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How to Photograph the Milky Way

Milky Way Photography is often a beginner's first step into astrophotography. With practice and the right techniques, you can take your images to the next level!

 

Learn what equipment you need, camera settings, and find in-depth tutorials to get your best image of the Milky Way. You can even discover how to make time-lapses of your photos. Get all the info you need below.

Milky Way Photography Equipment

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Milky Way over Joshua Tree

The Perfect Milky Way Setup:

Milky Way Photography Tips

Escape Light Pollution

The Milky Way will look faint and washed out from the city, so do your best to photograph it from a dark location. Try to get at least 45 minutes away from any city.

Use a Wide-Angle lens

Use a wide enough lens to capture as much of the Milky Way band as possible. We recommend lenses with a focal length between 10mm and 24mm.

Use the Correct Settings

Not sure what settings to use? Try the following and adjust as needed:

  • Aperture: f/4 or wider

  • ISO: 3200

  • Exposure Time: 15-30 sec

Premium Milky Way Photography Course

Skip the frustration and wasted time and learn Milky Way photography through an easy-to-follow course that will help you grow from a novice to an advanced wide-field astrophotographer at your own pace.

 

The course is divided into two sections: beginner and advanced. 

In the beginner lessons, you'll learn how to photograph the Milky Way using basic equipment. Then you'll learn to adapt advanced techniques. 

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Learn more by clicking the Get Now button to the right.

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Milky Way Photography Tutorials

Find written tutorials to help guide you as you hone your Milky Way photography skills. Bookmark this page for later!

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