The Best Astrophotography eBooks for Beginners

Today's photographic equipment allows amateurs to take pictures of the stars that far surpass images taken just a few decades ago by even the largest observatories-and this book will teach you how. Author and world-renowned astrophotographer Thierry Legault teaches the art and techniques of astrophotography: from simple camera-on-tripod night-scene imaging of constellations, star trails, eclipses, artificial satellites, and polar auroras to more intensive astrophotography using specialized equipment for lunar, planetary, solar, and deep-sky imaging.

Legault shares advice on equipment and guides you through techniques to capture and process your images to achieve spectacular results. Astrophotography provides the most thorough treatment of the topic available. This large-format, richly illustrated book is intended for all sky enthusiasts-newcomers and veterans alike. Learn how to:. Select the most useful equipment: cameras, adapters, filters, focal reducers/extenders, field correctors, and guide telescopes Set up your camera (digital, video, or CCD) and your lens or telescope for optimal resultsPlan your observing sessionsMount the camera on your telescope and focus it for razor-sharp imagesPolar-align your equatorial mount and improve tracking for pin-point star imagesMake celestial time-lapse videosCalculate the shooting parameters: focal length and ratio, field of view, exposure time, etc.Combine multiples exposures to reveal faint galaxies, nebulae details, elusive planetary structures, and tiny lunar craters Adjust contrast, brightness, light curves, and colorsPostprocess your images to fix defects such as vignetting, dust shadows, hot pixels, uneven background, and noiseIdentify problems with your images and improve your results.

There are many books covering different facets of astrophotography, but few of them contain all the necessary steps for beginners in one accessible place. Astrophotography is Easy! fills that void, serving as a guide to anybody interested in the subject but starting totally from scratch. Assuming no prior experience, the author runs through the basics for how to take astrophotos using just a camera―including cell phones and tablets―as well as a telescope and more sophisticated equipment. The book includes proven techniques, checklists, safety guidelines, troubleshooting tips, and more.

Each chapter builds upon the last, allowing readers to master basic techniques before moving on to more challenging material. Also included is a comprehensive list of additional books and resources on a variety of topics so readers can continue expanding their skills. Astrophotography Is Easy! doesn’t simply teach you the basic skills for becoming an astrophotographer: it provides you with the foundations you will need for a lifelong pursuit.

Now everyone can learn to take great pictures of the cosmos! The night sky is filled with immense beauty and mystery, and it’s no wonder so many photographers want to learn how to take great photographs of all it contains: the moon, stars, planets, galaxies, and beyond. But for photographers just getting started photographing the cosmos, some books veer into “advanced” territory way too quickly, filled with difficult theory and long, expensive lists of “must-have” gear. If you’re just starting your adventure in astrophotography, The Beginner’s Guide to Astrophotography is the book for you!

Photographer Mike Shaw teaches you everything you need to know to capture great images of the night sky—without breaking the bank or needing an advanced physics degree. In this book, you’ll quickly gain an understanding of the night sky, then dive into gear and settings. Regardless of the camera you own (smartphone, DSLR, or mirrorless), you’ll be able to capture shots you love. You’ll learn all about the gear you absolutely need (and what you don’t) as well as the accessories that will make your astrophotography life easier. Then you’ll dive into camera technique: exposure settings, focusing tricks, and composition techniques to get the shot. You’ll also learn about the best apps for astronomy, weather, planning, and navigation. Mike walks you through how to plan a shoot, set up for it, and capture your images. Finally, you’ll learn the post-processing techniques that will have your images looking their best. You’ll learn how to photograph:. • The moon (full, crescent, lunar eclipse, solar eclipse). • The Milky Way (the core, the central band). • Constellations (Orion, Perseus, Scorpius, etc.). • Asterisms (Big Dipper, Summer Triangle, Orion’s Belt, etc.). • Star trails. • Planets (Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars). • Aurora Borealis. • Meteors. • Satellites (such as the Internaional Space Station). • Nebulae. • Star Clusters. • Galaxies. • Comets. • And more! Table of Contents. Chapter 1: What Is Astrophotography, Exactly? Chapter 2: Understanding the Night Sky for Astrophotographers. Chapter 3: Astrophotography Equipment, Setup, and Technique. Chapter 4: Landscape Astrophotography Subjects. Chapter 5: Deep Sky Astrophotography Subjects. Chapter 6: Choosing Where and When to Shoot. Chapter 7: Synthesis: Your First Astrophotography Session. Chapter 8: Making Your Astrophotography Images Look Amazing. Chapter 9: Advanced Astrophotography.