"The cosmos IS WITHIN us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe TO KNOW ITSELF."

            - Carl Sagan-
As a NASA Night Sky Network outreach educator over the past twenty years, I have shared my love for the night sky with many. During this period, two personal observatories were built, Stillwater and Echo Hill.  Mainly to foster my astrophotography interest.

​Both of these locations are currently undergoing a major upgrade. My review of telescopes, imaging cameras and accessories will be updated soon on this site.  Check Instagram for announcements and progress via posts & stories.

Given the technological revolution that is underway today, amateur astronomers can take part in advanced imaging techniques that capture the artistic beauty of the night sky.  Even contribute to science.   

In the simplest of forms, astrophotography does not need to be difficult.  Try starting with a wide-angle lens and attempt Milky Way or nightscape shots, as seen on these pages.  

​A few quick pointers on wide field night sky imaging that I have learned over the years include...
​
  • Use a quality tripod to dampen vibration.
  • Do not turn up your ISO too high, find the balance between image noise and exposure.
  • Shoot at f2.8 or faster if you can.
  • Frame your shot before the sun sets.
  • Program all your camera setting before the sun sets (tough to see settings in the dark).
  • Start with 10-15 seconds to identify optimal exposure.
  • Use a cable release.
  • Learn how to bring out hidden detail in your images in the post process.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the night sky.


For more advanced imaging techniques, visit my observatory pages or follow on Instigram at interstellar_images.
“Jedi Dreamer” by Michael James
Picture
Sun in H-Alpha; Meade PST and Canon S60 Camera, single shot
Picture
Stacked Webcam Image of Saturn -2002- ; Meade LX-90 Telescope
Picture
Comet Neowise 2020; Canon EOS 1DX Mark III and Canon 300mm 2.8L, single shot 4 second exposure on Promedia Gear Tripod