If you do consider all this, don't hesitate to try and don't get frustrated when thinks sometimes don't work out you will be rewarded with these moments of joy and astonishment you talked about, and then it's sooo worth it! Thanks for putting it all together so beautifully! I will summarise my steps into the hobby for anyone interested - because even after four years I still love it! I got drawn into it when our kids grew older and I suddenly found myself having some spare time to do things I want for myself. In a series called "One strange rock", now on Disney+ about the beauty of our planet several ISS-astronauts talked about their experience of seeing the earth from above. Looked for an app to find the ISS, found SkyGuide - still my favourite! - and BANG I was hooked!! Started really simple with my little Canon G7X on a mount - and still love these first nightscapes! Then upgrade the Camera to a Canon 90D bundle that includes a telefotolens 70-300. This is still my main camera, still love it for daytime as for nighttime photography. Turned 50 and asked the guests of my birthday party for a contribution to a telescope. And then I stood there where you talk about in your video: About 1500 Swiss Franks or Dollars in my hand and asking myself the question: What do I get? Looking back I made the right decision with smith cassigrain telescope, but the "wrong" decision getting an alt-az-goto-mount (Celestron NexStar 6SE), but I wouldn't change a thing! Because I learned so much about the night sky as well as how a telescope works. And don't forget the challenges of processing the data ... Looking back I would recommend the same as you do, to start with a eq-mount like a star tracker with a camera you can select everything manually. But you can do some crazy imaging with an alt-az mount, don't let anyone fool you - if you accept its limitations on exposure time and field of view through the rotation! Here's where I currently am: I mostly use the camera with different lenses on the Star Adventurer GTi, love it! But when things really go well, I do mount the 6''-SC-telescope on that little mount and it works 🤩! But as you say, it's much less forgiving, so I have to be in the mood for it. Add vibration damping feet, a lens heater, an intervalometer to torment my poor camera to take dozens and dozens of pictures and you get an idea of my setup. Next step will be a decent EQ mount, then an astro modified camera, but everything at its time, I like to keep it simple. One last thing about processing: I do it all on my mighty little MacBook Air using Siril, and these are the "magic" moments: When Siril does it's thing and you open the stacked picture for the first time in "autostretch"!! But here too I will have to upgrade some day because it's now really struggling, since I am getting more confident and start to often have the system take 100 or 200 pictures while I am sleeping. This is it, I love, recommend it to anyone who loves the beauty of the night sky, is interested in all the technical aspects of it and doesn't care loosing sleep or freezing it's a.. off 🤣

[@CosmicCaptures]

Wow, what a great comment. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts and your journey. You mention some excellent points regarding our dependency on good weather. There are many things you can learn, control and deal with, but not the weather. Maintaining a positive attitude is sometimes challenging when the forecast only shows clouds for the next 14 days. But you can still do stuff to be better prepared for the next clear night. That's a topic for a video right there 👍🏻

[@TamsonsAstrophotography]

Bro this can't be a astrophotographer like this dude why does he not have many subscribers these videos are amazing

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm glad you like the videos. The reason I don't have many subscribers is that I have just started posting videos. And it will take a little bit of time before KZbin connects the right audience with my content. The subscribers will come :) With your comment and like you have already contributed to that. Thanks 🙏🏻 Btw: You have a cute cat 😺

[@TamsonsAstrophotography]

@@CosmicCapturesI hope you get more you got this and the cats name is Tamson

[@TamsonsAstrophotography]

@@CosmicCaptures oh you should also show off all your telescopes and gear

[@CosmicCaptures]

Ahhh, I see, so it's your cats astrophotography channel 😺

[@TamsonsAstrophotography]

@@CosmicCaptures Yes even though he hates the outside im trying to get good at astrophotography im starting just don't have the nice gear yet besides my EdgeHd

[@scottdallon1544]

Fantastic video and insights. Thanks for sharing.

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm very glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting :)

[@ivansg9054]

Congratulations for making a great video, I'm glad I found the channel at the beginning, keep it up. In my case my main objective is deep sky photography. Will there be image processing videos on the channel? Thank you and keep up the good work making great videos. a greeting from Spain. 👌

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you very much! Yes, I plan to create image-processing videos for this channel. Before that, I want to cover some other essential topics first. Thank you for commenting y saludos a ti en España :)

[@DSOImager]

Great video! Should be helpful to a lot of beginners. CS!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I hope so! Thanks a lot for saying that :)

[@Jasper787217]

Really good video, thank you!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I am glad you like the video :) Thank you!

[@astrotan]

This video was amazing dude. This is gonna help beginners big time.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you :) I hope it will help beginners realize that astrophotography is very diverse. A video like that would have helped me for sure. What were the things you found most difficult to understand when you started astrophotography?

[@maverickjones1876]

Great production quality!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm glad you think so. There's definitely more to come :)

[@GMatCustomSurfmats]

Amazing work Tim. ❤

[@davidcarver3142]

Deep sky.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you for letting me know 😃

[@christianadelatour850]

Cheers from Rockland County NY …. Can you do a “How to take a color shot of the Moon “please

[@CosmicCaptures]

I can and will eventually make a video about lunar photography, including how to bring out the subtle colours of the moon. Thanks for letting me know what you would like to see. That's very valuable for me.

[@dithon14]

I'm just starting to learn about this hobby but it is very exciting. I think I'm most interested in deep sky and planetary photography so I'm most excited to see videos on those subjects. While I wait for your videos, do you have any suggestions for other videos and resources?

[@CosmicCaptures]

Welcome aboard your exciting new astrophotography journey. Regarding other videos and resources: You should definitely check out AstroBackyard and Nebula Photos here on KZbin. They both have a number of videos about beginner deep sky astrophotography gear and I have learned a lot from them. When it comes to planetary photography you can check out the video "How To Take A Photo of a Planet" from Dylan O'Donnell also here on YT, which is a good starting point. Thanks for commenting 🙏🏻

[@MarkSmith-of5fe]

Fantastic video! Was that picture of the Pleiades your first astrophoto? If so, wow!! Looks amazing. That was my first, but didn’t look nearly as good as that 😂

[@CosmicCaptures]

Yes, it is! I just looked at the date of the image the other day. I captured the data somtime between Christmas and New Years Eve 2021. I don't remember how many times I re-edited it but I must have 10 versions at least. As I said, that picture of the Pleiades did it for me.

[@z90065]

Deep space photography plz 📸

[@CosmicCaptures]

Deep sky photography will be one of the next videos :) Thanks for voting 👍🏻

[@tyshantz8675]

Well done. Keep up the great work. New sub 🇨🇦

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thanks for the sub and welcome to CosmicCaptures 😃

[@SmokeyStoner]

Fantastic video, thank you for making this.

[@CosmicCaptures]

I am very glad you enjoyed it :)

[@charlesalexander8099]

All of them, I had no idea about the light color spectrum!! What telescope do you need for all of them? Planets, moon, sun and deep sky.

[@CosmicCaptures]

Ideally, you want to use different types of telescopes and, to a certain degree also, cameras for the different types of astrophotography. Telescopes are like camera lenses. You have wide-angle lenses on one end and tele lenses on the other. There is no single fixed focal length camera lens that will work well for all targets. It depends on how large the subject is that you want to photograph. Unfortunately, the "Do It All Well" telescope does not exist. This is quite a complex topic and something for another video ;-) What type of astrophotography gets you most excited? For that type of astrophotography, I can give you a more concrete answer.

[@CountDorkula]

Nightscape, Lunar & Solar is my starting interest & yes I made mistakes & bought a DSO scope when I could have just bought the right camera lens or two. So what is a good scope to get for moon & sun images?

[@CosmicCaptures]

What type of Moon and Sun images would you like to capture? If you want highly detailed images of the Moon, your telescope needs a long focal length and large aperture. The focal length is needed to get enough magnification with your camera, and the aperture (the diameter of the lens or mirror of your telescope) defines the theoretical resolution capability of the optical system. The larger the aperture of your telescope, the finer details it can resolve. The sun is exceptionally bright, so you also have to consider filtration. If you want to photograph sunspots and the suns granulation then a simple white light filter is perfect. Everything else, like photographing the suns chromosphere in H-alpha light to capture prominances and other features is way more specialized and requires other considerations. I can't give you a straight answer because it all depends on a multitude of factors, which leads me back to my first question. What types of Moon and Sun images would you like to get?

[@jakobbohls321]

really enjoyed the video. again... I would really like to see some deep sky content. Maybe you could show us more mindblowing pictures and maybe explain the story behind them. :)

[@CosmicCaptures]

Hej Jakob, more deep sky content is in production. I really like your ideo of talking about the story behind the images 👍🏻

[@themusiclovercolombia5708]

Hello friend, greetings from Bogota Colombia, I just came to your channel, congratulations for the tremendous quality of your material, excuse me a question, could you tell me where you got the accessories that you see in your mount (eq6r) in the min 0:37, I mean the support for dovetails, counterweights and counterweight bracket, looks amazing. Greetings a big hug

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thanks and welcome to Cosmic Captures. The dovetail clamp and the dovetails are from Primalucelab. The counterweight bar and counterweights are from Geoptik. Both companies are based in Italy. Thank you so much for subscribing and commenting. Greetings to Bogota Colombia 😃

[@danwhitton7966]

It is all exciting to me. I'd like to start with Tracked Nightscape/ MilkyWay photography. Is it important to have a dedicated Hydrogen Modified Sensor for this? I just bought a Canon R7 and wish to also do landscape and macro photography with it. Is it possible to add a Hydrogen Filter to the camera lens instead of modifying the camera sensor? Pros/Cons if I do?

[@CosmicCaptures]

Tracked Nightscape photography is an excellent way to start your astrophotography journey. I would begin with an unmodified camera, and you can use your R7 as it is. Especially in combination with a star tracker, you can still create amazing photos. I did the same initially, but I quickly realised that I wanted more of the H-alpha light in my images, so I modified one of my cameras. Putting an H-alpha filter in front of an unmodified sensor can work in regions that have a strong H-alpha signal. But you will have to expose much longer because the UV/IR cut filter in front of your sensor will reduce the H-alpha signal significantly. There is perhaps one more thing to consider. Clip-in H-alpha filters, while they work, are very fiddly. It's quite challenging to first take your normal colour exposures and then remove the lens, put an H-alpha filter in front of the sensor, and re-attach the lens while keeping the framing of the image. Ultimately, it really depends on your ambitions regarding astrophotography. Once you have learned the basics and know that you want to stick with it you will want to get a modified camera. I hope this will be helpful and thank you so much for commenting 🙏🏻

[@carlosenriquez2092]

The painful truth is that you are going to spend thousands of dollars to buy equipment to take a picture that someone else already has. Be very mindful how much of your hard earned money you let go of yes its fun yes its therapeutic yes its fulfilling, but also very expensive.

[@CosmicCaptures]

You are right; astrophotography can be painfully expensive. Many hobbies can be. For me, it's all about the process and the joy I can derive from it. The journey of getting an astro image holds way more value than the final result. Therefore, I am okay that many people have photographed the same object before me. And the choices during my journey will make the final image unique, at least for me. I agree with you totally; astrophotography is fun, therapeutic and fulfilling. :)

[@numbasixx]

Better than a gambling, drug, or alcohol addiction I guess. Wait I think I just came up with an evil plan. I’m going to start AGBA, Astro Gear Buyers Anonymous. Support, recovery and a bulletin board on the back wall by the door where recovering addicts can post their gear for pennies on the dollar. I’m helping people and getting unaffordable gear at bargain basement prices! Everyone wins!

[@carlosenriquez2092]

@numbasixx perhaps I came across a bit contrarian I myself am a hobbyist photographer. Up until recently wildlife only. It quite literally is my therapy I love and enjoy it very much. Recently I did a couple of portrait shoots for some friends and they seemed fascinated and amazed at the photos. They came out OK but this has led to more requests with offers to pay. It was then I realized what an expensive hobby photography of any kind is. Even with used equipment the numbers just hurt to think about. Having said all this I wouldn't do anything different.

[@numbasixx]

@@carlosenriquez2092 my sentiments exactly. It’s a cool moment when you’ve been taking pictures forever and you feel like you really have an eye for but there’s no WAY you’re as good as those professional photographers. Then something offers to pay you and your mind is blown.

[@ekalbkr]

Let me think. I have two hobbies: astrophotography and guitars. Yes, both become expensive as, if you can afford it, you will always drool over that 1950's Gibson, or f2.9 wide field telescope, and sometimes you will pull the trigger and get one. The other side of the coin is I played the same old mid level Yamaha for 25 years before moving up. I started out astrophotography with a star tracker and a DSLR and loved it. But, yes, I moved up and probably have $10,000+ spent in each of both hobbies. If you can afford it either hobby will eat you up. Then again, I just returned from spending ten days under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. It was a challenge, it was cold, it was beautiful. I spent my nights checking my astro rig every two hours, napping when I could in my small unheated trailer. I navigated the universe and captured images of light over 3 million years old - old as the dawn of man. As I left for the long drive home, I knew it had changed my soul. I just reviewed some 20 hours of sub exposures and realized I had improved my skills as well. At 71 years old I know about facing impermanence. I realize the stars have always been my companions on my journey, and like music, it is part of my soul.

[@anata5127]

Very good video! You are not newbie. You have at least 3-5 years experience. Right? Your location is bortle 4-5 or below. Right?

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thanks! No, I am not a beginner, but still relatively new to the hobby. I started my astrophotography journey during the pandemic and have two years of experience. My backyard is in a Bortle 6 zone, but I have travelled to darker locations to do astrophotography.

[@anata5127]

@@CosmicCaptures I see. It is excellent progress for 2 years period. I could divide DSO imaging into 4 types by difficulty: vast bright nebulas and open star clusters;, large emission nebulas, galaxy clusters (see galaxies like dots) and globular clusters; dust, dark, and reflection nebulas and medium-large galaxies; and finally, faint nebulas, small galaxies (see features in each galaxy) and planetary nebulas. Difficulty increase from 1 to 4 types. 3 and 4 types are almost impossible to get from bortle 5 and above. Additionally, type 4 requires expensive rig. By the way, I have seen your AstroBin page. Where are excellent DSO images that you have shown in this video?

[@CosmicCaptures]

Thank you for the compliment. Dividing deep sky objects into different categories and ranking them by difficulty makes a lot of sense. There are no DSO photos on my AstroBin page because I have not uploaded them yet ;-) That is one of the many things I still have to do.

[@anata5127]

@@CosmicCaptures Great! Thank

[@3_Gold_Coins]

I am hopeful to find a mentor somehow near PGA west.

[@CosmicCaptures]

I'm sorry but I don't understand you comment. Is it related to the video somehow?

[@michellemastellotto7115]

Tim - I run the largest astrophotography group on Facebook and we always (daily) get questions from people just starting out. Your video is great and I am sure the follow-ups will be too. Do you mind if I provide a link to this video with proper credit to you at the top of our page?

[@CosmicCaptures]

Not at all :) You can post the video on your Facebook page. Hopefully, it will help many to get an overview of the different types of astrophotography. There's more content to come, which might also be relevant for your audience.

[@michellemastellotto7115]

@@CosmicCaptures thanks! I will post it later today. Steve Mastellotto

[@michellemastellotto7115]

@@CosmicCaptures I have added the post on Facebook with link to this KZbin video. Hopefully you will see some increase in traffic.

[@montanausa329]

It’s expensive 😊

[@CosmicCaptures]

As are many other hobbies :)

[@sam_the_pro3717]

hey tim i bet you a telescope that you will get 1000 subs in 1month

[@CosmicCaptures]

😁 thanks, but you should treat yourself with a nice telescope when I reach 1000 in 1 month 👍🏻

[@germansnowman]

How do you have only 100 subscribers? Your production values are astounding for such a small (as of yet) channel. Subscribed!

[@CosmicCaptures]

I have not been around for long enough to get many views. But that will change thanks to people like you. Thank you for subscribing to my channel 👍🏻

[@germansnowman]

@@CosmicCaptures I certainly hope so, it would be well-deserved! Looking forward to the next video.

[@sam_the_pro3717]

underrated af i got a lt114 and wanna swtich to a dslr camera but im too for that 🥲

[@CosmicCaptures]

Do you mean the Celestron LT114 AZ? The first telescope that I got as a teenager had more or less the same optics. You could get a simple smartphone holder, attach your phone to the eyepiece, and experiment with lunar photography. I'm sure you could get some cool-looking shots that way. You will be limited to short exposures if you only have an Alt-Az mount. What is the type of astrophotography you would like to do most?

[@sam_the_pro3717]

@@CosmicCaptures i would like having a great picture of the orion nebula and then move on to the andromeda galaxy

[@CosmicCaptures]

Have you seen this video from Nebula Photos? Nico explains how to photograph the Andromeda Galaxy with only a camera lens and tripod. The same method works on the Orion Nebula too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ponGg36lrbmDjMk@@sam_the_pro3717