After Dark Photography Podcast

Understanding and effectively utilizing light is key in capturing stunning images of the Milky Way. By exploring the contrast and harmony between natural and artificial light sources, photographers can hone their skill and express their artistic vision in the night sky. Whether using consistent starlight, blue-hour ambiance, or strategic low-level lighting, the mastery of light takes centre stage in creating impactful Milky Way photographs.Let's peel back the layers on the art of lighting in today's episode. This podcast isn't just another technical manual. Sure, we're diving into how the glow from a distant streetlight or the phase of the moon can make or break your shot, and yet it’s about so much more than getting the right light or settings.We're talking about a journey that can reshape the way you see the world, bringing a sense of healing and peace that's hard to find elsewhere.In this episode, you will be able to:Discover the best lighting techniques for capturing stunning Milky Way images.Learn about my free training to master the art of photographing the Milky Way.Enhance your nightscape photography skills to create breathtaking images.Learn advanced techniques for using both natural and artificial lighting in your nighttime photography.Understand the holistic view of planning and execution of successful Milky Way photo shoots for stunning results.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - The Thought Journey of Light Preference 00:07:26 - Planning for a Live Shoot 00:11:39 - The Enduring Journey of Milky Way Photography 00:16:13 - The Fundamentals of Night Photography 00:16:45 - Information Integration in Education 00:18:03 - Starting with the End in Mind 00:23:14 - Photography as Therapy 00:27:39 - Externalizing Thoughts through Photography 00:30:50 - Considerations for Shooting 00:32:54 - Using Different Light Sources 00:33:37 - Balancing Photography and Family 00:35:20 - Moon Cycles and Lighting Options 00:37:51 - Artificial vs. Natural Light 00:42:56 - Importance of Image Quality for Printing 00:49:09 - The Importance of Different Types of Light 00:50:37 - Photographing Under the Night Sky 00:53:52 - Challenges and Restrictions in Night Photography 00:58:18 - Different Perspectives in Photography 01:00:55 - Advice for New Milky Way Photographers When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Come join us in the Facebook group for this podcast where we chat about the episodes and all things night photography.Links mentioned in this training:https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto-2https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/4https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/6https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/12https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/13https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/31https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/38

A photo is just a 2D representation of the physical world, isn’t it? This is something I hear a lot in the fine art world and given the history of photography and how widespread and easily accessible the medium is now I’m not surprised.In this episode I’m peeling back the layers of how I build an image, because it is so much more than just using the source material (aka our world) to create a digital representation.I talk less “how-to” and more about how I decide on creating an image, the thoughts that are ever ongoing in my head, how I choose my subject/places, and how the act of creation is really an act of self-care.I recorded this so that I can share with you a piece of my creative process so you can reflect on your own, and ultimately keep showing up for yourself!Get on the Waitlist for my Your First Milky Way Photo training here:https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/firstphoto

March! Here in Nova Scotia the birds are out, the snow is melting, and my brain is sloughing off the layers that have built up over the winter.It is also the return of the Milky Way core being visible in the night sky! In the hours before dawn you can look to the southeast and see the Galactic Center of our home galaxy rising up above the horizon.Today’s episode is one to get you back out and shooting. We’ll talk about the reasons you might not get out under the stars and the ways to reimagine those limitations. We will also look at how to get started again now that the season is back - whether from scratch or from camera hibernation.Get on the waitlist for my Your First Milky Way Photo free training here:https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/firstphoto

The photography industry has undergone significant changes due to technology and social media. Photographers are now seen as personal brands.The ugly truth is that to be a working photographer you will not just be taking photos, there is so much more to it, that’s what this episode is all about.  Episode Highlights:Embrace collaboration, relationships, and networking as essential for success in the modern art industry.Utilize social media and personal branding to connect with potential clients and customers.Adapt to the changing landscape of the industry and be comfortable with discomfort in order to grow and succeed.Seek guidance and mentorship from successful individuals in the field to define goals and achieve professional growth.Running a photography business has its challenges but also offers rewards (like getting to do what you love and get paid for it!)You can sign up for Shoot To Sell Society here:https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/society

As a photographer looking to build or improve your website, wouldn’t you like to know the 10 biggest mistakes photographers make when creating their websites? In this episode I explain why in the age of social media we need a website, avoiding perfectionism paralysis, and driving traffic to the website through various strategies. Episode highlights:• Prioritize having a website that exists and functions rather than waiting for it to be perfect.• Strategies for driving traffic to the website and curating portfolios to showcase the best and most relevant work.• Websites mistakes around being responsive, mobile-friendly, and tracking analyticsWhether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this episode provides actionable tips for improving your online presence and attracting more clients. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your photography business by joining us for the upcoming website week event, where you can gain in-depth guidance and support to take your website to the next level. You can sign up here:https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/websiteweek-2

In our latest episode we focus on the importance of a central theme or intention. A cohesive body of work not only enhances artistic expression but also opens doors for exhibitions and sales. It's a journey that allows for profound exploration of ideas.A body of work allows photographers to embrace diverse experiences, connect with various communities, and explore different perspectives. This journey of intentional creation enriches both the artist and the audience, leading to a deeper, more meaningful connection through photography.Episode Highlights:• Find a common theme in your image collection for a cohesive body of work.• Seek diverse experiences and perspectives to shape your photography.• Progress through stages: imitation, exploration, consistency, mastery to develop a unique style.• A clear theme offers boundaries and focus, streamlining creativity.• Central theme and intention deepen the artistic and viewer experience.

Overwhelm and feeling stuck are common experiences that can hinder productivity and well-being. By questioning the reality of demands, examining thoughts and stories, and shifting language and thoughts, it is possible to overcome overwhelm. Similarly, acknowledging and accepting feeling stuck, identifying underlying fears, and taking imperfect action can help overcome the feeling of being stuck. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps and prioritizing rest and relaxation are also effective strategies. Remember, it's okay to take a break and believe in yourself to overcome challenges.Episode Highlights:• Understanding the two components of overwhelm• Techniques for overcoming overwhelm in your photos and business• Taking imperfect action and techniques for actually getting in to action• How to get out of being “stuck” and what truly keeps you stuckWhen you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Come join us in the facebook group for this podcast where we chat about the episodes and all things night photography.

Despite the cold weather, there are still plenty of opportunities for night sky photography in winter. Planning and researching based on your location is important, and software like Stellarium can help you figure out where and when to see different celestial objects. We talk about opportunities for tracked and untracked photography, planning your shots, execution, and things to keep in mind when the weather can be extreme.Episode highlights:Moon photography opportunitiesOrion and winter Milky Way compositionsDeep-sky targetsCold weather considerationsIf you need a dose of inspiration to get you out and shooting during the cold winter months this is it! Happy shooting.

Today, I want to talk about my goals and plans for the year 2024. I believe that setting intentions and being intentional are key to achieving our desired outcomes. One of the frameworks I follow for goal setting is the SMART framework. It helps me stay focused and accountable. I like to plan my year month by month, with one main goal for each month. This way, I can break down my goals into manageable tasks and stay on track.Episode Highlights:Documenting goals and creating a plan: It's crucial to write down our goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. By doing this, we can stay organized and have a clear direction. I personally find it helpful to have a visual representation of my goals and progress.Revenue goals and adjusting them: As a business owner, setting revenue goals is important. However, it's essential to know our numbers and adjust our goals if necessary. This flexibility allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and make informed decisions.Having a clear endgame and strategic goals: To streamline and grow our business, we need to have a clear endgame in mind. This means having a long-term vision and setting strategic goals that align with it. In this episode, I also shared my goals for each month of the year, including a platform switchover, a website week challenge, re-recording course content, hosting the Stella Nova conference and more!As we wrap up, I want to encourage you to take the time to clarify your own goals for the year 2024. Whether you plan on a monthly or quarterly basis, outline both your professional and personal aspirations. Remember to document your journey and reflect on your achievements throughout the year. And most importantly, find moments of connection and joy in your pursuit of your goals. Craft a fulfilling life and take care of yourself.

In this episode, I take a deep dive into my year, reflecting on my goals, accomplishments, and the lessons I've learned along the way. Join me as I share my experiences, challenges, and the impact I've had on others.Episode Highlights:Setting Goals and Achieving Them-Throughout the year, I set quarterly goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. From launching my business class to creating the Shoot to Sell Society, I pushed myself to a place I didn’t think I could get to.Overcoming Challenges and Expressing Gratitude-Despite facing obstacles like a forest fire and flooding near my home, I practised resilience. I learned the importance of celebrating accomplishments and expressing gratitude for the opportunities that came my way.Taking Risks and Making an Impact-By starting the Shoot to Sell Society and teaching others about business, I stepped out of my comfort zone and experienced vulnerability. In return I got to witness the positive impact I had on the lives of others.Key Questions for Reflection:What was something you wanted to work on this year? Did you make progress?What was something you could have done better this year?Did you learn something new?Did you take a risk?Did you have an impact on someone elses life?As I reflect on this year, I am filled with gratitude for the support of my audience and the opportunities that came my way. I encourage you to embrace authenticity, create meaningful work, and put good into the world. By doing so, we can look back on the year with pride, knowing that we have made a positive impact on others.

This is what we've been waiting for. How it all comes together and gets us our final image.The first step in that is understanding our ISO and how that is the same and different with digital cameras (vs ASA films speeds of yore) and how it contributes to our overall exposure.As promised, here is the ISO scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode:ISO 100ISO 200ISO 400ISO 800ISO 1600ISO 3200ISO 6400ISO 12800ISO 25600ISO 51200ISO 102400ISO 204800The real star of our show is the histogram, and if you can get that concept in an auditory manner here on the podcast then I dare say you are laughing when it comes to putting it into practice!I might not have mentioned equivalent exposures in this blurb because I want you to actually listen to the podcast... so, just forget I said anything about them and get listening!P.S. I would love for you to sign up for my free Your First Milky Way Photo training here if you haven't already:https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

Part 3 should be a breeze after getting through Part 2: Aperture. I do this on purpose actually, give you the setting and control that takes some mind wrangling to wrap our heads around and then let you breeze through this episode that is all about our Shutter Speed. Shutter Speed is synonymous with motion, though when we're shooting at night the rules are a wee-bit different than what we're used to during the day.The biggest thing we need to pay attention to with our shutter speed is blur due to camera instability or settings (and whether or not we want it)As promised, here is the shutter speed scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode, full seconds are denoted by " after the number:30" 15"8" 4"2"1"1/21/41/81/151/301/601/1251/2501/5001/10001/2000I would love for you to sign up for my free Your First Milky Way Photo training here if you haven't already:https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

The next step in our world domination, I mean camera mastery is to understand how our lens controls the amount of light getting recorded and the actual way the photo looks beyond exposure.That comes down to three factors:ApertureFocus PointFocal LengthThis episode will walk you through everything you need to know (that you didn't know you needed to know) about your lens and how it affects our image. Yes it gets technical.Yes you need to know all of it! So grab a notepad (or notes app) and let's go.As promised, here is the aperture scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode:F 1.4F 2.0 F 2.8F 4.0F 5.6F 8F 11 F 16F 22F 32I would love for you to sign up for my free Your First Milky Way Photo training here if you haven't already:https://kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

This is the first in a 4-part series on mastering your camera.As we’re going into my free training: Your First Milky Way Photo I wanted to get everyone on the same page and up and running with your gear. No matter if you regularly use it, or if your camera is quietly crying in a corner gathering dust (no judgement here!)In this episode we will cover:Understanding the components of a DSLR or ILS camera Knowing how to handle and care for the camera and lenses.Getting familiar with the camera's manual settings and modes.Getting to know the the physical cameraThere are 3 more parts to this series:Part 2: AperturePart 3: Shutter SpeedPart 4: ISO and Exposure

I took a break, just over 2 months off of social media and here with you on the podcast.It’s hard to believe that it’s only been that long, given everything that has happened in that time. Including an amazing conference, being evacuated due to forest fires, flash floods and more.This podcast is about why I took that time off, and what I learned during my time away. My though behind this episode is to let you benefit from what I took the time off to learn - both what my goal was and what I learned indirectly.Now I’m not really one for suspense or click bait, so here are my 4 biggest lessons from 2 months away:Lesson #1 - Get CuriousLesson #2 - Find ConnectionLesson #3 - Professional HelpLesson #4 - Have funHow are these relevant to photography? Well for that you’ll have to listen to the episode ;)When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Come join us in the facebook group for this podcast where we chat about the episodes and all things night photography.

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3RqS1rOlxY

Hooooboy – are you ready for a really important conversation about night photography?Yes, I’m about to get very technical, and this could be one of the most important episodes you ever listen to on the theory of light and signal as it pertains to Milky Way photography.Not convinced? Ok, how about this: Do you want to capture stunning images of the Milky Way that have depth, clarity, and amazing colour? If you said yes then you need to have a deep understanding of how signal is created and captured, which is exactly what you will get from this episode.People often ask me how I create my images. And my perspective is that it takes both the technical and the creative working in conjunction together. Today’s episode is one of the technical pieces that are often very misunderstood and that you will see a ton of incorrect information about on the internet just because people don’t know... well, what they don’t know.So grab a snack and tuck in, it’s time to learn!

What does it take to be a Master Milky Way photographer?Well, it takes going that first step out your door and getting started. But if we’re being transparent here that is 100% true, it’s not really helpful.What is helpful, is knowing where you are at in your journey and the steps you need to take along the path. That is this episode. I’ve built out custom levels and metrics for being a Milky Way photographer and I invite you to listen and see where you fit. This is a really powerful exercise that will help you identify exactly what you need to work on moving forward and give you clarity and perspective around where you are in your journey.You can download a worksheet here to fill out as you listen to the episode:https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tT_nufXEZE39S4feb8ZqUVDRpZkxw9T/view?usp=sharingYou can sign up for my free training: Your First Milky Way Photo here - https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

Are you just getting started in night photography? This episode is mostly gear based, but looks a little wider as well at what you need to know to get started.I have a lot of links to gear mentioned in the podcast, so I’ll keep this short here, and if you want all of the links to everything I talk about in today’s podcast please go to the show notes page: https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/37To sign up for the Your First Milky Way Photo free training go to:https://www.kristinerosephotography.com/yourfirstmilkywayphoto

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTKiOCYhrkk