How can you capture stunning star trails in your landscape photos?

1 Choose a dark and clear location

The first step to capture star trails is to find a location that has minimal light pollution and clear weather conditions. You want to avoid any artificial lights that can interfere with your exposure and create unwanted glare. You also want to avoid clouds that can block your view of the stars or create uneven trails. Ideally, you should look for a place that has a dark sky rating of at least 3 or 4, which means that the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. You can use apps like Dark Sky Finder or Light Pollution Map to help you find suitable locations.

2 Choose a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release

The second step is to equip yourself with a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release. A tripod is essential for star trail photography, as you will need to take long exposures that can last from a few minutes to several hours. A tripod will keep your camera stable and prevent any camera shake that can ruin your shots. A remote shutter release is also very useful, as it will allow you to trigger your camera without touching it, reducing the risk of vibrations and noise. You can use a wired or wireless remote, or even your smartphone if your camera has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

3 Choose a wide-angle lens and a low ISO

The third step is to choose a wide-angle lens and a low ISO for your star trail photography. A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture more of the sky and the landscape, creating a more dramatic and immersive effect. A low ISO will reduce the noise and grain in your images, which can be more noticeable in dark conditions. Ideally, you should use a lens with a focal length of between 10 and 35 mm, and an ISO of between 100 and 400. You can experiment with different focal lengths and ISOs to see what works best for your scene and style.

4 Choose a long exposure and a large aperture

The fourth step is to choose a long exposure and a large aperture for your star trail photography. A long exposure will enable you to capture the movement of the stars as they rotate around the Earth's axis, creating the trail effect. A large aperture will allow more light to enter your camera, making the stars brighter and more visible. The exact exposure time and aperture you need will depend on several factors, such as the focal length of your lens, the brightness of the sky, and the length of the trails you want. A good starting point is to use an exposure of 30 seconds and an aperture of f/4, and then adjust accordingly.

5 Choose a composition and a focus point

The fifth step is to choose a composition and a focus point for your star trail photography. A composition is the way you arrange the elements in your frame, such as the stars, the landscape, and any other objects of interest. A focus point is the point where you set your lens to be sharp and clear, usually at infinity for star trail photography. A good composition will balance the star trails with the foreground, creating a sense of depth and harmony. A good focus point will ensure that your star trails are crisp and not blurry. You can use the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, or the Fibonacci spiral to help you compose your shots. You can use the live view mode, a magnifying glass, or a manual focus assist to help you focus your shots.

6 Choose a single exposure or a stacking method

The sixth and final step is to choose a single exposure or a stacking method for your star trail photography. A single exposure is when you take one long exposure of the star trails, which can last from a few minutes to several hours. A stacking method is when you take several short exposures of the star trails, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and then combine them in post-processing. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and goals. A single exposure will give you a more natural and smooth result, but it will also require more battery power, memory space, and patience. A stacking method will give you more control and flexibility, but it will also require more editing skills, software, and time.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?