THE CRAFT

How Astrophotography Works

1500 light-years away and 10.5 hours of work on Earth.

Each of Claire's images begins not with a click, but with a question. What cosmic wonder is visible right now?

BEFORE THE CAMERA

Each image begins not with a click, but with a question.

What cosmic wonder is visible right now?

THE PROCESS

Four steps from question to print.

STEP 01 — TARGETING

The light you see is 1,500 years old.

The light in the image you see began its journey 1,500 years ago.

STEP 02 — CAPTURE

Five minutes of light, twenty-four times over.

Each photo lets in just five minutes of light. Multiply that by 24 exposures per filter, often over several nights or even weeks.

STEP 03 — PROCESSING

Calibrate, align, stack, colour-map.

Dust specks are removed using calibration frames. Each exposure is carefully aligned, stacked, and colour-mapped.

STEP 04 — RESULT

1,500 years of light. 10.5 hours of work.

It takes 1,500 years for the light to reach Claire. And another 10.5 hours to catch it.

WHAT IT TAKES

It takes 1,500 years for the light to reach Claire. And another 10.5 hours to catch it.

CARRY THE LIGHT HOME

See the prints that start here. Or look inside the kit.

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