In this blog, Chandresh talks about the safety and etiquettes to be aware of when chasing astrophotography shots.
May 2023
Astrophotography has surged in popularity in recent times, be it from folks wanting to get out to see the Northern lights or just to catch a glimpse of the milky way galaxy. Amidst the excitement of capturing mesmerizing images of the galaxy, northern lights or other celestial phenomenons, it is imperative to prioritize personal safety, respect for the environment and maintain etiquettes for other astrophotographers. In this article I would like to highlight a few things for considerations while being out chasing those celestial phenomenons.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Weather
In Alberta, Canada inclement weather can crop up at a blink of an eye. When you are out for an extended period in wintery conditions, hypothermia is always a potential threat. Layer up and always keep winter survival gear handy in your vehicle. I always find my hands and feet get very cold during prolonged shoots. Hand warmers are good items to carry, these can always be used on you lens to prevent frost build up on your lens. Heated gloves and socks are always a benefit.
Driving, Circadian Rhythm & Road Conditions
Very often you will find yourself driving in hours of the night when your circadian rhythm dips. As much as possible try to avoid driving between 2:00 – 4:00 AM. Be aware of soft shoulders when you pull over by the road side during winter months. Make sure your vehicle is winter ready if you are out in the winter months. Knowing how to change a flat tire is a bonus. Do not obstruct traffic while searching for a spot to pull over and make sure you obey traffic laws and pull over safety to obesrve the auroras or the milky way galaxy.
Unfamiliar Remote Areas
The smart thing to do is let someone know where you are going and an idea of how long you will be out there. Getting familiar with the area always helps. If I have the opportunity I try and explore the place during the day making notes of potential shooting spots and pitfalls to watch out for. If this is not possible, satellite views in Google Maps also help. Having a GPS connectivity phone gives you access to call for help in case cellphones are out of range.
Trespassing
An awareness of what is private land and public property is always useful. Respect the law especially if you come across no trespassing signage. Obtaining prior permission from property owners is a better approach than to have the authorities called on you. A few properties may not always have fencing or trespassing signs, always use discreation. Abandoned buildings could have potential hidden dangers and use caution when approaching such buildings.
Darkness
Human eyesight is not the most evolved for night vision. Most of the places with good foreground for astros could have potential wildlife. Be aware of potential wildlife lurking in the very spot you choose to set up your tripod. Have a flash light handy when you arrive on location and watch for potential slips, trips and fall. The usage of lights is also detailed in the etiquette section. Any emergency situation demands the usage of lights, if not please be considerate not to ruin other photographer’s shots.
ETIQUETTE CONSIDERATIONS
Headlamps & Flash Lights
The usage of lights impedes night vision and impacts one’s ability to detect faint objects in the night sky. Human eyes are least sensitive to red light so having a headlamp with night vision mode and its usage is encouraged. Flashing lights are generally very distracting and its usage is discouraged. Avoid the usage of any form of light as much as possible unless it is an emergency is the best practice. Avoid flashing light directly at people’s face, especially headlamps.
Automotive Lights
Any astrophotographer will tell you having a set of car headlights aimed directly is probably the ugliest shot one can capture. On arriving at your location make sure that you turn off your automobile headlights right away and also make sure your interior dome lights are switched off too. If idling your cars for warmth in winter, please make sure you turn off all exterior and interior lights.
Laser Lights and Smartphones
Smartphones are indispensable part of planning astrophotos. Most smart phones have a night mode. This is not just beneficial to your eyesight, it also helps in keeping light pollution to a minimal in a dark area. Laser pointers are used by some photographers either for focusing or for pointing stars. These tend to be very bright and avoiding its usage is encouraged.
Setting Up & Helping Other Astrophotographers
A lot of astrophotographers use wide angle lenses. Be aware not to set up close to another photographer to avoid being in their shots. Adjusting your camera backlight to a minimum also helps with light pollution.
Helping others is a personal choice. More often then not you will run into someone who is out shooting for the first time and may have trouble with camera settings or getting the lens to focus. If possible, try to help them and it always feels good to share the knowledge and learnings.
Leave No Trace
I will highly encourage you to follow the leave no trace guidelines which advocate for actions such as minimizing campfire impacts, packing out all trash, respecting wildlife, ensuring future generations can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of our natural world.
I hope the above article gave you a perspective of some considerations on safety and etiquettes that can help as a guiding principle to not only protect ourselves but also preserve the beauty of our night skies and promote harmony among us astrophotographers. I hope this blog helps you to take the necessary steps towards responsible astrophotography and be the guiding light for others to follow.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the above blog and if I have missed out any important aspects, would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. If you have any questions please reach out to me in the contacts section and I will be glad to connect.
