Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Kindle
$0.00
or $9.99 to buy

Paperback
$17.08

$17.08 with 5 percent savings

List Price: $17.99

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns

FREE delivery Sunday, June 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35

Or Prime members get FREE delivery Thursday, May 29.

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

$$17.08 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Ships from

Amazon

Sold by

Yakutstore

Returns

30-day refund/replacement

Payment

Secure transaction

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

$13.30

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns

The book may have minor cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent. The book may have some highlights, notes, underlined pages. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included . Safe and Secure Mailer. No Hassle Return The book may have minor cosmetic wear like creased spine, cover, scratches, curled corners, folded pages, minor sunburn, minor water damage, minor bent. The book may have some highlights, notes, underlined pages. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included . Safe and Secure Mailer. No Hassle Return See less

FREE delivery Sunday, June 1 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35

Or Prime members get FREE delivery Thursday, May 29.

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

$$17.08 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Sold by Kuleli Books and Fulfilled by Amazon.

Other sellers on Amazon

New & Used (23) from $5.24 + $3.99 shipping

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Allan Hall

Follow

Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography Paperback – April 16, 2013

by Allan Hall (Author)

365 ratings

See all formats and editions

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$17.08","priceAmount":17.08,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"08","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"K8CzlGUCUPGiLX53ztpcco92gR76OmItNndmlPIUXxvC0U0OBU76ipxmuFgbx49%2FY8HlZltPHzSOlF40dhUhGh%2BKmy5c5k2KFgxWsK6yas0uk7vcW1oVtXMdf%2Ff2I0yTY%2B7lv%2FxooTcGYrbCNhcHpGwjS1MmJ3m1EZqTmjipg6xAQ8yw%2B8DxdXoUrchRFqP7","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$13.30","priceAmount":13.30,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"13","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"30","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"K8CzlGUCUPGiLX53ztpcco92gR76OmItiDHMafg%2Bwaqtxjvu9rlItqnMAK2pIgAqKAC%2Bt0gTRD8EbTLKcei%2FB%2BVhqe6bwOIYMrLO2Gu3FZGfHMk38OevZOAzuvpmOMw%2BgV%2BLPfDYTqV49CVCfjNtHuTYzaXsnk3CgPpjVO9CC2BeqUcDAWwzFFkRBabfHYBl","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

This astrophotography book is a primer and a fully-formed, practical guide for entering the world of long exposure astrophotography. Allan Hall's Getting Started: Long Exposure astrophotography brings the rewarding pursuit of stellar imaging to your bedside table. With academic flare and his signature approachability, Hall utilizes a suite of formats to provide readers with everything they need to begin - and develop, all while avoiding as much of the technical jargon and math as possible. From charts, images, purchasing guides, walkthroughs, and detailed descriptions, this Getting Started title is an in-depth resource for today's astrophotographer at any level of their discipline.

Leading up to an incredibly useful list of the first twenty-five objects an astrophotographer might image with long exposures, this Getting Started title also offers a range of equipment advice and grounded descriptions of why certain phenomena occur - as well as what they will mean for you and your shoots.

Though founded in the clarity and precision of science and photography, astrophotography can nonetheless be one of the most artistic and even sensual crafts, as well as one of the most daunting. A road map is essential when pursuing a rich experience of imaging and cataloging the night sky. Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography, with over 200 illustrations, images, charts, and graphs bolstering its clear and instructive text, takes readers from practical equipment purchases, savvy preparations, and understanding of heavenly bodies, with the proper - and smart - ways to capture their breathtaking beauty.

From purchasing your first astrophotography telescope, hooking up your camera, taking long-exposure images, and finally, processing that finished image, this book is rich with provisions and tips. Hall expertly balances his own procedures with general and inclusive guides from set-up to software recommendations.

In this book you will learn:

The difference between long and short exposure astrophotography
What equipment you may need
How different equipment compares
How to set up your equipment
Making your equipment work together
What software you might need
Different types of exposures (pictures)
What might affect your exposures
Taking exposures
Processing exposures
Putting it all together
And much more!

So, if you have ever wanted to take photographs of glowing nebulae, spiral galaxies, and shimmering star clusters, this is the reference you want on your desk as well as with you out under the sky.

A journey begins, with Hall exploring in-depth details of field rotation and focusing methods, as well as explaining not just the what and how, but the ever-important why. So you won't just follow instructions for multiple image stacking, you'll understand the effect and craft of it.

For today's astrophotographers, access is key. Encouragingly, there is more than ever in many ways. From the quality of the equipment that you can purchase to the ready availability of software and meteorological information, it's a photographer's dream in many ways. Let this unprecedented scenario work for you, whether you're looking to take your first photos or enhance your development as a long-exposure cosmic curator.

From start to finish, Allan Hall's Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography book is your comprehensive resource, taking you from entrance, to expertise in the rewarding field of astrophotography - with a focus on the long exposure element that makes for such memorable, lifelong pieces of photography.

More like a friend sitting beside you, guiding you, than a textbook, see why thousands of astrophotographers have used this book to get started in their journey into long-exposure astrophotography.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Astrophotography can be one of the most rewarding pursuits of a lifetime, it can also be one of the most daunting. This book uses over 200 illustrations, images, charts and graphs in addition to the text to help you understand what equipment you will need and how to make it all work so you can create breathtaking images of the heavens.

From purchasing your first astrophotography telescope, hooking up your camera, taking long exposure images, and finally processing that finished image, this book will be your indispensable guide.

If you have ever wanted to take photographs of glowing nebulae, spiral galaxies and shimmering star clusters, this is the reference you want on your desk as well as with you out under the stars.

I will take you on a journey exploring in-depth details of field rotation and focusing methods, as well as explaining not just the what and how, but the ever important why. Actually see why you stack multiple images and what effect it has. Don't just read about how the atmosphere affects imaging, see it through experimentation that you can do at home on your own!

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 16, 2013
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st ptg.
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1484143477
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1484143476
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.78 x 9.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,047,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #405 in Astronomy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
365 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Allan Hall

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Allan Hall is an information technology specialist, photographer, amateur astronomer/astrophotographer, and published writer born in Spartanburg, South Carolina and raised in Huntsville, Texas. He has worked in information technology since 1981, has worked as a part time photographer since 1985 and started his own commercial photography business in 2010. These endeavors gave him the technical-writing and photographic skills he needed to share his passions with others.

Allan has published several books, including "Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography", "Getting Started: Budget Astrophotography", "Getting Started: Visual Astronomy", "Messier Astrophotography Reference" and the bestselling "Getting Started: Using an Equatorial Telescope Mount." His images, books, and articles have been featured on TV, in radio, and in both print and online publications.

In his spare time, Allan enjoys a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as cycling, collecting fountain pens, fencing, and amateur radio. He has been a long-time member of the North Houston Astronomy Club, the Astronomical League, and the Huntsville Amateur Astronomical Society as well as being a member of the United States Fencing Association. He and his wife since 1989, Sue Ann, enjoy caring for the cats they have rescued over the years and driving their MINI Coopers.

Customer reviews

365 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this astrophotography book to be an excellent guide that is easy to understand and serves as a good reference. They appreciate its value for money, with one customer noting how it explains differences in equipment and cost. The book receives positive feedback for its content, with one review mentioning countless web site links, while another notes its comprehensive coverage of long exposure techniques.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

Information quality Brevity Value for money Photography Content Coverage

62 customers mention "Information quality"62 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent for astrophotography, describing it as a useful guide that serves as a good reference for beginners.

"...'hard to put down', but as a newbie to Astrophotography this book was very valuable and I will forever blame this book in causing me to spend more..." Read more

"...Mr. Hall covers the subject chapter by chapter in a very satisfactory way, with opinion, detailed explanations, many charts, and many many online..." Read more

"...It is a practical and down to earth overview of the tools and techniques required to be successful in getting started...." Read more

"...I consider the book indispensable, and I continue to get more good information out of it as I learn more...." Read more

30 customers mention "Brevity"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and detailed, with one customer noting it provides a clear overview of long exposure astrophotography.

"...He knows his math!! The book covered: setup, scope and related equipment, mounts, various cameras, controls, related control and support..." Read more

"...in the book but have a long list of new ideas to try, a clear set of steps to take to get to the next level, and a good reference to go to when I..." Read more

"...The author is very fair, he talks about his preferred methods and equipment but does not skimp on the details for the other options that are..." Read more

"This is an excellent book. Allan’s writing style is down-to earth, a bit humorous, yet he explains the topic extremely well...." Read more

11 customers mention "Value for money"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great investment, particularly appreciating the price estimates of different systems, with one customer noting how the author explains equipment and cost differences effectively.

"...One particular section of the book I liked showed a price estimate of different systems ranging from a few hundred dollars through many thousands..." Read more

"...The book is a great investment. KWL" Read more

"...Not too much and not too technical. It is very detailed in all the right places with explanations of "why"...." Read more

"...That said, this book still deserves a 5-star rating. A must-read book for beginners on a budget or anyone else new to astrophotography" Read more

7 customers mention "Photography"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's photography content, with one customer noting it is heavily focused on DSLR photography, while others praise its great imagery and abundance of pictures.

"...book includes discussion of softwares used to align, shoot, and process images...." Read more

"...The book is heavily focused on DSLR photography, which is not clear from the title or cover, but this is done very well...." Read more

"...I was able to get some good images with a fixed camera mount." Read more

"Lots and lots of pictures and easy guidance/ instructions to understand." Read more

3 customers mention "Content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the content of the book, with one mentioning it includes countless web site links and charts.

"...in a very satisfactory way, with opinion, detailed explanations, many charts, and many many online references and sources...." Read more

"...It's definitely worth reading and, the last appendix has a pretty good list of beginning targets for astrophotography...." Read more

"...Particularly helpful are the countless web site links to the information and software being discussed...." Read more

3 customers mention "Coverage"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's comprehensive approach, with one noting it covers all aspects of long exposure photography, while another highlights its excellent DSLR coverage.

"...practical aspects of starting out in astrophotography are particularly well covered, and very helpfully, currently available equipment and software..." Read more

"...and the author seems to have managed to reach a sweet spot between coverage and depth...." Read more

"covers all areas of long exposure photography." Read more

Reviews with images

See all photos

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Karen Moore
My first book I have read on Astrophotography. I liked it.
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2017
Verified Purchase

The author approached the topic from the premise the reader has never done in Astrophotography which in my case is true. One particular section of the book I liked showed a price estimate of different systems ranging from a few hundred dollars through many thousands of dollars along with the advantages of each system. I actually used this as a guide to put together my system. Each system lists the main components including the telescope, software, camera, mounts, etc. Albeit, I have substituted many components in my system, but having a starting point from a price vs performance standpoint got me much closer to finding all the components I needed quicker than starting from scratch.

The author also listed every single component of his system which was extremely helpful. All the 'minor' components such as filters to flashlights add up to be a sizable amount of money and needs to taken into account when selecting the components for your system. I found the easiest way to put together my system was to list all the components needed by name and then set the total dollar amount I wanted to spend. After that it becomes a balancing act as to how much you can afford to spend on each component. My list of components consists of 50 items.

My toughest dilemma is deciding on what type of camera to use. The basic technology of telescopes doesn't change much over the years, but the camera technology and CCD capabilities are changing quickly and there are many choices. I am still researching. I also think going ahead and spending the 'extra' money on top of the line software and a good telescope mount is of major importance from a photography standpoint.

I have had many hobbies in my life and the one thing I find to be true is that if you truly think you are going to immerse yourself in a particular hobby then go ahead and spend the money upfront to get what you probably will end up with in the end. Starting with 'sub par' equipment and then working your way up to the system you really want in my opinion is a frustrating route to take and not the best from a financial, time, and enjoyment standpoint. I would say this is especially true with Astrophotography. Going to all the trouble that it takes to get a photograph of a planet or a deep space object to find out that the quality isn't what you are wanting isn't my idea of a good time. If I want a full size truck I don't need to start with a wheelbarrow. But, then again I don't have an unlimited budget so the importance of picking and choosing the components with a budgeted amount of money becomes important which with me is an enjoyable part of any hobby. Did I get the best bang for my buck?! In that regard this book pointed me down a good path.

I don't think an experienced photographer would find this book 'hard to put down', but as a newbie to Astrophotography this book was very valuable and I will forever blame this book in causing me to spend more money on this hobby than I wanted. LOL

Read more

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Iksobarg
This book is like a good friend... with good advice
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2014
Verified Purchase
It's a friendly, easy-to-ready book. I recommend to anyone starting out.

Props to Mr. Hall for what must be a true labor of love. I couldn't imagine putting such a book together!

I purchased this book (my first DSLR AP book) in Dec 2013. Before that I found other more recommended sources from the guys in the forums at stargazerslounge: "Making Every Photon Count" by Steve Richards, but found myself put off by the very high price: ~40 UK pounds = $67; 20 for the book and 20 for shipping. To date it's not on amazon, which to the credit of the author is a likely way to protect his investment/cashflow. Good for him, not good for me. As a beginner, shelling out so much for a book, is well, quite an initial expenditure. So in contrast I want to thank Mr. Hall for providing such affordable learning of such a profoundly overwhelming topic in a clear and easy to read package.

So I found many books on the subject and decided based off of the reviews to go with this book.

This book is written as if the author were speaking which I found fine. This makes the reading a little more interesting.

The charts and photos are black/gray and white. I would have preferred color for some images but still found them appealing.

Mr. Hall lays out his credentials/background in AP and takes care to mention many important considerations for the beginner, for example, Mr. Hall highlights the cost vs performance "continuum", as I like to call it.

Mr. Hall covers the subject chapter by chapter in a very satisfactory way, with opinion, detailed explanations, many charts, and many many online references and sources. Mr. Hall even cover's some of the math equations involved very well! He knows his math!!

The book covered: setup, scope and related equipment, mounts, various cameras, controls, related control and support softwares. The book is full of tips and suggestions and a few recommended lists, which I found very helpful. Also the subject of Spectroscopy surprised me; very cool!!

I'll say it again, I found this to be a friendly, easy to ready book. I recommend to anyone starting out, particularly if you plan on using a telescope.

It covered more than I needed as I am only starting out with a DSLR and DSLR lenses.

Read more

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report
R.B.P.
Great Book to Get Started in Astrophotography
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2013
Verified Purchase
I just finished my first reading of Getting Started: Long Exposure Photography. Finally, a book that makes some sense of the maze that is astrophotography. Thank you Allen! I suspect there will be 2 or 3 more readings before I really get it but this book is pointing me in the right direction.

The up side is that I now have a clear direction to move ahead, the down side is that I now have a very long shopping list of software and equipment that I need to get where I want to be. In spite of the long list, I at least have a good idea of what is required. I am a professional photographer and have been conducting photography workshops for about 10 years so I assumed that getting into astrophotography would be pretty smooth. Bad assumption! The tools, software, and techniques are very different from the routines that I use.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into astrophotography. It is a practical and down to earth overview of the tools and techniques required to be successful in getting started. I think the idea behind this book is to help a beginner get started and if that is the goal the book is a great success. I am not overwhelmed by the information in the book but have a long list of new ideas to try, a clear set of steps to take to get to the next level, and a good reference to go to when I run into a problem. It is still a long road ahead to learn all the new software, the telescope, mount, and guider routines, the camera techniques, and the post processing routines but before reading this book I was at a standstill, unsure of what to do next.

Now...all I need are some clear skies instead of all this rain!!

Read more

28 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English

Ea3cvi
Well writen, texhnical but clear explaininf concepts.
Reviewed in Spain on December 24, 2021
Verified Purchase

Fine for beginers and advanced people.

Read more
Report
Paulo Cesar Horta Moreira
Livro para iniciantes em astrofotografia, auxilia na escolha dos primeiros equipamentos.
Reviewed in Brazil on August 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Aborda vários aspectos da astrofotografia, no entanto se atem muito a dar tutoriais de softwares, o que é uma perda de tempo, dada a atualização constante dos mesmos e não ser o local apropriado para tal. Auxilia o iniciante na escolha dos equipamentos a serem primeiramente utilizados.

Read more
Report
Translate review to English
Ranjan Mitra
A Bargain book on Astrophotography
Reviewed in India on March 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
This book is one of the lower priced books on astrophotography. Usually Astrophotography books are expensive, especially on for the DSLR Cameras. The book on the whole goes in great lengths to provide a comprehensive guide for newbies to Astrophotography, which in fact has steep learning curve. Allan Hall also provides an in depth guide to stacking towards the end of the book. Overall a good buy.

Read more
Report
TCR
Super, concis.
Reviewed in France on July 31, 2019
Verified Purchase
Ce livre est vraiment super (en anglais!)
Il y a une description plutôt détaillée de toutes les étapes du choix du matériel à l’acquisition autoguidée. Une étoile de mois pour le noir et blanc : on voit mal les photos, mais le prix est adapte donc je la remets l’étoile.

Read more
Report
Translate review to English
Lubu-SBN
Sehr gute praxisorientierte Übersicht über die Materie!
Reviewed in Germany on October 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
Sehr viele Details aus der Praxis und tolle Tipps zu Astro-Software!
Hat großen Spaß gemacht es zu lesen und man merkt, daß der Autor weiß, wovon er spricht!

Read more
Report
Translate review to English

See more reviews

Amazon Prime includes:

Follow the author

Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography Paperback – April 16, 2013

Purchase options and add-ons

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Product details

Videos

About the author

Allan Hall

Customer reviews

Review this product

Customers say

Select to learn more

Images in this review

Reviews with images

I love this book!

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

5.0 out of 5 stars My first book I have read on Astrophotography. I liked it.

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is like a good friend... with good advice

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to Get Started in Astrophotography

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Well writen, texhnical but clear explaininf concepts.

3.0 out of 5 stars Livro para iniciantes em astrofotografia, auxilia na escolha dos primeiros equipamentos.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Bargain book on Astrophotography

5.0 out of 5 stars Super, concis.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gute praxisorientierte Übersicht über die Materie!

My first book I have read on Astrophotography. I liked it.

This book is like a good friend... with good advice

Great Book to Get Started in Astrophotography

Well writen, texhnical but clear explaininf concepts.

Livro para iniciantes em astrofotografia, auxilia na escolha dos primeiros equipamentos.

A Bargain book on Astrophotography

Super, concis.

Sehr gute praxisorientierte Übersicht über die Materie!