The first time I saw the Milky Way over the mountains, I forgot to take a single photo. It was too cold, too quiet and too beautiful to think about settings. Since then I’ve gone back to the sky again and again, on treks and camping nights, and learned how to capture a little of it.
Simple night photography
- Choose a night around the new moon and check the weather.
- Use a tripod, your widest lens and the widest aperture you have.
- Start around 15–20 seconds and ISO 3200, then adjust.
- Focus manually on a bright star using live view.
- Keep a warm layer and a flask of tea — you’ll be out longer than you think.
