Star trails photography enables you to create a unique and powerful image that showcases the wonders of the night sky. Your primary objective is to use long exposures, enabling your camera to pick up on light that it normally wouldn’t in other circumstances. You will also need to photograph stars at night, something that can be tricky if there are no other light sources available. Star trails photography requires patience and a good eye for detail, but once you have mastered this, you will be able to create stunning images that you can share with your friends and relatives. Here are some tips on how to create beautiful prints of the night sky.
1. Make use of long exposure techniques
Mount your camera onto a tripod which is safe and secure, and use a remote cable release for the shutter. You will need to register one long exposure, and set aside a good hour in order to notice star movement. Let as much light as possible into the lens, and always take photos of stars in a new moon light, where the moon cannot be seen. The darker the sky, the better. Do a test shot to calculate the exposure that you will need.
2. Use light pollution to your advantage
Light pollution from nearby streets or a lamp at the end of the road can affect long exposures. However, some photographers see this as a benefit, adding an eerie atmosphere to any photos that you take of the night sky. You should experience with this type of light in order to achieve good shots, especially if you discover that light pollution enhances an image of a start trail. Remember though, that the lighter the sky is, your star trails will have less contrast with added light from man-made sources.
3. Take photos in clear conditions
You will want to photograph star trails in clear skies, without fog or excessive cloud. Choose a mild evening when the sky is clear to take your photos, on an evening with low humidity, or from a high surface away from the pollution and congestion of the inner city. Set up your tripod on the city outskirts to achieve some great-looking prints, away from elements that can interfere with your photography.
4. Use photo editing software to enhance star trails
Photo editing computer software will enable you to produce beautiful star trails from your photos. Consider using image filters or layers which tone down the night sky and place a greater emphasis on the star trail.
