Welcome to our comprehensive guide as we take you through the steps to take excellent Starlink satellite photo.
Night photographers interested in space would undoubtedly enjoy photographing Starlink satellites.
But it requires some specialty to ensure you obtain the perfect pictures.
Check out our guide for the key factors to consider when taking satellite photos.
Also, learn the ideal time to take picturesque images of the sky above us and other crucial insights.
Camera Kit Required for Shooting
Here’s what you will require before embarking on a Starlink satellites photoshoot:
- A modern camera. Ideally, it should have a manual mode, allowing tweaking during the shoot. Also, choose one with an exposure delay mode
- A Tripod Stand. You’ll need it to hold the camera.
- Wide angle lens for increased flexibility during the shoot.
You will also require other accompaniments, such as the following:
- A Cap
- An app/website like Findstarlink.com to predict the likely location of the satellites.
- Extra Batteries in case the ones you’re using run out.
- Warm attire to shield you from cold in the night.
- A Camera casing/bag to house your camera.
- A Bungee Core to ensure tripod stand stability.
Starlink Satelite Photo: Finding the Location of the Satellites
A star.
We advise using an app to locate where you will most likely locate a star. An example of an app you can use is Findstarlink.com.
But there’s a conventional way to locate satellites that many have found great success using.
You will begin by finding Polaris, which is practically relatively easy as per the steps below:
- First, locate the Ursa Major, which you’ll identify as a saucepan shape. Next, you’ll identify where the Ursa Major ends and follow it to locate the Merak and Dubhe-shaped stars.
- Look above until you find the brightest possible star in the galaxy above Dubhe. You have now located the Polaris, and it will be a perfect point to start looking for the satellites.
- You can use a compass to help you identify the different directions adjacent to the Polaris.
Starlink Satelite Photo: Other Considerations
Weather Forecasts.
Also, you must ensure the sky is clear during the expedition to maximize your chances of locating the stars.
Hence, taking note of the weather predictions will help identify the perfect time to find satellites.
Moreover, be aware of the impacts of light pollution in your area.
If you’re in the city, the chances of finding a satellite are fundamentally low because of the pollution. Hence, the rural areas are the best.
Also, use an app like Darksitefinder to ensure no light pollution.
Starlink Satelite Photo: How to Set Up the Camera？
Starlink Satelite Photo: Camera.
Getting the camera settings right is key in ensuring you get a perfect shot.
Therefore, your camera must optimize the available light, so we advocate for a manual mode setup.
The other upsides of the manual setup include the excellent control of the aperture and ISO, among other settings. So, what camera settings do we recommend?
- Shutter Speed: 20 secs
- ISO: 1000
- Aperture: f/2.8
We advocate for such settings to allow more light to enter the camera.
Therefore, if you can find a wider aperture than the one listed, that would be better. In addition, an optimal shutter speed is also essential.
Why? If your camera has an extended time to tap in more light, it will result in a blurry image.
It is especially true for taking the image of a moving object like a satellite.
Therefore, we recommend an upper shutter speed of 20 secs, although any value above 10 secs is okay.
Finally, you must consider the ISO as it determines the sensor’s sensitivity.
Therefore, a high ISO is okay, although you must not pick an extremely high value.
An ISO above 1000 will give you an image with significantly high noise.
Photography Skills
Professional Camera on Tripod.
Now, let’s go to the skills of camera placement to ensure you have a perfect shot.
- You will begin by setting up your tripod in position and plugging your camera on it. Ensure you point your camera to where the satellites are likely to pass. Also, the horizon should be close to your capture frame to have an excellently wide view area.
- Next, click ‘Live View’ and ensure you can locate a star brighter than the rest in your field of view. It is now your area of focus, so tune your camera lens, ensuring you get the sharpest possible form of the star.
- Note that you may confuse a planet for a satellite. Usually, planets are the brightest, and most photographers mistake them for satellites.
- Now, you also need to ensure your camera is stable (windproof) especially after you located your star of interest. The bungee cord you carry will be of immense help in realizing this. Simply place it on the hook that runs down your tripod stand.
- Next, you need to activate the exposure delay mode. It aims to ensure you can take care of camera shakiness that could otherwise affect your ability to take a clear shot.
- You probably won’t notice the satellites immediately. But we recommend taking a few shots of the sky as they come into view. Next, check out your camera’s histogram. Does it slope towards the left-hand side? If it does, but in a very profound way, you will need to increase your shutter speed. Also, increasing the ISO does the trick in correcting the problem.
- Your cam is now in an optimal setting to catch a snip of the satellites flying above.
Summary
Now, you have all the tricks necessary to catch the rotation of a Starlink satellite in its orbit via a cam.
Remember, our rule is that you should embark on this exercise just before dusk or dawn.
At this time, they perfectly reflect the sun, making it easy for your camera lens to capture them.
Thanks for your time, and all the best as you capture perfect snaps of the satellites.