CAPTURE THE MILKY WAY PRO TRACKING MODULE
1.1. Introduction
An introduction to the Pro Tracking course. Spoiler alert: this module is going to change your Milky Way photography forever 😉
1.2. Foundations of tracking
Before getting started, it’s important to know all the basics of tracking. Learn what tracking is, what a star-tracker is, and the pros and cons of tracking.
2.1. Tracking camera gear - best lenses and focal lengths
We start talking about the optimal camera gear for Milky Way tracking and the best lenses and focal lengths that you can use. I’ll show you different real-life examples and my recommendations.
2.2. TRACKING CAMERA GEAR - star-trackers
Which tracker should I use? We’ll dive into the different types of trackers on the market, their pros and cons, and my recommendations according to your budget and goals.
2.3. Other tracking accessories
You’ll learn all the must-have and recommended accessories for Milky Way tracking. This will make things much easier in the field.
3.1. Polar alignment basics
The most important step and #1 error when tracking. Learn all the foundations of a good polar alignment to capture pinpoint stars.
3.2. Polar alignment - finding north
Learn how to find Polaris in the northern skies with some easy tips.
3.3. Polar alignment - finding south
Learn how to find Sigma Octantis (“Australis Polaris”) in the southern skies using the best reference.
3.4. Polar alignment - best apps
Finding the North and South Celestial Poles is easier than ever with these apps. I’ll show you my favorite apps to polar align and how to use them.
3.5. How to Polar align - Step by step
The complete step-by-step polar alignment tutorial that I’d have loved to see when I was starting. I go down from the basic steps to the smallest details so you won’t have any problems in the field.
3.6. Polar Alignment tips
Avoid all the trial and error with the best polar alignment tips, like how to correct in the middle of a shooting, or how to polar align inside a cave without using Polaris/Octans.
4.1. MSM Rotator review & setup guide
Learn all the pros and cons of the MSM rotator, when you should use it, what the limits are…and most importantly, a complete, step-by-step guide on how to use it in the field.
4.2. Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro Review & Setup guide
Full review of and complete setup tutorial for one of the most popular trackers in the market: the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro.
4.3. ioptron skyguider pro REVIEW & SETUP GUIDE
Full review of and complete setup tutorial for one of the most popular trackers in the market: the iOptron SkyGuider Pro.
4.4. Tracked Panoramas
The ultimate next level when tracking the Milky Way. I’ll show you the best gear, techniques, and recommendations to capture breathtaking tracked panoramas and mosaics of the Milky Way!
5.1. tracked camera settings
Camera settings change completely when you track the Milky Way. Learning this can require a lot of time and experience, but In this tutorial, you’ll find a guide that will shorten the process to just 40 minutes.
6.1. Pro post-processing - Advanced star reduction
Learn how professional astrophotographers reduce the stars. The details in your Milky Way images will stand out and you won’t find any artifacts in your shots.
6.2. Pro post-processing - h-alpha simulation
Extract/simulate the H-alpha colors in your nebulae even with a non-astro-modified camera. You’ll learn how to enhance the most beautiful regions in the Milky Way.
6.3. Start-to-finish tutorial - Delicate arch
Complete start-to-finish post-processing tutorial of a complex tracked image with a long exposure blend, and all the pro post-processing techniques explained during the course. Learn how to blend with an element cutting across the horizon.
6.4. Start-to-finish tutorial - Alstrom Point
The most complex start-to-finish tutorial of the entire course. We process a Milky Way tracked panorama captured with a longer focal length and a blue-hour blend. You’ll learn how to solve the most challenging issues, the ultimate post-processing techniques, and a new method to enhance the airglow in your images.
7.1. Conclusion
Some final recommendations that will allow you to capture the best possible tracked images of the Milky Way and prepare for the challenges that you’ll find along the way.
