ABSTRACT
The landscape astrophotography is a logical starting point, in so much that this genre does not require specialized equipment but, at the same time, does introduce some new challenges. The need for a stable camera support increases with focal length and exposure time. Astrophotographers use multiple exposures combined with statistical techniques to reduce image noise in dim images. There are also some basic considerations that apply to all kinds of astrophotography and to start off on the right foot, it requires a brief acquaintance with each before we try out our first assignment. These include camera stability, noise reduction options, file formats, sensor pixel size, image resolution, image exposure, image calibration, and light pollution (lunar and man-made). Landscape astrophotography is a hybrid activity with little specialist equipment and the images are typically stored on the memory card. Image calibration is commonplace in full-blown astrophotography but it is seldom mentioned by conventional photographers who stray into landscape astrophotography.
