02 Sep Comment photographier les étoiles et la voie lactée ?

The starry sky has always been a great source of inspiration since the dawn of time. Otherwise, a clear sky is always ideal for learning about astrophotography or star photography. Even with a few still clouds, it is possible to get a nice shot. However, having a good camera is essential as this is long distance shooting. So you have to be in the right place at the right time. Are the stars in the sky captivating for you? I am a corporate photographer in Paris and in the Paris region and today we are learning to photograph them. 

How to photograph the stars using a smartphone?

With technological advances, photographing the stars with a smartphone has become possible. There are apps that are designed to manually take pictures in low light. The result is similar to what some digital SLRs can offer. 

Using an application on your mobile device allows you to immortalize a moment after 2 seconds. This allows for more clarity in terms of resolution or image quality. If you feel the need, it is possible to increase the ISO function and the exposure time before capturing an image.

To complete the whole thing, all that remains is to fix the smartphone on a tripod. Otherwise, a small table can very well serve as an alternative to this accessory. 

As for apps, you can for example use  Slow Shutter Cam if you are on iOS and  Slow Shutter Long Exposure Camera on Android. 

How to photograph the stars using a digital camera / SLR?

When you take a photo of the sky, the rotation of the Earth affects the quality of the image. Indeed, this movement does not always allow to have a clear image. 

The rule of 500 for capturing a sharp image

To remedy this, there is a mathematical rule called the rule of 500. It is intended to calculate the exposure time to apply according to the focal length used for the photo. We must divide 500 by the value of the focal length used in millimeters. The result makes it possible to obtain the exposure time to be respected.

For example if the camera lens is 24mm, divide 500 by 24mm. This gives an exposure time of 20.8 seconds. It is therefore necessary to photograph the stars after 20 seconds for a clear image, otherwise, they will start to move and lines will appear instead of pretty bright dots. 

Some final tips

The tripod is the accessory par excellence for any photographer. Whether he is a professional or a budding amateur.

If your camera has a silent mode, don’t hesitate to use it. It allows to have no mechanical movement. The same goes for setting the ISO. On a camera, it can be set up to 6400 to perfect the quality of the captured image.

Where is the best place in Seine-et-Marne and Ile-de-France to take pictures of a starry sky?

To have a better view of the stars, you must be in a place where industrial light is less present. It is for this reason that you need to make sure that your location has increased visibility for photos. For this, you can go to  LightPollutionMap to see the state of light pollution. As for the most coveted place, the national forest of Fontainebleau (77300) or Bichereau (south Montereau 77130) are among the places conducive to stargazing. Moreover, it is not for nothing that an association of astronomical observation is present on the spot. 

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Gabriel GORGI is a photographer in Samoreau, Avon (77210), Samois-sur-Seine (77920), Bois-le-Roi (77590), Thomery (77810), Saint-Mammès (77670), Fontainebleau (77300), Moret-sur -Loing (77250), Montereau-Fault-Yonne (77130), Melun (77000), Nemours (77140), Paris (75) and the entire Paris region.

To book your photo shoot contact me .