Intro
Being an astrophotographer for more than 10 years, I’ve experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and opinions about what makes a good astro image. Spoiler alert! This article contains personal preferences, which by no means diminish the value of other astrophotography works. Also, I’ll specifically talk about landscape astrophotography, so when I mention an astro image, I’m referring to a landscape astro image.
The Basics
Let’s start from scratch. A friend shows me a photo on social media. The first thing I look at is the white balance and color balance. Bear with me! White balance, in plain English, means how yellowish or bluish your photo appears. During my workshops and webinars, I emphasize the importance of getting the white balance right — meaning the sky should not appear overly blue or yellow but as close to neutral gray or black as possible. I know it may look unusual sometimes, so it’s up to your artistic preference whether to follow this tip or not.
Color balance is just as important as white balance and typically follows the latter. I’ve seen countless Milky Way photos online where the core appears purple or extremely yellow, and nebulae look like Barney. The Milky Way core has a very specific orange hue, and emission nebulae (Hydrogen-alpha regions) have a distinct red color. Just like deep-sky photographers strive for accuracy in their colors, you should too. When your image maintains natural color harmony, it not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also educates viewers on how these celestial objects truly appear through a camera — without being distorted by excessive editing.
Don’t Fake It
The second thing I try to notice (unfortunately) is whether an image is an AI-generated product. Please don’t do that. Additionally, some people blend skies from different locations, shot on different dates and at different hours. If you choose to do that, you’re free to do so — but don’t call it a photograph. Be transparent so viewers are not misled. A good astro image is captured in the moment, in the actual place.
At the end of the day, that’s why we’re astrophotographers. We travel to remote locations, gamble with the weather, and spend entire nights outdoors to witness and capture the night sky. Otherwise, what’s the point?
To my surprise, many workshop leaders and professional photographers use fake images to attract more clients. At Starlight Adventures, we take pride in advertising with real experiences and real views that people can capture themselves. I want to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of authentic astro imaging. With AI becoming dominant in many fields, it’s already difficult to distinguish between real and fake images. This is one of the most challenging periods for photographers. Support real photographers.
Don’t Exaggerate Your Editing
There are two schools of thought on this matter. The first believes that if you have enough data, you should stretch it as much as possible. The second advocates for keeping the image as “natural” as possible. I find myself somewhere in between. I like to add contrast and sharpness to my images — but only to a level that doesn’t make my eyes “bleed.”
It’s a personal preference, but I want my images to be well-processed yet not overly “crispy” in detail. There’s a fine line between enhancing an image and over-processing it.
Composition and Timing
This one requires experience and comes after countless photo sessions — and failures, of course. In landscape astrophotography, the goal is not just to showcase the sky but also to present a beautiful and unique landscape with the starry sky as a backdrop. A dull foreground will lead to a dull image, no matter how stunning the sky looks.
A tip for you: Use Planit Pro, an excellent mobile app for planning your night imaging sessions in detail. I have to admit that some of my images aren’t great due to poor composition. It’s not an easy task, and sometimes extensive travel and meticulous planning are required to achieve the perfect shot.
See the following examples of good and bad composition:
As with many aspects of astrophotography, timing is crucial. You might have clear skies, a moonless night, and the best gear — but is that enough to create a great astro image? Unfortunately, no. Some landscapes look better during specific times of the year due to weather conditions and the position of celestial objects.
For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, Orion is best captured in late autumn and winter, while the Milky Way core is visible from early summer to early autumn. These aren’t exact timeframes, but they should give you a rough idea (see the image below). Knowing when specific targets are visible is of utmost importance.
I always wanted to capture a panorama with Orion over La Palma. To make it happen, I had to travel in October — when the Milky Way core set early and Orion was visible alongside the Zodiacal Light. This is one of my favorite images. You can find my 360-degree VR panorama here (https://www.constantinethemelis.com/gallery/360).
Wait, what about gear?
High-end gear will certainly provide better image quality and resolution. However, having top-tier equipment doesn’t necessarily make an image good or inspiring. A compelling image is more about composition, timing, and storytelling than just technical perfection.
Have fun
With the constant pressure from social media, people often forget the most important part: enjoying the experience. At the end of the day, astrophotography is about getting outside and experiencing the night sky. Whether it’s lying on the beaches of Crete and watching the Milky Way set, or braving the Arctic cold to witness the Aurora Borealis, the goal remains the same — to connect with and experience something greater than ourselves.
I’ve struggled with creative burnout, but I remind myself why I started astrophotography in the first place. That always puts a smile on my face.
Conclusion
Landscape astrophotography involves many factors, and I’ve shared my personal insights on what makes a great night image. Some people may love your astro photo, while others may not — but if you love it, that’s all that matters. If it brings you joy, then you’ve already reached the top.
