Smartphone technology has reached new heights with fast processors and leading hardware solutions. As a result, users are now getting phones that are capable of capturing reality and taking it to a whole new level. Astrophotography is a field concerned with catching the night sky. In the past, the field was only relevant to professional photographers with expensive. However, with the next-generation smartphone phone, astrophotography is possible, and one can get reasonable shots of celestial objects.
To get the best pics from one’s smartphone, it’s necessary to strike a balance between capturing a moment and its composition using software. So, let’s look at some of the general tips for elevating the astrophotography experience using a standard smartphone.
Tips For Elevating Smartphone Astrophotography
If you want to capture the night sky using your mobile device, then find some helpful tricks below. Using these general tips will benefit your photograph composition and can boost your amateur portfolio or collage.
A Balanced Setup
Try to find a cheap tripod to balance your mobile correctly. Since you need long shutters thus, it’s possible to capture the image using stabilization. Hands are shaky and can not output the same as a standard tripod.
Ideal Frame
After mounting your mobile phone on a tripod, find an ideal place covering most of the night sky. It has to be outdoors and at a certain height—that way, you can have the best frame of object for the picture.
Limit Artificial Light
Artificial light or light pollution makes it difficult for people to view particular night objects. Therefore, it is recommended to find a remote area which has less light. However, if you’re unable to find such places, then try to keep your device in the shade and focus on smartphone astrophotography settings.
Use Pro Mode
Most smartphones today feature a pro mode in which you can really play with the settings. Using these settings, one can get more control over the composition of their pictures. Thus, if you want to do astrophotography, you need to play with the settings in pro mode.
Low Shutter
Keeping a low shutter speed means that your camera sensor is exposed to light for a longer duration, thus capturing more. The ideal range can be 6 to 12 seconds, depending on the device.
Big Aperture
The aperture is a covering of the camera lens—a big gap on the aperture means more light can come inside and thus better the details.
Balanced ISO
Try to balance ISO depending on the temperature, light, and atmosphere of your surroundings. Make sure to keep it natural without interfering much with the final shot.
Software For Composition: Mobile Astrophotography
Tons of software are available in the application stores that can be used for the final editing of the pictures. Adobe and Google both have their respective software, which you can look into and follow the given settings.
Focus On Clarity
Photographs taken primarily in cities can be hazy, so increase the clarity of the image by 30 percent.
Improve Contrast
Contrast is essential if you’re capturing the arms of the Milky Way, as it helps to differentiate between the focus and fuss.
Eliminate Shadows
Try to reduce shadows and apply some vignettes to the corners of the image; that way, your object is more appreciated.
Increase Whiteness
Capturing stars, then make sure to increase the white light on the shot.
Key Highlights on Smartphone Astrophotography
Smartphone technology has revolutionized the field of astronomy, allowing users to capture celestial objects in a more realistic way.
1. Find a cheap tripod for balancing and stabilizing the phone.
2. Mount the phone on a tripod in an ideal frame, outdoors, and at a certain height.
3. Limit artificial light to avoid light pollution.
4. Use pro mode to control the composition of your pictures.
5. Keep a low shutter speed, allowing the camera sensor to be exposed to light for longer durations.
6. Use a big aperture to allow more light to enter the image.
7. Balance ISO based on the temperature, light, and atmosphere of your surroundings.
8. Use software for composition, such as Adobe and Google’s.
9. Focus on clarity, improve contrast, eliminate shadows, and increase whiteness when capturing stars.
10. With the proper editing, it is possible to capture the Milky Way Galaxy using a smartphone. While some tools are free, the ideal ones can be expensive.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Can I do astrophotography with my phone?
With the latest technologies coming in the next generation, it’s elementary to do astrophotography.
What phones are best for astrophotography?
Most of the phones in 2024 are capable of astrophotography. Some of the famous brands are below:
- Samsung
- Apple
- OnePlus
Can you capture the Milky Way using the phone?
With a bit of additional editing, it’s possible to capture the Milky Way Galaxy using a smartphone.
Is the astrophotography tool free?
Some astrophotography tools are free; however, the ideal ones can cost some bucks.
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