Hi all milky way lover. I am too. Hehe... Lately, milky way hunters have been increasing. So, i would like to share my experience and locations of my
journey for the past 3 years for this basic astrophotography. I did my shooting mainly at my hometown, Penang. I have been shooting milky
way since 2011 with my first DSLR, canon 550D + kit lens 18-55mm f3.5. With
this budget gear, you can get a basic shot of milky way. Moreover, I am not an
expert.
My first ever shot of milky way back in 2011. Exif :18mm,
F3.5, ISO1600
First of all, you need a basic camera which is able to
adjust exposure time at least >10s with aperture at minimum as possible.
The idea is very simple, you must allow as maximum amount
of light as possible to enter into your camera with the usage of aperture, exposure
time and sensor sensitivity (ISO).
For exposure time determination, please use the “600” RULE
to avoid star trails.
Idea of “600” rule : -
Exposure time = 600/(focus length
x cropfactor)
Example :
Canon 550D at 18mm, Exposure time = 600/(18x1.6) = 21s
Nikon D7000 at 10mm, Exposure time = 600(10x1.5) = 38s
Talking about aperture, it is advisable to open as big as
possible to allow more light to enter. However you need to beware of vignette for
certain lens.
For ISO, it depends on your camera ability. Based on my
experience, an entry DSLR has no problem to shoot at ISO800. For high end DSLR,
it can go until ISO12800 with a minimum noise generated.
How to track the milky way? Please use an app called
StarChart which will cost you USD0.99.
After shooting, the most challenging part is the editing. Use this link for basic guidance: Here
The second part of
this article I would like to share is the location where I did my shooting. The
quality of the photos are not that good as my editing skill is not up to
pro level, yet my gear is lousy. Hope it wont hurt your eyes.
I am an islander, so mainly I did my shooting on the island.
I seldom go to the mainland because I am not familiar. Very sorry. And
REMEMBER, never to go to
isolated location alone. Safety is more important than shooting your dream
milky way.
So, below are the locations which I did my shooting.
Permatang Damar Laut : This place is very dark. Sometimes, there will be some light pollution from the plane in Penang International Airport.
Boats With Milky Way
Selfie with milky way
The Bunker
Road To Eternity
Teluk Tempoyak : This place is great for sunrise. But too
bad the bridge has already broken
Bayan Lepas, 2nd Penang Bridge : I tried to shoot
something impossible. The super light pollution from the 2nd
Penang Bridge and Milky Way
Batu Uban : Just outside my balcony
Outside my balcony
Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Prai : Milky way on top Bukit
Mertajam. Sorry I cannot remember the exact location.
Prefect Grass Bed
Karpal Singh Drive, previously known as Nautilus Bay :
Milky way on top of 1st Penang Bridge.
Milky Way On Top Of 1st Penang Bridge
Panoramic View
Clan Jetty : Shot the milky way set.
Milky Way Set On Top Of Flats
Heart of Georgetown : The ultimate light pollution. Just
find a tall building and shoot into sky. I shoot in Kedah Road Flat
Batu Ferringhi : I seldom come to his area as it is very
far from house. I only come here once. It is a waterfall in Batu Ferringhi.
This place have dogs and dangerous.
Land Of Fantasy
Teluk Bahang : I cannot remember this place because while we
are driving, we stop by the road side and using starchart to track the
milkyway. We only have few shots and left the place.
Garden of Eden
Sungai Burung, Balik Pulau : This paddy field is very common
for landscape photographers. During night time, you can simply find any spot
here in Balik Pulau
The Rise Of Milky Way
Shy Behind The Cloud
Sungai Batu : This place is famous for pre-wedding and sunset.
But for me, I prefer astrophotgraphy.
Milky Way Rising
BN!!!
Milky Way Set With The Moon
Setting By The Bridge
Gertak Sanggul : The champion of all. Anywhere in this area,
you can get an amazing shot of milky way. This is because this place can
consider a very less light pollution in certain direction.
In Between
The 2 famous locations are which we called it “The Lonely
Tree” and “The Lovers Bridge”
The Lonely
Tree :
Venus And Milky Way On Top Of Lonely Tree
Photography Under The Stars
Hiding Behind The Cloud
The Magical Moment
The Lovers Bridge :
The Rising
Panoramic View
Milky Way Rising With The Bioluminescence Sea
45 Degrees
My Little Planet
Fish Eye
The Spaceship
The Twilight Setting
Summer Milky Way
Milky Way on Top of Georgetown
Panoramic Summer Milky Way on Top of Georgetown
Besides, here is my previous timelapse which featuring some of these places.
Hope you enjoy this. And happy shooting.
