Looking up at the night sky fills a person with wonder, knowing there is so much unknown out there! Admiring the universe can put things in perspective – if only we could capture that feeling. Tonight, you can!

The first ever photo was taken in 1826 and at the end of the following decade, the moon was captured. But it wasn’t until the late 19th century that technology advanced to the point where details of stars could be seen, and only really the last 20 years that software has taken this to a new level.

Essentially, we have had an extra century of looking at photos of humans and the world we live in but photographing space is still very much unknown—and it is gripping!

No one night of astrophotography is the same and each photo is unique. Every time you pick up a camera, there is a chance to connect with a different aspect of nature, to identify stars and galaxies that tell stories of legends, and to challenge your photographic skills. But what if the only experience you have is taking snaps with your smartphone? Or you don’t have a huge budget for expensive equipment? Perhaps the idea of photo editing software is daunting!

In this guide to astrophotography for beginners, you will discover:

The A to Z of astrophotography made simple through the unique ASTROPICS method

The ultimate guide to buying cameras, lenses, and tripods— without having to spend thousands!

How a star tracker works, the best star trackers on the market today, and even how to make your own

The nice-haves to add to your kit such as lens hoods and filters that will enhance your experience

How to get the most out of your camera settings and master ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, focus, and white balance

Camera settings and tips for shooting specific celestial bodies from the Moon to galaxies

And much more.

Whether you are just getting started or have been snapping the sky for a while, the knowledge to take your astrophotography skills to the next level is waiting for you here!