Mastering the Milky Way: How I Teach Photography to Aspiring Shooters

Photography is more than just clicking a button; it's about freezing moments that tell stories and capture the beauty around us. As someone who loves teaching photography, I find great joy in sharing my knowledge with aspiring photographers. Just last night, I had the pleasure of guiding two students on how to shoot the Milky Way, an experience filled with both excitement and learning.

The Allure of the Night Sky

The Milky Way is a stunning sight that captures the hearts of photographers everywhere. Shooting it is challenging, but the results can be breathtaking. The best time to photograph the Milky Way is during a new moon when the sky is darkest, allowing the stars to shine bright. In fact, during a new moon, the visibility of the Milky Way can increase up to 90%, depending on light pollution levels. I encourage students to use apps like Photopills or Star Walk, which track the Milky Way's position, helping them maximize their shooting opportunities.

Gear Up for Success

Preparation is key. Before heading out, it's crucial to have the right gear for astrophotography. Here’s what I recommend:

• Tripod: A solid tripod is essential for stability during long exposure shots. It helps prevent blurriness and gives you the freedom to focus entirely on your shot.

• Camera: A camera with manual settings is vital for controlling exposure, aperture, and ISO.

• Lens: A wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider is ideal for capturing the vastness of the night sky. Prime lenses are always best but a good quality zoom with a focal range of 14 - 24 will do you well also. My go to lens is a 20mm prime but I do have the option of the 14-24mm.

  
  

The Tasman Glacier, taken from the lookout in August 2024 Copyright Steve Cooke Photography.

Setting Up for the Shot

When we reached our location, I guided my students in camera setup. Composition is key; both the foreground and the Milky Way need to be in focus where possible but you can be creative and experiment with focus points in an image. I often remind students that creativity is just as important as technical skills. Adding trees or mountains can create stunning contrasts and make the photo more interesting.

I also demonstrated using manual focus, as autofocus often struggles in low-light conditions. By zooming in on a bright star in live view mode, we achieved sharp focus on the Milky Way, ensuring that the stars appeared crystal clear in our images.

Mastering Exposure Settings

With the setup complete, we dove into exposure settings. I introduced the "500 Rule," a handy guideline that helps determine exposure time. For instance, if you're using a 24mm lens, divide 500 by 24. This means your maximum exposure time before star trails become noticeable is approximately 20 seconds (500/24). The 500 rule is more relevant to mirrored DSLR'S as mirrorless cameras and associated lenses can capture more light in less time due to enhancements with sensors and the wider flange of mirrorless lenses which sit closer to the sensor. I now shoot 10s exposures at higher ISO's than previously because of improvements in technology with camera sensors. Less exposure time means even less minute blur in star trails (when magnified to 100% in camera or during editing.

ISO plays a critical role as well. A higher ISO boosts light sensitivity, but it may introduce noise. A good starting point for ISO is 3200, and from there, adjustments can be made based on the results. I do go up to 6400 on a new moon night with zero other light pollution. This really makes the milky way pop. One can also play with the white balance / colour temp of the shot and either shoot a warm milky way shot at around 5700k or a cooler more popular look at around 4550k (k-kelvin - colour temperature)

Capturing the Moment

As the night unfolded, each student had the chance to capture different angles of the Milky Way. I encouraged them to take multiple shots with varying settings to explore what worked best. This practical experience is invaluable, providing immediate feedback through trial and error.

Astrophotography can test your patience, but the results are worth the effort. The enthusiasm that filled the air when they saw the Milky Way come to life in their images was truly rewarding.

The bridge that takes you to the Tasman Glacier lookout. Shot July 2025. Copyright Steve Cooke Photography.

Post-Processing Tips

After our shoot, I shared the basics of post-processing, which is crucial for enhancing night shots. Software like Adobe Lightroom can transform images by adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance.

One key point I stress is not to over-edit. Maintaining the natural beauty of the night sky is essential. Simple tweaks can elevate an image, revealing the Milky Way's vibrant colors while keeping the overall ambiance.

The Joy of Teaching

Teaching photography is immensely fulfilling. Watching my students grow and unearth their creativity is a celebration in itself. The joy in their eyes when capturing their first Milky Way shot reminds me why I fell in love with this art form.

Photography is about the journey and the connections we create. Each student offers a fresh perspective, and I learn just as much from them as they do from me.

Wrapping Up

Capturing the Milky Way is a rewarding challenge that requires preparation, patience, and practice. By sharing my experience with eager photographers, I aim to inspire them to explore the beauty of the night sky and enhance their skills.

No matter your experience level, succeeding in astrophotography involves knowing your gear, trying various techniques, and embracing the learning curve. Grab your camera, venture into the night, and let the stars guide your photographic journey.

Yours Truly. This profile shot was taken by a good friend Steve Graham for my 3 month Exhibition, held in my hometown of Cairns Australia in December 2024.