What Is Nightscape Photography
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Free PDF & File Downloads here: www.nightscape...
I'm so excited to release the highly anticipated first episode of my Nightscape Photography Workshops Online series here on the channel. In this video we'll look at what's coming up in future episodes as well as tackle some of the things that hinder us in our preparation and execution of shooting the stars. So, what is nightscape photography ..??
These videos are free for everybody to enjoy but if you're in a position to help financially there is a Paypal option on my website linked above, and that would be greatly appreciated.
I'll be delighted to chat with you in the comments below regarding anything that sparks your interest in the video. I'm also very interested in what areas you'd like included in future episodes.
Thanks so much for your support .. it is greatly appreciated.
Focusing for Nightscape Images: • Astrophotography Focus...
Souting Locations for Milky Way: • Scouting Locations for...
Nightscapes with Standard Camera & Kit Lens: • Nightscape Photography...
Website: www.nightscape...
Facebook: / nightscapeimages
Instagram: / nightscapeimages
Equipment I use:
Photography
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/2LWpSvH
Nikon D750 amzn.to/34lhEn7
Nikon 20mm f1.8 amzn.to/2PlfqzG
Nikon 14-24 f2.8 amzn.to/34rYQTn
Nikon 24-70 f4S amzn.to/2EkWZF0
Sigma 35mm f1.4 amzn.to/35lOG7O
Nikon 50mm f1.8 amzn.to/2PmyD47
Nikon 85mm f1.8 amzn.to/2Pkzgv4
Sirui W2204 Tripod amzn.to/2YTg2Qf
Yongnuo RF603nii remote triggers amzn.to/35ppbCD
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone amzn.to/35ocjNc
Yongnuo Flash amzn.to/2qUaYyH
Yongnuo Flash 2 amzn.to/35pqNMF
LED Lenser P7.2 torch amzn.to/34l2rlV
Z96 continuous light amzn.to/2LYYey6
Syrp Genie Mini amzn.to/35y0MuV
Sky Watcher Star Adventurer amzn.to/35qf68G
Video Equipment:
Panasonic G9 camera amzn.to/2tjS7hi
Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 lens amzn.to/2PHrI4w
Panasonic 14-140 f3.5 amzn.to/38I7rV1
Panasonic 15mm f1.7 lens amzn.to/2LWY89Z
Panasonic 25mm f1.7 lens amzn.to/38FarBH
DJI Osmo Pocket amzn.to/2LWKnIo
Z96 video lights amzn.to/2LYYey6
Yongnuo YN300 video lights amzn.to/2qTfU6V
Rode Wireless Go Radio Microphones amzn.to/34g5An6
Magmod Flash Modifiers amzn.to/2ElgBZD
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a very small commission on the above links if you decide to purchase the item. This commission slowly adds up and greatly helps me to continue creating content for this channel. I very much appreciate your support!
Thanks for this video. I'm very happy to this workshop free. So many thanks from Italy.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
P.s. I love your nightscape photos
Thank you so much Antonio, I really do appreciate your support.
maravillosos videos maestro,me encantan sus fotografias,y la luz ,muchas gracias por compartir sus conocimientos desinteresadamente,con los que tenemos deseos de aprender.Un saludo cordial y muchas gracias
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words Jose.
Hello Richard. I fell down the UA-cam Rabbit hole looking for Astrophotography/ Night image photography videos. I came across yours by chance to be honest, but what a find. Bloody Fantastic Mate.
I would urge any one interested watch and donate. I am planning my first night effort this week. I'm a complete novice but loving it. You Take Care Mate.....
Thanks so much for your comments Rob, I really appreciate you watching the channel.
Αmazing video with lots of information,pdf and files, especially for beginners!Thank you!
I'm really pleased you like it, thanks so much for watching.
Fantastic videos Richard, enjoying every one of them. Have made a donation to show my appreciation.
Thanks so much Craig, I'm really pleased you like the videos. Appreciate you watching.
Hi Richard very interesting looking forward to the next video
Thanks heaps Colin really appreciate that. Hope you're well.
Thank you
Hi Richard
Thankyou for your new online workshop video series. Greatly enjoyed episode one. ( Love your slippers mate - I have a similar pair 😂 )
You can't beat good slippers Michael, thanks for your support.
You absolute hero!
Good on you Alyn, really appreciate you watching mate.
He's a legend Alyn!
ah yes. all my superheroes in one place
@@pupperemeritus9189 Haha, I love Alyn as well
@@nightscapeimages.richard we all astrophotographers admire the night sky and in turn each other. thats what makes this community special
Great start! I'm very excited about this workshop. Thanks, so much!
I'm really pleased you like it Rowland, thanks heaps for watching.
Thanks for this series! I just made a contribution via PayPal. Keep up the good work Richard
You are very kind indeed Ruud, thank you so much for watching.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Concerning bullheads: Have you considered using the new Platyball Elite? Looks to me it will work out fine in the dark. I ordered one.
I always thought you are the BEST from the very first day I found you on UA-cam and then, I said to myself : where have you been all my - photography - life? These videos are giving an hint on what is included in your live workshops ... WOW! I’ll be with you some day, live .... meanwhile, I’ll listen to you and dream about the future.
Oh! By the way, your shirt fits your eyes and make them pop .... and the slippers too, but not as much! Luv ya! Thanks and kisses 😘 from Québec
Haha, good on you Carole, not sure about the slippers matching my eyes .. but oh well.
Considering that the shirt 👕 does it well, we can stop there!
😂
Good evening Richard ,thank for your time great video of let's start at the beginning, very enjoyable
Enjoy Easter be safe
I really appreciate you watching again Phillip
thank you for the great effort Richard, I appreciate the friendly manner of your character that breaks the wall between a pro lecturer and hobbyist audience. God bless.
I'm really pleased you like the videos majd. Thanks so much for the comments.
Excellent video, I very much look forward for the forthcoming sessions! Thank you very much, Richard!
Thanks a lot for watching Tom, really appreciated.
Thanks for making this and all of the videos you have done. They are excellent. I really appreciate the time that you take to explain things, and to illustrate the steps that you take.
I'm pleased you're getting something from the videos Richard. I appreciate your generous support.
So good. Can’t wait to listen to the next one.
Thank you so much for watching.
Thank you Richard. Sharing your knowledge is much appreciated. It helps to think of other things during this time. I've been following your presentations and they are wonderful. You are a great teacher.
I really appreciate your kind words Charles, thanks so much.
Hi Richard, well done, excellent video again
Thanks so much for watching Simon
Thank you! Can't wait for the next one!
I really appreciate you watching my friend.
Richard, thank you for producing this series of online workshops! I’m watching them all this week to prepare for the Zoom workshops that start soon. Your videos are full of great information with your wonderful sense of humor mixed in. All I need now are few few rumballs to go with this series!
Haha, yes a few rumballs makes every night shoot a much better experience Michael. I appreciate you checking out the videos . .thank you.
Awesome video Richard I think I will be watching it a few times. I am very much looking forward to this series.
PS...love the guitar in the background.
Thanks a lot for watching Brad. The guitar has been there for quite a while ...!!!
@@nightscapeimages.richard I've never noticed it before. Lol. I hope my transfer went through ok.
@@bradtuckerman388 I haven't shot this angle of the room before. I think it did Brad thanks.
All I can say is wow and thank you! I have been watching your work for a while now and I am one of those persons that says I can’t do
that. So this course is perfect.
Hey Steve, I really do appreciate you watching. Thanks so much. And .. you can do it ...!!!
Holy mackerel, your first lesson sold me on this workshop. I've shot milkyway landscapes and had some nice results. Getting there in the dark, alone, in some open field where coyotes roam or at a rocky seashore edge not knowing the tide is coming in or out, lends to fumbling in the dark and anxiety. The point about depth of field and how to use it for the dark, can't see a darn thing, situations is awesome. Thank you. You have me running to that paypal tab.
Thank you so much for watching and supporting my channel, it means a lot.
Great first episode of the Workshop series Richard cant wait to see the others you're lining up.
Really appreciate that Carl, I'll do my best to keep it all coming.
Hi Richard. Thank you very much for making these tutorials available. I have just donated $50 to help support your work and look forward to learning more. I live in Melbourne and I had previously looked into doing one of your workshops this year only to find that they were all booked out. This online course is the next best thing. I guess I may have to wait 2 years now. Plenty of time to practice then. Keep up the good work.
Hey John, thanks so much for your support of the channel, I do really appreciate it. I think my workshops will be backed up for quite a while as I'm not sure when I can start them up again at this stage.
Wow I am so very impressed and amazed by your knowledge and generosity for helping us new comers to astrophotography,
I personally thank you for your lovely images and your time and effort.
I started watching your videos about two weeks now and I am hooked don't want to go anywhere else to watch lovely videos.
Thank you
Thanks so much for watching my videos David. I really do appreciate your support. Always happy to help when I can.
Hi Richard , I am on my 3rd round of watching your videos. I am never disappointed on not finding something I need to learn. Tripod trick was one I was shocked with. I am saving for a great tripod. Your tricks have made my poorly made tripod work for now. I am now going to focus on Depth of Field Focus table. I have a basic understanding ,but will come back to this video ,until I get it into this head. Also my eyes are becoming a challenge on focus . I will just tape Binoculars to my head LOL. Thank You Richard for all you do. John from Oregon ,USA
Hey John, thanks so much for your great comments and support. I hear what you say about fading eyesight . .this alone makes focusing a great challenge. All the best my friend.
Thanks Richard. Regards Barrie
Really appreciate you watching Barrie
Just enjoyed watching episode 1 and looking forward greatly to more videos. Thank you so much Richard for sharing your experience online.
Thank you so much for watching Stillfilm, I really appreciate it.
Great video.. there is a lot of tips that are wisdom to follow.. Thank you .
I'm pleased you like it Luis, thanks so much.
great start to the video series Richard cant wait for the rest
Thanks so much Phill, really appreciate you watching.
Wonderfully informative
I'm really pleased you liked it Warren.
Fantastic video, really looking forward to the rest of the series. Well Done.
Thank you so much for watching Fazerdel
Hey Man! Very good and informative episode, keep doing!
I'll do my best, thanks for watching.
Now the lock down isn't so bad thanks Richard and great job
I'm really pleased your enjoying the content Michael, thanks for watching.
Hi Richard, I'm 1/2 way through the video, had to pause it to go cut off 10 inches if my center post on my carbon fiber tripod! Works mint, ta ta.
Oh no, I've been responsible for such activity in the past . .sorry mate ..!!!
@@nightscapeimages.richard I really did, I actually have been thinking of doing it anyway, I seldom use the tripod at full height anyway. Thanks for all your great content.
Hi Richard, I am in the UK I have wanted this from you for so long you are a STAR and you have my focus Thankyou.
I'm really pleased you found it helpful Barry. Thanks for your support.
Great stuff! Love the 300 rule!
Thanks heaps Jeff, hope it's helpful.
Great work Richard. I've learned a lot from your videos and I'll definitely be making a donation.
That's very kind of you, thanks so much.
dude, this is incredible! I love what you're doing! there's nothing like this out there. You're content has so much valuable information.
Thanks so much for watching my friend, I really appreciate your comments.
thank you so much Richard. Cant wait to be 'released' so I can book a place in a workshop
Thanks so much for having a look Leonie, it will certainly be good to be released ..!!
Richard, comprehensive, informative and condensed facts, delivered through an effortless and engaging master class. So reflective of your love of the subject. No reply needed, just greatly appreciated.
I'm really pleased you like it Kevin
Super excited about the series! Sending you all the support I can currently afford. Thank you for always giving back to the community!!
I appreciate your support and thanks so much for watching.
This series, was the highlight of lockdown#1
I'm pleased it helped you through Suzanne.
@@nightscapeimages.richard oh it did, id eagerly anticipate the next episode, still use it to reference....dont suppose you could do a mini series on tracking and editing could you? Don't want to pressure you, my omegon lx is definitely a sharp learning curve atm
Very impressive Richard. What an awesome video. You can see so much work went into it. Well done mate. You explained everything so clearly. Thanks for posting and sharing 👍🙏
Thanks so much Adrian, really appreciate you taking a look mate.
Fantastic work, thank you. Greetings from Costa Rica. Can’t wait for the next one!
I really appreciate you watching .. thank you.
Great video mate! Really enjoyed it, nice intro too!
Thanks so much Adam, really appreciate that.
Thank you Richard. You are so generous with your knowledge. I have wanted to do a workshop with you and always revisit your videos. The online course allows me to access more of your knowledge when it is impossible to attend a workshop personally. The current situation has made people rethink how to deliver workshops. I have recently completed a mushroom growing workshop online. I usually cannot get to the workshops in person. As someone who is constantly looking for opportunities to learn, I really appreciate your efforts and passion.
Thank you so much for watching my videos Natalie, I appreciate you taking the time to comment here.
WELL DONE Richard
Thanks so much Jeff, I always appreciate your support.
Thanks a lot Richard.
I live in Denmark and therefore I have not had the opportunity to attend your workshops in Australia. But now I can join :). I've always loved your enthusiasm and your fantasic and inspiring youtube videos.
Many thanks indeed Carsten, I very much appreciate you watching.
Hi Richard thanks for this good on you.
Thanks a lot Paul, I'm pleased you like it.
Thanks again for a fantastic tutorial.
You're very welcome Dereck, thanks for watching.
Great job! Looking forward to see the series. :D
I'm really pleased you like it Mihai, thanks for watching.
G'day Richard. I came across your channel a couple of months ago & very much enjoy your teachings & results.
I work in the Pilbara WA so you can imagine the sky here at night (my favourite time). I'm not much of a photographer so use my old D7000 as a point & shoot more than anything, but watching your teachings have inspired me to learn more. I've just donated a bit to help you out in your venture & am looking forward to actually understanding my camera more with your help. Just have to get it looked at for now as my night photos are very green.
Thank you so much for following the channel and your support, I really appreciate it. Always happy to help you if I can at any time.
Much appreciated thanks Richard. First thing I reckon is what programs can you recommend I will need to process photos? Thanks.
@@outbackwabloke I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop mainly.
Good stuff, this video series is really good. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Every time i drive past Bendigo and it's surrounding areas i keep a lookout for that slight chance i might drive past you. 😁
Thank you so much for watching Kire, I really appreciate your support of my channel. You never know .. I may well be out there next time you drive past.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Don't be surprised if you see a white van pulling over 😊.... Thanks again I've watched all of your videos they're really inspiring,keep up the good work.
@@kirekostadinov1006 Really appreciate that mate.
Made a donation. thank you for doing this!!
I'm very pleased to do this Dwayne, thanks so much for your support.
I have obviously been in lala land and totally missed any reference to this series until today! Guess who is binge watching Richard this weekend :D. Thanks so much for your energy, enthusiasm and for creating this great series. Let's hope that when we can travel again you might like to make a trip over to the wild west!
Hey Sharon, you're allowed a bit of LaLa at the moment, appreciate your support and encouragement. I'd love to get over to the wild west sometime.
I've watched all of your videos and look forward to the new ones every week. Since I started watching your videos, I've wished that I could afford to make a trip from Arkansas to attend one of your workshops. This virus is terrible, but on the bright side, now I finally get to attend one of your workshops virtually. I'm so excited! Thank you so much for doing what you do and showing people how you do it.
I'm really pleased you like my video content Michael. Really appreciate your kind words of encouragement.
just your insight on tripods was worth it mate will tickle paypal for ya next week am so looking forward to the series and you have turned a virus into a postive (no pun intended) stay safe mate cheers bobby j.
Good on you Bobby, you're a legend my friend.
Great start to your workshop! I enjoyed every minute.
Thanks so much Walter, I'm really pleased you like it.
Excellent - many thanks!
Thanks heaps for watching Darrel
Hi Richard, looking forward to catching up in person once your workshops start again. Thanks for the videos in the meantime, they'll be a great stop-gap until then. Very happy to contribute!
Thanks heaps for watching Peter, I really appreciate your support.
Simply awesome mate
Thanks so much Chetan.
You are absolutely amazing, man. I follow you since 6 months or so and love your work. Thank you for all the effort you put into this channel, I sincerily hope you'll be able to withstand the next months. I already donated a little sum but I just realized you also sell prints on your website, and I'll definitely order one of them, because I love your photos but also because I want to support you further. You are gifting humanity with all your knowledge and the time you're spending making these videos, you really deserve to get something back. All the best from the other side of the world, Italy
I really appreciate your very kind words of encouragement. I hope you are keeping safe over there in Italy. Take care.
Awesome, the intro was really good. Well put together, and cool that you are putting this out. I will absolutely use these as reference even in the coming days. Sharing this with my FB friends. Good teacher.
Thanks so much for your continued support Bruce
Very helpful and enjoyable presentation, thank you! My wife wants to vacation in Hawaii once we’re able to travel safely again. I’m going to wage an argument to go to Australia instead so that I can participate in one of your workshops. I’ll lose for certain but the silver lining is that you’re putting out these videos.
I think you may not win that argument Tim, but thanks for watching anyway.
Hi Richard, Simply awesome. Thank you
Thanks very much for watching Ivan, your support is so appreciated.
Just started to watch this new series of videos. There are so many details that beginners miss when start shooting regardless of photography genre. Practice makes perfect I guess. Thanks Mr. Richard for these great videos.
I really do appreciate you watching Milorad, thanks again.
Hi Richard, Firstly, thank you for opening my eyes to photo editing software. Up until now I have been a purist and never looked to edit anything. I love what you are doing and will be trying my own images soon.
Second, I have a pro tip for you. In Sequator you are not able to zoom into the image like in Photoshop or Lightroom. But there's another option. Windows had a screen magnifier. You can use that to zoom the screen and get closer to get the fine details and edges of you need to. Just press the windows button on your keyboard and start typing magnifier. From there just open magnifier and choose your zoom level.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks again and keep up the great work.
Thanks so much for watching Brendon, I really appreciate your comments. I'll try the zoom feature and see how it goes.
Really enjoyed the video. Tons of information presented in a nice and relaxed style. Looking forward to the other videos and of course being able to get out and try what you are teaching :-)
Thanks so much for watching my friend, really appreciated.
This is such an awesome tutorial. I really enjoy your enthusiasm for the subject and your willingness to help other photographers upgrade their skills as well. At the moment I am taking Milky Way photos and time lapses with objects in silhouette form. Once I get that figured out, I will then work on using lights. I may need to buy some of those. Great job. Thank you. Nyall
Thanks so much for watching Nyall, really appreciate it.
Looking forward to the series. I have watched this one several times already and feel I am understanding better. Thank you for the time vested in these and just giving them out for a small donation!!!!
I really appreciate your support Maurice, thanks for watching.
Thank you for this series Richard, I was holding off on watching them because I knew that if I did I would be out the door lockdown or not. Now that we can go out again time for a binge. I hope you can get your workshops going again soon.
Thanks a lot for your support Brett, really appreciate it.
Great video! Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed it Tina. Thanks for watching.
Appreciate the hours of work you put in to get videos like this one come out so nice. This series will be popular for a long time, I bet. Thanks again for contributing time and effort to this.
Thanks so much for your kind words Tony, I really appreciate that.
Once again, great content Richard! Looking forward to the next lesson in this series. Thank you.
Thanks so much Russell, really appreciated.
Hi Richard, yep, I've heard it all before, but you know that. Looking forward to the next addition. See you next week.
Thanks heaps Allan, glad you remembered some of it.
Just wanted to say thank you for releasing this excellent content!
I'm really pleased you like it Galatia, thanks for watching.
Richard, thanks so much for sharing so detailed and usuful info.
I'm glad you like it Nick
Richard, Thanks, looking forward to this series. And as a former science teacher, I liked your use of visuals to illustrate f-stops. Good teaching technique. Actually my first teaching position was in Australia in the town of Kyabram, Victoria. Had a great four years, even played Aussie Rules for the Lancaster Wombats.
Good on you Carl, I love Aussie Rules .. I follow the Richmond Tigers. Thanks so much for your insights and for watching.
Ha Ha, I am sure you will mention this in gear prep. Got to the last minute of the video and low and behold my battery died on my tablet. Anyway very good start and i would suggest you mention PayPal link at the start of every video. I plan on adding each of my pay periods along as i keep working through this covid 19 pandemic. Thanks again Richard for doing this.
You're a champion Spence, thanks as always for your support.
Missed out on a place to do a workshop with you in person this year due to their popularity, unfortunately however the current situation is a travesty for so many businesses, my own included, so this is a great thing you are doing. I have dropped a few dollars your way via PayPal and I urge all others to do the same..We need to support and keep each other afloat, it's time to give back if we possibly can.
That's very kind of you John, I really appreciate you watching the channel.
Great video Richard. Thanks for actually addressing and normalising the fear of the dark aspect. It certainly is there, but I've found it does get better the more you expose yourself to it. Mind you, you never forget the first time on a super still night in the bush on a new moon with Kangaroos about. When they thump their legs on the ground as a warning to others it certainly can invoke that fight-or-flight response. Along these lines of things that go bump in the night, it is also important to be mindful of your impact on others. I've had the cops called on me twice by people thinking I'm up to no good. Always cleared up very quickly, however since then I have gotten myself a pack of business cards printed up so if I know I am going to be shooting anywhere near somebodies house at a social time and I can see they are home, I'll try and drop in or leave a card to let them know what I'm up to.
Thanks a lot Dominic. That's a great idea about having the business cards on hand. I've not had much issue with the cops but I can see it's a possibility, especially in more built up areas.
Hi Richard,
I am so glad the series has begun. The first episode was great. At 21:08 I had to laugh - I always set my tripod up rock steady and straight but still hang on to it, if I let go I find I loose balance and fall over. This might have something to do with the beer !
I look forward to further episodes and wish you lots of success.
Haha, well I did say that we all go a little crazy when we go out into the dark David . .thanks heaps for watching mate.
I Richard, I am happy for you that you have received some kind of donation. I always noticed in you and wrote that you really do the job with a great passion and dedication. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge. Be safe and take care. From Malta.
Thanks so much Mario, you're a champion my friend.
Many years ago I had a wine red Les Paul. Nice to see one on your wall, hope it doesn’t live in a case full time! Very nice video, I always learn something from your videos. Thanks!!
Thanks heaps for watching the video my friend. Unfortunately the Les Paul has been in that case for quite a while now.
Thank you for this generous initiative Richard! Happy making a modest contribution to it. Looking forward next videos. All the best
I really appreciate your support and encouragement Philippe, thanks so much.
Hello Richard. Thanks for another amazing tutorial. I will donate for sure as soon as I have a chance. I have just been wondering if you have any discussion groups anywhere (Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, etc). I have some shots I would like to get comments on. I think they did not come out quite right and I am thinking what can be done to improve. I think, it would be great to have a group of fellow guys who share the same interests and have some experience to share too. Thanks for any feedback.
Thanks for the comments. I only have my Nightscape Images page on facebook. I'd be keen to see your images.
Hi Richard, I’m impressed with the new intros. Looks dynamic and professional. Great to see another photographer showing what they do well so others can get out there and have a go for themselves. I have never shot a night sky in my life and and now have a bank of places I would like to give it a go😀
Good on you Gerard. The new intro is really only for the Online Workshop Series I'm doing .. not sure how long they will go for. Thanks for watching.
Awesome....😊👍🏻
Thanks heaps James
Your a good man my friend 🤗
Thanks a lot Tom
Legend! I hope to book a workshop place once all the chaos is over!
Thanks a lot Daniel, I really do appreciate your support my friend.
Thanks Richard! Just watched Episode 1 and already can’t wait for the next one - so grateful that you’ve started these online courses, and incredible that you’ve made them available for free! I’ve donated to your page to help support this amazing work you’re doing. It’s great to learn with you! Hope you and your family are keeping safe and well - Nick!
Thanks so much for dropping in Nick, I really appreciate your support.
Hello Richard I said this before and I’ll say it again you have a special gift not only for nightscape photography but also as a great human being. I personally am excited for to see your next videos and learn some of your techniques for night photography. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I'm really pleased to read your very encouraging comments my friend, thank you.
Great video, thanks
Thanks so much Vikki, really appreciate you watching.
This is going to be a great video series! I have made a $ contribution already and will be making more. I've always said that your videos are an excellent resource for anyone looking to increase their understanding of photography, even if they never take their camera out at night!! They are educational, inspirational and absolutely motivational. Thanks so much for this great initiative, Richard.
I'm more than willing to help anyone out who wants to do some nightscape photography Simon. I really appreciate your long standing support.
Hi Richard very thank you for this initiative, it is really fantastic your motivation and dedication to share all your expertise in this subject. It would be interesting if you could open a forum for some questions. For example, it was not clear for me, the reason you cannot use the hyperfocal distance to focus the stars in the background. In my understanding when the DOF table shows the first infinity value is because this is the hyperfocal distance or the most close to it. In the two examples shown the first one for the Canon with 18mm f/3.5 the DOF table shows 5m for infinity and the hyperfocal distance in this case is 4.8m for the Nikon with 20mm f/2.8 the DOF table shows 5m for infinity and the hyperfocal distance is 4.73m. It seems is just a matter of resolution of the DOF table, but the focus value is actually in the hyperfocal distance.
Thanks so much for watching Gilson and I really appreciate your comments. In a nutshell Hyperfocal distance focusing compromises the long end (infinity) of the image .. in this case that is the stars and therefore they are often soft. You will notice that the definition of Hyperfocal distance gives some clues to this fact. "In optics and photography, hyperfocal distance is a distance beyond which all objects can be brought into an "acceptable" focus. As the hyperfocal distance is the focus distance giving the maximum depth of field, it is the most desirable distance to set the focus of a fixed-focus camera. The problem here is the term "Acceptable Focus".
Hyperfocal distance focusing was brought in mainly for landscape photography and in that case the long end of the focus is usually mountains, or clouds or a distant landscape. In that scenario those object are subject to atmospheric disturbance leaving them blurry anyway. And it doesn't matter in that case as that's exactly how they look to the naked eye. In nightscape photography we cannot accept soft focus on stars so infinity is the most important aspect of our focus.I will use focus stacking to get very close objects into focus but I'm not willing to compromise on the infinity end of the scale. Hope that helps.
You are correct Tristan. The DoF Table and Hyperfocal distance in the PhotoPills App are related. In other words, if the resolution of the Subject Distance in the DoF Table was 0.01m (rather than 0.5m) then the first infinity value would be in row 4.74m (not 5m). In any case, the useability of the DoF Table and hyperfocal distance for finding infinity focus are both limited by the subjective term "Acceptably Sharp" as Richard already mentioned below. Technically, there is one, and only one, plane of focus and anything either side of that plane is out-of-focus. The question is if the DoF, the zone in front of and behind the plane of focus as indicated by the App, is acceptably sharp to you! Now I've opened a can of worms and provided Richard with another topic for an online workshop. In my very humble opinion, DoF and Hyperfocal distance should be used as a guide rather than a rule for acceptable focus. The best is to test your favorite lens in daylight on a wide angle scene with foreground and background objects at "infinity" (i.e very very far away). There are countless UA-cam videos describing various methods of finding the hyperfocal distance for your camera/lens combination. There is no right or wrong, just use the method that works best for you. The good news is that you only need to do it once! Hope this helps.
@@frankie5750 Very good comments Frankie
As a wildlife photographer I always use the opportunity to take nightscapes photos and timelaps in Africa. There are very nice skies without light pollution in African National Parks. And I noticed that 500-Rule and even 300-Rule doesn't work there. I need to have at least 15sec (and not more for photos, it can be more for timelaps) with Nikon FX + 14mm to have stars without movement. It depends very much on latitude! When I am in the North of Zimbabwe or Botswana or Caprivi then I am on ca. 17deg. S. But when I am in Kgalagadi then I am already on 26deg. S.! And it makes a difference. I always check the position and compare it with a table in user manual for Polarie. There is a cross-table in Polarie user manual with lenses (focal distance), latitude and exposure in sec. Actually, I didn't use the Polarie too often because my Nikon was too heavy for this but I used this table and other information from manual a lot!! Now I have Z7 and perhaps try the Polarie again. Tja.. The other stories were like I was standing with tripod counting seconds in the total darkness in Khwai Concession (Botswana) where no fences ... and I heard some noise which were closer and closer... Or last time we were camping in Mabuasehube (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park). Again camping site without fences. As soon as I was ready with nightscapes three lions made a visit and entertain us for a few hours... Yes, I always have a tremendous FEAR. But can you imagine skies in Africa? Where no cities or villages hundreds of km around. Yes, this is why I always take my tripod for the Africa-trip... :-) Thank you for inspiration and for making me even a better expert, an artist :-)
Thank you so much for your valuable insights Elena. It must be a wonderful experience being out there in the wilds of Africa. Please stay safe my friend.
Wishing all the best Richard Thank you for sharing you expertise
Thanks very much Kym, I'm pleased to share the love.