・Moderators/Editors in this category: @Diane_Miller
・Weekly Editors Picks
The Nightscape and Astro Critiques category is dedicated to images that capture the beauty and wonder of the night sky. This category celebrates the art of photographing celestial objects and landscapes under starry skies.
Scope of Nightscape and Astro Images
This category includes, but is not limited to:
- Milky Way landscapes (nightscapes)
- Star trails
- Moon photography
- Deep sky objects (galaxies, nebulae, star clusters)
- Aurora borealis/australis
- Planetary photography
- Meteor showers and comets
Guidelines for Nightscape and Astro Images
- The night sky should be a significant element of the image
- Both wide-field nightscapes and deep-sky telescopic images are welcome
- Images can include landscape elements, but the focus should be on the celestial aspects
- Time-lapse composites and star trails are acceptable, but should be labeled as such
Technical Information
When posting, please include:
- Camera and lens/telescope used
- Exposure details (shutter speed, aperture, ISO)
- Any additional equipment (e.g., star tracker, filters)
- Post-processing techniques, especially for deep-sky images
- Location and date of capture
Ethical Considerations
- Disclose any significant compositing or manipulation beyond standard night sky processing
- If elements have been added or removed, please mention this in your description
Posting Guidelines
When Posting a Photo
- Be prepared to accept all comments - both positive and negative - in an objective fashion. Remember, it’s the photo being critiqued, not the photographer
- If there is any specific feedback you’re looking for, such as comments on composition, processing techniques, or technical aspects, be sure to ask for it in your post
- Include relevant information about the celestial objects captured, challenges faced during the shoot, and any interesting astronomical facts related to your subject
When Commenting on Other Photos
- Discuss the technical aspects of the image (sharpness, noise handling, star trailing, etc.)
- Comment on the composition and how well the image captures the essence of the night sky
- Provide constructive feedback on how the image might be improved
- Share any knowledge about astrophotography techniques or the celestial objects in the image
- Keep all comments friendly and respectful! All comments should pertain entirely to the photo
Additional Resources
Please review the NPN Posting Guidelines and The Art of Image Critique for additional guidance and information. If you see a post conflicting with our Posting Guidelines, please flag the post, and a moderator will be notified.