This guide will teach you how to find the darkest skies, adjust your camera settings, and use smart tools to reduce light pollution, so you can capture stunning night sky photos.

Staring up at a dark, unpolluted sky full of stars is a magical experience—one that inspires photographers to go the extra mile in search of the perfect shot.

That's why I've compiled a list of the best tips and techniques for capturing breathtaking photos of the night sky without the interference of light pollution.

I hope this guide will not only help you master night sky photography but also inspire you to seek out pristine, dark skies where the stars shine brightest.

Photographers like Mrinmay Nayek, who captures spectacular nightscape images, make it clear that the sky holds infinite possibilities.

Fortunately, there are still locations that prove that our planet still has places where the night is untouched by human light.

Of course, we can all dream of traveling to such places, right?

But even if you can't pack your bags right now, these tips will help you create your own star-filled wonders, no matter where you are. And if you're lucky enough to visit a true dark-sky location, the results will be even more jaw-dropping!

Oh, and before I forget...

If you're looking to dive deeper, I've written a series of articles and how-to guides to help you get started, including:

• How to find the best inspiration for your photo ideas.
• How to plan your Milky Way shot.
• The best camera for Milky Way photography.
• The best lens for shooting the Milky Way.
• The best Milky Way photography gear.
• How to master the Milky Way photography settings.
• The full workflow to take a picture of the Milky Way.

Oh!

And if you want to learn more and become a true Milky Way photography expert, I invite you to read our super detailed Milky Way Photography guide.

A guide that you can download for free below!

Now, it's time to discover how to capture the night sky without the interference of light pollution.

Imagine. Plan. Shoot... and capture the magic! ;)

"Stars can't shine without darkness." - Alice Feeney

Content

1. What is light pollution?
2. How to see the sky without light pollution?
3. How to find a sky without light pollution?
4. What can you photograph in a sky with light pollution?
5. How to photograph the night sky without light pollution?
6. Keep chasing the perfect sky

1.What is light pollution?

Capturing the beauty of the night sky can be challenging when light pollution interferes with your view and your camera's sensor too.

However, with the right techniques and tools, you can photograph stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in stunning detail, even in areas affected by artificial lights.

But let's start with some basics...

What is light pollution?

Light pollution is the excessive or misdirected artificial light produced by human activities that brightens the night sky and disrupts natural cycles.

In other words, it's the result of too much bright light in the sky at night because of all the streetlights, buildings, and cars.

Light pollution can come from any source that is illuminated artificially, which includes any lightbulb that emits light into the night.

What are the 4 types of light pollution?

Light pollution can take several forms, including:

1. Skyglow. The brightening of the night sky over populated areas, caused by the scattering of artificial light by atmospheric particles and moisture. This makes it difficult to see stars and other celestial objects like the Milky Way.

2. Glare. Intense and uncontrolled light that can cause discomfort and reduce visibility. It often occurs from poorly designed street lights or headlights.

3. Light trespass. Unwanted or intrusive light spilling over into areas where it's not needed, such as a bright street light shining into a bedroom window.

4. Clutter: Excessive groupings of bright lights, such as in heavily lit urban areas, that can create confusion and distract drivers.

Why is light pollution a problem?

Light pollution has various negative effects, including:

• Disrupting ecosystems (e.g., confusing nocturnal animals).
• Affecting human health (by disturbing sleep patterns).
• Obscuring our view of the night sky, making it difficult for astronomers and stargazers to observe celestial events.

It makes it hard to see the stars and can confuse animals that need darkness. For humans, light pollution can cause a wide range of negative effects by disrupting the body's natural rhythms.

Imagine trying to sleep with a bright light shining in your room – it's harder to rest, right? That's what happens to animals and sometimes even people because of light pollution.

Do you live in a light polluted place?

Do you live in the city or out in the suburbs?

If you do, have you ever noticed what the night sky looks like when you look up? Is it filled with a blanket of stars, with the Milky Way stretching all over the sky? Or do you see a sky full of twinkling lights and constellations?

Unfortunately, for most of us, that's not the case. Instead of a sky bursting with stars, we usually just see a few bright ones here and there, maybe a couple of recognizable constellations like the Big Dipper, but nothing close to the true starry wonder that's out there.

One of the easiest ways to identify the brightness of your night sky is to use the Bortle scale.

What is the Bortle scale?

The Bortle Scale is a way to measure the darkness of the night sky, helping amateur astronomers understand how much light pollution affects their view.

It ranges from Class 1, indicating pristine, dark skies, to Class 9, which represents inner-city skies with significant light pollution. Each level provides insights into what celestial objects are visible and how well.

2.How to see the sky without light pollution?

To see the sky without light pollution, you'll need to find a dark, remote location, away from cities and artificial light sources.

Can you see the Milky Way without light pollution?

Of course you can!

The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye but you have to see it from a dark sky area away from any light pollution. There's no way to see it from an urban area.

Apart from light pollution, you must comply with several conditions to see (and photograph) the Milky Way:

1. Dark skies

Light pollution significantly hampers the visibility of the Milky Way You need to be far from city lights and other sources of light pollution. Dark sky preserves, rural areas, and national parks are ideal locations.

2. Clear weather

The sky needs to be clear of clouds. Check the weather forecast to ensure a night with minimal or no cloud cover.

3. No Moonlight

A bright Moon can obscure the Milky Way. Aim to go out during a New Moon or when the Moon is below the horizon.

However, a Full Moon can light up the foreground of your scenes beautifully, reducing the effects of light pollution.

4. Optimal time of year

The Core of the Milky Way, which is the most visually striking part, is most visible during this period.

• In the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way is best seen from late spring to early autumn (approximately April to October).
• In the Southern Hemisphere, you can see the Milky Way from February to October, with the core at its brightest in June and July.

5. Late night to early morning

The Milky Way is best viewed from late night to early morning, typically from 22:00 to 4:00. The exact best time can vary depending on the time of year.

6. High elevation

Higher elevations often have clearer skies and less atmospheric interference, making the Milky Way more visible.

What is a dark sky site?

Dark sky sites are areas where your view of the night sky is unobstructed by light pollution or other unnatural light sources.

So a dark sky location is a special place where the night is really dark, and you can see lots and lots of stars in the sky.

In most cities or towns, there are so many lights – like streetlights, car headlights, and building lights – that they make the sky too bright to see the stars clearly. But in a dark sky location, there aren't many bright lights around, so the sky stays dark, and you can see the stars shining brightly.

It's like when you turn off the lights in your room and suddenly you can see things glowing in the dark. Dark sky locations are like nature's way of turning off the lights, so you can see the stars, planets, and even the Milky Way galaxy. They're perfect places for stargazing!

Where is the clearest night sky in the world?

"Toni... Which place in the world has the least light pollution?"

Finding a pitch-black night sky is becoming harder and harder these days because of the constant glow of city lights. Stars that once dazzled above are still doing it. But we just can't see them.

But don't worry, there are still some amazing spots on Earth where you can soak in the wonder of a truly dark sky. Imagine being surrounded by a blanket of stars, with the vastness of the universe laid out before you...

Whether you venture to the remote deserts of Namibia or the American Southwest, there are still places all over the world where the night sky truly shines.

So, if you're craving an escape from the city lights and want to see the stars again, have a look at our article on the best places to experience the world's darkest skies.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to find a sky without light pollution...

3.How to find a sky without light pollution

Well, let me show you how to find a sky without light pollution around the world...

Light pollution map (1)

If you're a fan of stargazing or love capturing night skies in your photos, getting away from city lights is key.

Luckily, there are plenty of websites and apps that can help you find nearby spots with dark skies.

But my favorite is Light Pollution Map.

Apart from the website, you can also download their app (iOS and Android).

Before starting to use the map, be sure to select "World Atlas 2015" as the overlay in the settings on the right. This is the most accurate overlay so far.

The colors on the map show the Bortle scale:

• White areas are Bortle 9, meaning they're super bright, like big cities.
• The dark gray spots are Bortle 1, the places you really want to head towards for the best stargazing!
• The other colors (red, yellow, green, and blue) fall somewhere in between on the Bortle scale.

To find a good stargazing spot near you, just open the map and locate your city. Then, look for the closest dark area.

You can plan to drive there, and if you don't want to go the whole way, you can stop anywhere along the route when you're ready to set up and enjoy the night sky.

PhotoPills Planner (2)

You might be surprised, but you don't have to jet off to far-flung places to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. You can actually see and photograph it from almost anywhere on Earth as long as you find a spot with dark skies, usually about 50 to 150 kilometers away from city lights. The trick is to escape light pollution.

For those epic Milky Way shots, scout out a scenic location with a clear view to the south or southwest. This is where you'll see the brightest part of the Milky Way shining through.

To get even more precise with your planning, use PhotoPills to figure out exactly where the Milky Way will be in the sky on the night you're shooting. And remember, the farther you are from artificial lights, the clearer your view will be.

So, grab your camera and head to a nearby dark spot. With a little planning, you'll be amazed at the stunning Milky Way photos you can capture, all without venturing too far from home!

If you want to master Milky Way photography planning, read the following guides:

• How to plan a Milky Way shot.
• How to plan your Milky Way ideas step by step.
• Cheat sheet to plan your Milky Way photos with PhotoPills.

And if you want to go a step further, check these videos:

• How to Plan a Photo of the Milky Way (with Moon).
• How to Plan a Photo of the Winter Milky Way | Step by Step Tutorial.

PhotoPills POIs (3)

One really cool feature in PhotoPills is the Points of Interest (POIs) list.

When you download the app, you'll instantly have access to a database with over 10,500 POIs from all around the globe.

But here's the best part: you can build your own custom list of POIs.

So, whenever you stumble upon an awesome Milky Way spot, you can add it to your list, complete with photos and notes to remember all the details.

Plus, you can share your favorite locations with your friends, making it easy to explore and discover new places together!

PhotoPills expeditions (4)

PhotoPills expeditions are awesome, fun-filled photography adventures that we organize throughout the year, taking you to incredible spots across the globe.

Whether you're just starting out or already a pro, these trips are all about helping you level up your photography skills while soaking in some of the world's most beautiful locations. No matter your experience, you're always welcome! :)

Here's what you can expect when you join a PhotoPills Expedition:

1. Expert guidance

You'll get hands-on help from top-notch photographers (we call them PhotoPills Masters) who are there to teach you everything from technical tricks to creative ideas. You'll dive into planning, shooting, and even post-processing techniques.

2. Unique locations

We organize expeditions that take you to jaw-dropping places known for their stunning landscapes and photographic magic.

In the past, we've gone to places like the Canadian Rockies, the Dolomites, and even Socotra! You'll be snapping breathtaking scenes from landscapes and seascapes to incredible celestial events – yes, the Milky Way included!

3. Master the PhotoPills app

We also focus on making sure you're a pro with the PhotoPills app. You'll learn how to plan the perfect shot, align your compositions with the Milky Way, predict the light conditions, and so much more.

4. Hands-on learning

Expect lots of time out in the field! Our expeditions are all about practical, real-world learning, so you'll be applying everything you've learned while shooting alongside the PhotoPills Masters.

5. Learning sessions

On top of all the fieldwork, there are dedicated learning sessions covering everything from composition and exposure to post-processing tips and all kinds of photography tools and techniques.

6. Community and networking

You'll meet other passionate photographers from around the world, and the camaraderie and shared experiences will be one of the highlights of your trip. It's not just about learning; it's about building lasting connections too!

7. Photographic challenges

You'll also get some fun photographic challenges designed to push your creativity and sharpen your skills. These challenges are meant to be both fun and educational, giving you a little friendly competition and a lot of learning.

Why should you join us?

• Level up your skills. No matter where you're at in your photography journey, you'll learn new techniques and improve what you already know.
• Get inspired. The amazing locations and the creative energy of the group will fuel your photography inspiration.
• Build your portfolio. You'll walk away with unique, high-quality images that'll make an awesome addition to your portfolio.
• Grow personally and professionally. Our expeditions challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, boosting both your personal and photographic growth.

Ready to join?

Hop on board one of our PhotoPills expeditions and let's explore the world together while capturing the magic of the Milky Way!

4.What can you photograph in a sky with light pollution?

"Toni... What are you talking about? Can I do astrophotography from the city?"

Light pollution can be a real headache for astrophotography. If you want to get the best shots during a night session, heading to a dark sky area is usually the way to go.

But guess what?

You don't need to leave the city to enjoy the night sky!

Even in a light-polluted place like Barcelona, you can capture some amazing photos with just a beginner camera.

And trust me, the results will blow you away!

Everything but two subjects

Let's chat about what you can photograph in a light-polluted area.

First off, let's be real: some things are just not going to happen (sadly).

No matter how much effort you put in, capturing a great shot of the Milky Way in a light-polluted spot is a no-go.

The same goes for some deep-sky objects like emission nebulae. In this case you'll need some seriously pricey gear for that (think modified astrohphotography cameras, narrow-band filters, telescopes, and the like).

But don't stress! There's still plenty of cool stuff you can spot and photograph.

As you see below, I've organized the subjects you can capture starting with the easiest ones. As you go further down the list, things get a bit trickier...

Cityscapes full of stars

Photographing a cityscape at night, with the stars as a backdrop, is one of the simplest ways to explore night photography.

To achieve this, use a wide-angle lens and a shutter speed of less than 20 seconds (better to calculate it with the PhotoPills Spot stars calculator). The ideal time to start shooting is at the end of the blue hour (roughly one hour after Sunset though it depends on the location) when the sky transitions from deep blue and the streetlights create a warm contrast with the night sky. This balance enhances the overall composition.

However, shooting in the middle of the night can work just as well, depending on your preference.

With the right timing and setup, you can capture breathtaking images of the city and stars.

Star Trails

Photographing Star Trails is a fun and simple way to dive into astrophotography, even in the city. The process involves taking a series of photos over time to capture the apparent movement of stars as the Earth rotates.

To start, set your camera to Manual shooting mode (M) and use PhotoPills along with the NPF rule to calculate the shutter speed (usually between 20 and 30 seconds). Then, adjust the ISO depending on the noise performance of your camera. Set a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or f/1.8), and manual focus set to the hyperfocal distance.

If you're using an intervalometer, which I strongly recommend, set it to shoot every shutter speed you calculated +2 seconds to allow time for each image to save. So you would set it to 22s or 27s, for example. Keep shooting for as long as your battery and patience hold up.

Be sure to use a full battery or power bank, as this process can drain power quickly.

Once you've captured your images, edit one of the RAW files in a program like Lightroom, then sync the adjustments to all the photos. Export them as TIFFs, and use a free program like StarStaX to merge the images into a single star trail masterpiece.

Check what I consider the best star stacking software for Mac and PC (and how to use it step by step).

With an entry-level kit and a little patience, you can create mesmerizing Star Trails that capture the beauty of the night sky.

If you want to learn everything you need to know about Star Trails photography, have a look at our complete guide.

ISS flyover

Capturing an International Space Station (ISS) flyover may seem challenging, but it's manageable with the right preparation.

The key is to plan your composition in advance since the ISS passes by in just a few minutes. Timing is crucial, as you can't make adjustments once you've started shooting.

To get started, arrive early at your chosen location (or set up in your backyard). Use an ISS tracking app to figure out where it will appear in the sky. I like ISS Detector (available on iOS and Android).

After framing your shot, take a few test photos to confirm your settings. You can either use Bulb mode or Timelapse mode. Timelapse mode is more forgiving but may leave gaps in the ISS trail, which can be fixed later.

When the ISS appears, begin shooting and continue until it's out of sight. If you're using Bulb mode, you'll capture a continuous bright arc across the sky. With a timelapse, you'll need to merge multiple images in post-processing to create the full arc.

By following these steps, you'll have an incredible photo of the ISS flyover to show off!

The Moon

Photographing the Moon offers a range of creative possibilities, from wide-angle shots to close-ups.

For a dramatic effect, include the Moon in your nighttime scenes, like a bridge or a cityscape, using a wide-angle lens (although the Moon will be very small in the frame). If you want the Moon to appear larger behind or above subjects like a building or a tower, opt for a longer focal length to play with perspective.

To get the perfect composition, tools like PhotoPills help you plan when the Moon aligns with your subject. Sometimes, you'll need to focus-stack two images (one for the foreground and one for the Moon) to ensure everything stays sharp.

For close-up details of the Moon, use a telephoto lens. A long focal length, such as 400mm, lets you fill the frame with the Moon's surface.

Stacking multiple frames using software like Photoshop reduces noise and enhances detail, delivering stunning lunar images that you can't capture in a single shot.

If you want to learn more and become a true Moon photography expert, I invite you to read our super detailed Moon Photography guide.

Deep sky astrophotography

Deep sky astrophotography involves capturing stunning images of distant galaxies, nebulae, planets, and star clusters. While it's more challenging than regular astrophotography, the rewards are incredible.

To get started, you'll need a key piece of equipment: a star tracker or equatorial mount. These devices help your camera compensate for Earth's rotation, allowing longer exposures without causing Star Trails.

Combine this with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a telephoto lens, and essential accessories like an intervalometer and a dew heater, and you're ready to shoot.

DSOs for urban astronomers to find

Capturing clear images of deep sky objects (DSOs) requires good polar alignment and patience. The biggest issue for a beginner in a very light polluted sky is going to be finding objects – the light pollution erases a lot of the stars you generally use for finding things so that's going to take some patience and practice

Exposures can last up to a few minutes at focal lengths of 900mm or more.

Since these objects are millions of light-years away, gathering enough data in the RAW file is key. So expect to spend several hours shooting and even more time post-processing to achieve a high-quality image with little noise.

Some deep sky objects that you can photograph are:

• Orion Nebula
• Hercules Cluster
• Andromeda Galaxy
• Owl Cluster
• Double Cluster
• Starfish Cluster
• Pinwheel Cluster
• Beehive Cluster
• Bode's Nebula
• Cigar Galaxy
• Butterfly Cluster
• Ptolemy's Cluster
• Cat's Eye Nebula
• Wild Duck Cluster
• Ring Nebula
• Blinking Planetary Nebula
• Dumbbell Nebula
• Pleiades

7 simple tips for clearer views

City lights can interfere with your stargazing, but you can still enjoy a great night under the stars with these simple tips:

1. Avoid the Moon. Stargaze on moonless nights to reduce brightness in the sky.

2. Photograph on cloudless nights. Even small clouds reflect city lights and worsen light pollution.

3. Stargaze late at night or early in the morning. Fewer house lights and streetlights are on in the early hours of the morning.

4. You'll find better conditions after the rain. Rain clears dust and particles, making the sky darker.

5. Block direct light sources. Use objects like walls or trees to block street lamps or neighbor's lights.

6. Look straight up. Objects higher in the sky are clearer since there's less atmospheric interference.

7. Upgrade your equipment. Use a longer lens or a bigger telescope, a pollution filter, or a simple dew heater to improve your view.

These easy adjustments can help you get more from your urban astrophotography sessions!

5.How to photograph the night sky without light pollution?

Photographing the night sky without light pollution can be challenging, but with the right techniques and preparation, you can capture stunning, clear images of stars, the Milky Way, or other celestial objects.

The basics

Here are some steps to help you reduce or eliminate the effects of light pollution:

1. Choose a dark location

• Go to a Dark Sky Reserve or remote area: The further you are from cities, towns, and artificial lights, the better. Use websites like Light Pollution Map (my favorite) or DarkSiteFinder to locate dark-sky areas near you.
• Avoid Moonlight: Photograph during the New Moon or when the Moon is below the horizon to reduce natural light interference.
• Stay away from local lights: Avoid using flashlights, car lights, or any other nearby artificial light sources.

2. Camera settings for night sky photography

• Set the Manual mode (M): Shoot in Manual shooting mode (M) for full control over your settings.
• Use a wide aperture: Set your lens to the widest aperture possible (smallest f-number, e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) to allow more light to reach your sensor.
• Focus manually: Autofocus doesn't work well at night, so set your lens to manual focus and focus at the hyperfocal distance.
• Play with the ISO: Start with an ISO of 1600–3200. Higher ISO will capture more light, but it can introduce noise. Adjust as necessary.
• Calculate the shutter speed: Use PhotoPills and the NPF rule to avoid Star Trails.
• Shoot in RAW: You'll retain more details and flexibility during post-processing.

3. Use different tools to remove light pollution

These tools can help you reduce light pollution, but there isn't any magic recipe:

• Attach a light pollution filter to your lens: These filters reduce the impact of artificial lights (especially from sodium vapor lamps), giving you a clearer view of the sky. Some brands I recommend you: NiSi, Astronomik, SkyTech and Optolong.
• Use software to remove light pollution: You can also reduce the effects of light pollution in post-processing software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or specialized tools like StarTools.

Milky Way (1)

Photographing the Milky Way is easier than you'd think.

The settings you should use to capture the Milky Way are:

• Aperture between f/1.4 and f/2.8, or the largest aperture you can.
• Maximum shutter speed between 8-20s, so calculate it with the |PhotoPills| Spot Stars calculator.
• ISO between 1600 and 6400, depending on how much noise your camera produces.

These are the basics.

But if you want to learn how to take a picture of the Milky Way, follow the steps below:

1. Get to your shooting spot in advance.

2. Place the tripod at the shooting spot.

3. Prepare your gear.

4. Set the shooting mode to Manual (M).

5. Set the shortest focal length you can (<35mm).

6. Set the largest aperture you can.

7. Focus at the hyperfocal distance.

8. Frame using the highest ISO available in your camera.

9. Adjust the shutter speed using the NPF rule rule.

10. Fine tune the ISO.

11. Set the white balance to 3900K.

12. Take a test shot, check the histogram.

This is a summary of the workflow that you should follow.

If you need a detailed explanation of every step along the way, have a look at:

• Our dedicated article on shooting the Milky Way.
• Section 9 of our complete guide on Milky Way photography.

Meteor showers (2)

Follow these steps to successfully photograph a Meteor Shower:

1. Get to your shooting spot in advance.

2. Place the tripod at the shooting spot.

3. Prepare your gear.

4. Set the shooting mode to Manual (M).

5. Set the shortest focal length you can (<35mm).

6. Fine tune your framing using the PhotoPills Augmented Reality view.

7. Set the largest aperture you can.

8. Focus at the hyperfocal distance.

9. Frame using the highest ISO available in your camera.

10. Adjust the shutter speed using the NPF rule rule.

11. Fine tune the ISO.

12. Set the white balance to 3900K.

13. Take a test shot, check the histogram.

14. Set the intervalometer.

But this is just a cheat sheet. If you want more details, have a look at section 14 of our complete Meteor Shower photography guide.

Star Trails (3)

Here are the steps you should take in order to shoot rastros de estrellas:

1. Get to your shooting spot in advance.

2. Place the tripod at the shooting spot.

3. Prepare your gear.

4. Set the shooting mode to Manual (M).

5. Set the shortest focal length you can (<35mm).

6. Fine tune your framing using the PhotoPills Augmented Reality view.

7. Set the largest aperture you can.

8. Focus at the hyperfocal distance.

9. Frame using the highest ISO available in your camera.

10. Adjust the shutter speed using the NPF rule rule.

11. Fine tune the ISO.

12. Set the white balance to 3900K.

13. Take a test shot, check the histogram.

14. Set the intervalometer.

15. Turn off the LCD display before starting the shooting to save battery.

For a complete explanation, check section 8 of our Star Trails photography guide.

Zodiacal light (4)

Below is a cheat sheet with the list of steps you should follow to photograph the zodiacal light:

1. Make sure you get to the planned location in advance.

2. Use the PhotoPills Planner or the Augmented Reality (RA) button to check that you are in the right place. To photograph the zodiacal light you need to know the Sunrise or Sunset direction (depending on the hemisphere you are in and the time of the year you'll need to know one or the other. For more details, check section 2 of our zodiacal light photography guide).

3. Use the shortest focal length you can (14mm, 18mm, 24mm,...). Try to keep it below 35mm.

4. Select the Manual shooting mode (M).

5. Use the largest aperture (smallest f number) you can to capture as much light as possible.

6. Crank up the ISO to 3200 or 6400.

7. Focus at the hyperfocal distance to maximize the depth of field.

8. Take a test shot to check that the framing is correct.

9. Use the NPF rule to adjust the shutter speed and avoid Star Trails. It's easy with PhotoPills and the Spot stars calculator.

10. Adjust the ISO depending on how much noise your camera produces.

11. Set the white balance to manual. Set it between 3400 and 3900K. If you use a light pollution filter, I suggest you adjust the color temperature to 5000K as this type of filter usually generates a bluish cast.

12. Take the picture and check the histogram.

But if you need more details, check section 6 of our zodiacal light photography guide.

6.Keep chasing the perfect sky

Photographing the sky without light pollution is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a sense of adventure. Every shot is a chance to refine your skills, experiment with new techniques, and explore the beauty of the night sky.

The key is to keep pushing forward and enjoy the process along the way!

To keep your learning fresh and exciting (which is always a great idea), dive into these helpful resources:

• 50 tips for photographing the Milky Way
• Ultimate Milky Way photography cheat sheet for beginners

From there...

Scout out dark sky locations for your next adventure.

Try different night sky compositions.

Tinker with your camera settings to fight against light pollution.

And most importantly, let your creativity fly away!

Once you've captured that breathtaking night sky without light pollution, share your masterpiece with the PhotoPillers community and in the PhotoPills Awards for a chance to be featured in our Instagram profile!

Let the world marvel at the stars through your lens!

Antoni Cladera is a landscape photographer commited to the environment. Artist of the Spanish Confederation of Photography and member of the Spanish Association of Nature Photographers (AEFONA). He's part of the PhotoPills Team.

Special thanks to Sandra Vallaure, a great photographer and friend, for her tremendous help in making this article possible.

Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links. What does this mean? If you buy/rent using these links you're helping support us and it costs you nothing extra. Thank you for your support.