From Library Journal
Illustrated with over 200 absolutely gorgeous color photographs, all made by amateur astronomers, this substantial book provides detailed information on photographing the night sky. Dickinson (Nightwatch, Firefly, 1989) and Newton, a noted nonprofessional astrophotographer, begin with an explanation of photographing the moon and constellations, as well as halos, sun dogs, and comets, with a camera and tripod. After opening with what amounts to a visual tour of the universe, as seen through camera and telescope, the authors then provide helpful technical information along with advice on getting the most from one's gear and materials. They conclude their book with lists of resources?astrophotography suppliers, web sites, reference books, and magazines?as well as technical data on lenses and exposure guidelines. While night photography may not be for everyone, this detailed, practical work demonstrates that anyone who proceeds with care and precision can make exquisite photographs of the moon and the stars. Highly recommended for all libraries, especially those with solid astronomy and photography collections.?Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
A practical, colorful guide for sky watchers who would like to photograph the night sky for its pretty-picture qualities--and at low cost, which means an upper limit of a couple of hundred dollars spent on a used 35mm camera, a few lenses, and a tripod. This book would complete the ensemble and orient the beginner in the basics of capturing naked-eye celestial objects (the moon, planets, and the brighter stars) as well as transient phenomena (eclipses, comets, aurora, and orbiting satellites). The illustrative photos, most achieved without an expensive telescope, really give the enthusiast something to shoot for. From tripod techniques the authors advance to timed exposures that bring out the fine detail in the Milky Way. In keeping with their theme of practicing this hobby on a budget, they describe constructing a hand-cranked sky tracker, "low-tech at its best." Still, some gadget-heads want more, and final sections explain the uses of telescopes and CCDs (charge-coupled devices).
Gilbert Taylor
