Milky Way Photography Tutorial - The COMPLETE Guide for Beginners

Milky Way photography is the most requested topic that I've ever gotten on this channel. I hope you can tell, this is also the most time I've put into making a video!

By the end of this tutorial, you'll know exactly how to photograph the Milky Way with any equipment. It covers everything from camera settings to advanced astrophotography techniques like multi-image blending. I made this course to be completely beginner friendly, but it also has a lot of tips for pro photographers along the way.

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This video is not sponsored! You can support Photography Life and Spencer Cox Photography by buying anything through my affiliate links!

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN VIDEO:

TUTORIAL TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro to Milky Way Photography
01:42 Camera Settings
14:02 Focusing Technique
18:15 Recommended Gear
25:40 Shooting Conditions
30:57 Image Blending
35:40 Conclusion

If you think it was worth it, I cannot emphasize enough how much it helps when you share the video with other photographers who may find it useful. Thank you! And, as always, if you have any questions, comments, or feedback, let me know below, and I'll do my best to respond to everyone.

~Spencer
#Astrophotography #MilkyWayPhotography

[PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you for watching! I filmed this video over 3 years ago with no idea it would be so popular. I should have done this sooner, but I just published a Patreon page if you want more access to my projects, including my composition ebook and the online workshops that I'm hosting. I suck at self-promotion but I hope you'll take a look if you enjoyed this video.

[dayanki]

I've never seen a tutorial so comprehensive, detailed and nice to see. Good job. Thank you.

[sanjayjhingan]

Without introducing us to your dog, your neighbor, or your girlfriend you explained clearly what needs to be done. Best tutorial. Thank you very much.

[ro]

This is the de facto youtube guide on this subject. It needs to go WAY higher in the algorithm

[IlluminanceWeddingFilms]

This should be payed content. Incredible instructional skills dude

[clashattacks]

No videos are as helpful as this video. Perfectly described each and everything. Thanks a bunch

[andrewnovitsky]

I've seen a lot of different videos on this subject and I've been doing Milky Way/star shots myself for almost 3 years. This is by far the most informative and practical video I've ever seen. Very thorough and I love how you have a section dedicated to single exposures. Everything you say is just spot on. Not everyone has star trackers and stacking software. I've seen other videos where people talk about shooting at f4 and stacking plus using a tracker but not everyone can afford those plus the time involved. I honestly find shooting single exposures to be the most enjoyable and balanced of the methods. Plus you get more individual shots. Thank you for the awesome video!

[philip]

I've already had a little dabble in astrophotography, but I definitely feel I need more guidance, and I found your video so clear and informative. Thanks for putting this together.
Picking up on your comment about how the Milky Way looks to the eye, I was on holiday in Santorini, sitting on our hotel terrace enjoying a glass of wine, looking out to sea, across the Caldera, and after about 15 minutes when my dark vision had kicked in, I said to my wife 'what the heck is that, it looks like a dusty cloud of stars', so I got my camera out and, without any astrophotography knowledge, took a shot. I now realise this is the Milky Way, and I wish I had the knowledge I do now, as the image wasn't great. But I was still excited to have seen the Milky Way for the first time in my life. I've been chasing it ever since, but sadly every time I go to a holiday destination with guaranteed low light pollution ... Mr Cloud or Mr Haze keep showing up and stopping me getting any photos. One day I'll get it :-)

[nosphelem]

I think this is one of the - or even THE most instructive, all-in-one video I saw about this subject. Awesome work mate, thank you !

[billtracy]

The most informative and easily understood milky way photography video that I have found. Thank you for taking the time and effort to produce this excellent overview. As soon as the rain stops I'll be putting some of your recommendations into play.

[hugozeelie]

You just reconfirmed why this is my go to channel when I want to try something new with my camera... supremely informative with straightforward attention grabbing delivery. Great vid Spencer!

[jerryeisner]

You have a great speaking manner and a very fine presenter with fabulous teaching abilities. Keep up your wonderful tutorials.

[Shimazusama]

I was super intimidated by even attempting with my current set up but honestly I feel like I could give it a solid try after watching this! Thanks!

[Bleeper]

I'm brand new to photography and I've seen dozens of videos to help me prepare for astrophotography and NONE of them compare to how well made, planned out and informative as this one was. Thank you so much! I also have photopills and I have built a plan to go out to the sand dunes a couple hours away in about a month. I am so unbelievably excited to take my first astrophoto!

[hhkk]

What an AWESOME presentation!! You are a natural educator. One of the best and most comprehensive overviews in such a simple and elegant format. Thank you very much!!

[ccioli]

Best tutorial I've ever seen. In general, not only dedicated to the specific topic

[michaelfranklin]

Thanks so much for this Spencer, I have just processed my first ever Milky Way shots and they are wonderful.

[jeremyacton]

Spencer, these are fabulous videos, thank you. You’re striking the perfect balance of engaging and detail and the composition of these photos is fabulous. Definitely inspiring!

[michaelmckeag]

This is much better than the typical introductory tutorial on this topic. A couple comments on focusing, AF on the Moon, Venus, and sometimes even Jupiter does work, then of course disable AF. Otherwise MF on bright star(s) in live view zoomed 100%, then verify inspecting test shot as you suggest. I don’t think taping the focus ring is overkill. I tape the zoom ring as well as focus ring (change zoom and focus needs to be readjusted). Gaffer’s tape, I never leave home without it. No need to carry a full roll, just wrap several turns around an outdated credit card. I will be recommending this video to students who are just getting started.

[gwag]

How can someone so young be such an intuitive instructor? Amazing