How to Photograph the Night Sky

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod.

   Load the camera with high-speed (at least ISO 200) film, or set the digital camera speed to between 200 and
   800. (400 film speed and higher will be noticeably grainier.)
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   Step 2: Turn off the autofocus mechanism

   If you are including a foreground in your image, make sure to take two images, one with the stars in focus and one with the foreground in focus.
   
   These can be combined later in most editing programs. ,,,
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   Step 3: and manually set the focus ring of the lens to just before infinity (or landscape/distance autofocus setting).

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   Step 4: Set the shutter speed to either the bulb setting

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   Step 5: or a range of settings between about 2 and 30 seconds.

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   Step 6: Point the camera at the desired area of the sky

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   Step 7: trip the shutter (preferably using a cable release

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   Step 8: or the camera's self-timer in order to minimize vibration)

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   Step 9: and keep the shutter open for the desired length of time.

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    Step 10: Set the widest aperture

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    Step 11: lowest f-stop for your lens.

Detailed Guide

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