18 min
A Beginner's Guide to Night Photography National Trust Podcast
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- History
In this episode, presenter Jo Dyson heads to the Lake District for a night of camping and stargazing. But unfortunately for Jo things don’t quite go to plan.
Jo swaps her tent for a tripod to try her hand at some astrophotography on a night time stroll. Jo turns to astrophotographer, Steven Hanna for a masterclass in photography. Listen to discover how you can use your camera to shed light on the secrets of the night.
To get inspired about other amazing places for a star gazing adventure, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/outdoor-activities/top-spots-for-stargazing
Please note, this episode was recorded before UK restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus. Please check current guidance before planning any activities.
For more podcasts from the National Trust, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts
Auto Generated Additional Information:
Introduction:
- The episode explores the wonders of astrophotography and capturing the night sky.
- Hosted by Jo Dyson and featuring Lewis Robertson, a National Trust ranger, and Steven Hanna, an astrophotographer.
Main Topics Discussed:
1. Disappointment with Cloudy Skies:
- Jo Dyson expresses disappointment at not being able to see any stars due to cloudy skies.
- Lewis Robertson explains that clear skies are ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
2. Location for Stargazing:
- Lewis Robertson mentions that while remote areas are better for stargazing, it is not necessary to go to extremely remote places like Wasdale.
- The episode takes place in the Lake District, known for its dark sky areas.
3. Introduction to Astrophotography:
- Steven Hanna, an astrophotographer, joins the episode to teach astrophotography techniques.
- Due to the lack of stars, the focus shifts to capturing the lake, clouds, and mountains in long-exposure photographs.
4. Equipment and Techniques:
- Steven Hanna uses a Sony mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the night sky.
- He explains the process of focusing the camera on stars and adjusting shutter speed for different exposures.
- The episode showcases the stunning detail and reflections captured in long-exposure photographs.
5. Composing Astrophotography Shots:
- Steven Hanna discusses how to compose shots as an astrophotographer.
- In areas with less scenic surroundings, it is recommended to fill the frame with stars.
- In beautiful areas, incorporating the landscape with the night sky creates stunning images.
6. Using Apps for Stargazing:
- Steven Hanna introduces the Sky Guide app, which allows users to see what stars are behind the clouds in real-time.
- The app helps astrophotographers plan their shots and visualize the night sky.
7. Light Painting:
- Steven Hanna demonstrates light painting, a technique where torches are used to create trails of movement during long exposures.
- Jo Dyson and Lewis Robertson participate in creating light trails, adding a creative element to the photographs.
Key Takeaways:
- Clear skies are essential for stargazing and astrophotography.
- Remote areas provide better opportunities for stargazing, but it is not necessary to go to extremely remote locations.
- Long-exposure photography can capture stunning details and reflections in the night sky.
- Composing shots as an astrophotographer involves filling the frame with stars or incorporating the landscape with the night sky.
- Apps like Sky Guide can help astrophotographers plan their shots and visualize the night sky.
- Light painting is a fun technique that adds creativity to astrophotography.
Guests:
- Lewis Robertson: National Trust ranger
- Steven Hanna: Astrophotographer
In this episode, presenter Jo Dyson heads to the Lake District for a night of camping and stargazing. But unfortunately for Jo things don’t quite go to plan.
Jo swaps her tent for a tripod to try her hand at some astrophotography on a night time stroll. Jo turns to astrophotographer, Steven Hanna for a masterclass in photography. Listen to discover how you can use your camera to shed light on the secrets of the night.
To get inspired about other amazing places for a star gazing adventure, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/outdoor-activities/top-spots-for-stargazing
Please note, this episode was recorded before UK restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus. Please check current guidance before planning any activities.
For more podcasts from the National Trust, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts
Auto Generated Additional Information:
Introduction:
- The episode explores the wonders of astrophotography and capturing the night sky.
- Hosted by Jo Dyson and featuring Lewis Robertson, a National Trust ranger, and Steven Hanna, an astrophotographer.
Main Topics Discussed:
1. Disappointment with Cloudy Skies:
- Jo Dyson expresses disappointment at not being able to see any stars due to cloudy skies.
- Lewis Robertson explains that clear skies are ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
2. Location for Stargazing:
- Lewis Robertson mentions that while remote areas are better for stargazing, it is not necessary to go to extremely remote places like Wasdale.
- The episode takes place in the Lake District, known for its dark sky areas.
3. Introduction to Astrophotography:
- Steven Hanna, an astrophotographer, joins the episode to teach astrophotography techniques.
- Due to the lack of stars, the focus shifts to capturing the lake, clouds, and mountains in long-exposure photographs.
4. Equipment and Techniques:
- Steven Hanna uses a Sony mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the night sky.
- He explains the process of focusing the camera on stars and adjusting shutter speed for different exposures.
- The episode showcases the stunning detail and reflections captured in long-exposure photographs.
5. Composing Astrophotography Shots:
- Steven Hanna discusses how to compose shots as an astrophotographer.
- In areas with less scenic surroundings, it is recommended to fill the frame with stars.
- In beautiful areas, incorporating the landscape with the night sky creates stunning images.
6. Using Apps for Stargazing:
- Steven Hanna introduces the Sky Guide app, which allows users to see what stars are behind the clouds in real-time.
- The app helps astrophotographers plan their shots and visualize the night sky.
7. Light Painting:
- Steven Hanna demonstrates light painting, a technique where torches are used to create trails of movement during long exposures.
- Jo Dyson and Lewis Robertson participate in creating light trails, adding a creative element to the photographs.
Key Takeaways:
- Clear skies are essential for stargazing and astrophotography.
- Remote areas provide better opportunities for stargazing, but it is not necessary to go to extremely remote locations.
- Long-exposure photography can capture stunning details and reflections in the night sky.
- Composing shots as an astrophotographer involves filling the frame with stars or incorporating the landscape with the night sky.
- Apps like Sky Guide can help astrophotographers plan their shots and visualize the night sky.
- Light painting is a fun technique that adds creativity to astrophotography.
Guests:
- Lewis Robertson: National Trust ranger
- Steven Hanna: Astrophotographer
18 min