My First Attempt at Astrophotography in Rockport, MA
Astrophotography has always been one of those things I admired from a distance—literally. The universe seems to hold so many secrets, and capturing a glimpse of its beauty has a kind of allure that calls to any photographer who loves experimenting with light and shadow. Recently, I decided to take my first steps into astrophotography, setting my sights on the skies above Rockport, MA.
Rockport has always provided me with stunning landscapes, but this time, I looked beyond the familiar lighthouses and coastal scenes, hoping to capture the stars in all their glory. Despite my experience in fine art and portrait photography, the challenges I faced in astrophotography were humbling, to say the least. I knew it would be different—darker, slower, more technical—but I underestimated just how much patience and learning would be required.
My first night out was exhilarating and frustrating in equal measure. After a careful review of my settings and a deep dive into online guides, I felt prepared—or so I thought. I had researched everything from shutter speeds to ISO levels, yet my initial results were far from the stunning starry portraits I’d imagined. Blurry stars, underexposed shots, and noisy images filled my camera roll, and my excitement was tempered by the immediate realization of just how much I still had to learn.
One of the biggest surprises was just how challenging it is to find focus in such low light. Accustomed to capturing the delicate details of a face or the natural textures of a landscape, I now found myself struggling with manual focus, peering into the void, trying to make sure each star was a sharp pinprick rather than a smudge of light. And then there was the challenge of light pollution—something Rockport’s coastal location can’t entirely escape. A subtle glow from nearby towns tinged the horizon, adding to the obstacles.
Despite these challenges, my first attempts still held a kind of beauty, capturing some of the vastness above, even if it was imperfect. The experience left me with a fresh respect for those who specialize in capturing the night sky and a renewed commitment to learning this craft. I may still have a long way to go before I achieve the crisp, clear images I aspire to create, but there’s something magical about knowing the sky will always be waiting, ready for my next attempt.
I was thrilled to learn that Comet Atlas, a rare celestial visitor, would be visible in the night skies over Rockport. Capturing the comet felt like a unique opportunity to push my newfound skills to the limit. With a faint tail streaming across the darkness, Atlas was mesmerizing, but photographing it was no small feat. The comet’s subtle glow required a delicate balance of exposure and ISO settings, and I found myself experimenting to capture its ethereal form without washing out the surrounding stars. While my images might not rival those of seasoned astrophotographers, the sense of wonder I felt seeing Atlas streak across my viewfinder made every challenge worthwhile.
So, here’s to the learning curve and to many more nights out under the stars, fumbling with settings and growing with each shot.
Happy Shooting!
<3 Ann
