Red Centre tips for shooting the milky way


Dated: 18 May 2025

Photographers dont miss out only 2 spots left on my second Red Centre tour on in late September 2025 see details under workshops page.

Photographing scenes like this takes preparation and patience. A few essential tips:
📷 Lens: Go wide—14–24mm lets you frame both the sky and the foreground
🌙 Settings: Start with f/2.8, ISO 3200, and a 15–20 sec shutter speed
🔭 Focus: Manual focus on a bright star using live view—tack-sharp stars make all the difference
📍 Composition: Scout dunes in daylight—look for curves, ripples, or a leading line
🔦 Light: Use a dim red light to preserve night vision when setting up
đź§­ Timing: Shoot during a new moon for the darkest skies, and aim for when the galactic core is visible

Tips for shooting the Milky Way over dunes:
• Use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) to capture both sky and landscape
• Shoot with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) and high ISO (1600–3200)
• Keep exposure around 15–20 seconds to avoid star trails
• Scout dunes during the day to find interesting shapes and compositions
• Use a tripod and remote shutter to keep shots sharp

Master these, and you’ll create stunning nightscapes like this.

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