Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Mount your camera on a tripod and set the ISO setting of the film to a high number--usually at least 400 is a good starting point. Set the camera to manual focus, move the focus to the "infinity" setting, then set your shutter speed to "bulb," which stays open for as long as you like, or pick a set time--the longer the time, the more light you'll pick up. Experiment with settings in the 10-second to 1-minute range.
Choose your subject. If you're photographing the moon, for instance, aim the camera, and then release the shutter. Using a manual cable release or the camera's self-timer will eliminate vibrations caused by your hand. Check your results and experiment with different settings. A larger aperture number allows in more light more quickly--experiment with changing that, the shutter speed and the ISO number to achieve the desired effects. Record your shots in order in a notebook so you can examine what settings worked best.
Mount your camera on a motorized telescope mount for very long shots. If your camera is stationary, the stars will move against the background of the sky, creating "trails" in long exposures. While this is a compelling effect, if you wish to eliminate it, the camera must move at the same speed as the stars. Mounting your camera to a motorized telescope mount designed for this purpose will let the camera track with the stars.