This post is about my journey into nightscape photography. I’ve realized lately that you can take a photo of any subject and add the word “scape” to it. There seems to be a community out there shooting all types of “scapes”. Recently I stumbled into the nightscape world of photography. It is a shooting buddy of mine Bob that really got me learning my potential. Between Bob’s knowledge in the field and my good friend Dana’s knowledge half a country away in Texas, I have learned so much.

What I’ve learned about nightscape shooting and post-processing.

I shy away from teaching in these posts, there are a great amount of folks who already do that. Nightscape shooting and editing can be tricky to learn and teach. I am from Baltimore so I will compare it to eating steamed crabs. In Maryland, everyone has their own technique to clean and eat a crab, everybody will try and teach you their method, and that theirs is the only way to do it. For me, there are similarities in nightscape photography.

Methods

There are the methods of single shots, composites, and stacked images. Most seem to like a cooler white balance for their sky, while others prefer neutral or even a warm sky. That is just the beginning, after that you get into the post-process portion of it. Lightroom, Photoshop, Sequator, Luminar, Astro Panel, and so on.But it doesn’t stop with the program you use in post. Then you run into each individual’s method of editing the photo.If you are new to this, the best advice I can give is learn what you can, but do not get overwhelmed. Like eating crabs, find the method or process that works best for you, nail it down and own it. The crazy thing is, it is still a learning process and always will be!

I am a member of a few night photography groups on Facebook and a couple controversial topics keep coming up. Without upsetting anybody, I would like to give my opinion because sitting on the sidelines was my high school football career.

Hot topics currently in the world of nightscape photography and most likely other types of photography as well.

Abandoned buildings

I want to first start by saying, yes! Bob and I have shot one together. It is a cool image, that makes a great foreground. If you are shooting abandoned buildings do it from public property. A public road is a good start. We shoot the dark sky in a quiet town in Maryland.

The Dangers of shooting a nightscape on private property

There are a lot of hunting properties and farm properties that are privately owned. The folks where we shoot are a very private group of people. We want them to know we are peaceful, quiet, clean, and take our photos and leave. I find it respectful to seek out the owner of private land that a structure you want to shoot is standing on. Asking their permission to be on their property, especially when at night. Not to mention, you do not want to stumble into some sort of animal trap or a dangerous situation with a hunter. Please be safe.

Why go through the trouble?

This all allows our community to have a peaceful and friendly relationship with the local community members in those areas. Please just don’t trash the landscape, that goes a long way in staying welcome in a community.

Location Location Location!

The next topic is the expectation for photographers to share their immediate location or even GPS coordinates when sharing a photo. This subject has gotten heated over the course of a month or so and like before, right or wrong, I would like to share my opinion. We spend hours combing over google maps, looking at roads, fields, creeks, and trees. Then we look to make sure we can park, make sure it is public, if not then try to contact the property owners. We then try and coordinate the shoot with an app like photo pills and determine a goal time to shoot. On top of that we must pay attention to moon cycles and when it will work in that area and finally watch the weather forecast for clear skies.

The issue with the demands.

The problem isn’t giving you a general idea of where we take the photos, it is the fact that the “Secret” spots are almost being demanded to be given up. It doesn’t end with the google maps either. For someone Like Bob and I, it is a 200+ mile 5 hour round trip, plus shooting time. Sometimes, a photographer needs to get out early enough to scout and may add another 30-50 miles to their vehicle. A whole lot goes into finding a spot for a photo that is off the beaten trail. Time, Gas, Miles, Tolls, and being away from family late at night. From the few conversations I have had, being kind when asking for a location will get you further than being pushy or demanding.

Workshops work.

Also, look for workshops. Bob and our shooting friend Carol do a few, and Bob and I have discussed maybe doing a couple. They are the best way to get some basic knowledge and find an area to explore.

Shooting a Nightscape, especially Milky Way chasing has been an awesome experience! There is so much the camera can see that we cannot and that’s what makes it so exhilarating for me personally. I would suggest you get out there into the dark and see what you are missing! Please just be respectful of private property, other photographers, and finally be kind. We live in a troublesome world, being kind can change someone’s day.