Software

Imaging Suites

Software packages that provide a comprehensive set of tools for image capture, equipment control, shot framing, and more. The most popular applications are listed below, but there are definitely more out there!

How do I get started in astrophotography?

There is no all-in-one “how to” guide for astrophotography. It all depends on what type of targets you are interested in capturing (planetary, deep sky, nightscapes, etc.), how involved you want to be in the entire process, and your personal preference for the quality of images you aim to produce. All you really need for astrophotography is a camera; however, you will see improved results through increasing your knowledge, experience, and the quality of the tools used.

Does this mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment? Absolutely not! Amazing night sky photos have been taken with just a tripod and camera. For those close-up views of the planets or nebulae, you will need a telescope that can yield a closer view than a camera lens, and the ability to track the stars in the night sky for longer exposures (to avoid star trails).

As there are so many resources available on the Internet, we simply can’t list them all here. Hop on YouTube and search for “astrophotography”, visit your local library for some great books, or come to a Lima Astro event to talk about it in-person!