Have you ever gazed up at the night sky, captivated by the shimmering stars and the breathtaking sight of the Milky Way? You might think capturing this celestial beauty requires an expensive camera and professional skills. But guess what? With just your smartphone, a handy tumbler with a built-in phone holder, and some know-how, you can take stunning photos of Milky Way right from your backyard!
Why Photograph the Milky Way?
Photographing the Milky Way is a magical experience. It connects you to the vast universe, offers a sense of wonder, and results in stunning images that you can share with friends and family. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding hobby that combines art and science.
Okay, Now What You'll Need?
| A Smartphone |
Modern smartphones come equipped with powerful cameras capable of capturing the night sky. Look for one with a "Pro" or "Manual" mode.
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| A Tumbler with Built-in Phone Holder |
Say goodbye to bulky tripods! This innovative tumbler not only keeps your beverage warm or cool but also features a secure phone holder for stable night sky photography.
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Figure 1: I installed the magnetic ring at the lower bottom of my phone due to maximum tilting angle during vertical mounting.
Tumber with Built-on Phone Holder?
This unique tumbler is designed for you to capture the night sky. Here’s why:
| Dual Functionality | Enjoy your favorite hot or cold beverage while using the built-in phone holder for stable, hands-free photography. |
| Compact & Portable | Keep the bulky tripod and travel light with this all-in-one solution. |
| Sturdy & Reliable | The secure phone holder ensures your smartphone stays steady, even during long exposures. Whether you're hiking, camping, or just stargazing in your backyard, this tumbler is the perfect companion. |
Figure 2: Vertical mounting is my favourite setup. What’s yours?
7 Steps to Capture the Milky Way
1. Find a Dark Sky Location
Light pollution is the mortal enemy of night photography. Use apps or websites to locate areas with minimal artificial light. National parks, rural areas, or even a secluded beach can be great spots.
2. Plan Your Shoot
Check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies. Use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to locate Milky Way's position and the best times for shooting. In Malaysia, usually April-Sept is the best. Also, the best period is during the new moon phase when the sky is darkest.
3. Set Up Your Gear
Mount your smartphone on the tumbler to avoid any movement during the shoot. This allin-one solution ensures your phone is stable and ready to capture the perfect shot.
Figure 3: All set. Can’t wait to press snap button!
4. Adjust Your Camera Settings
| ISO | Start with an ISO of 1600-3200. Higher ISO settings increase sensitivity to light but also add noise, so find a balance. |
| Shutter Speed | Set a long exposure time, try between 10-30 seconds. This allows enough light to hit the sensor to capture the faint stars. |
| Focus | Manually set the focus to infinity. On some apps, you might see a small mountain icon for infinity focus. |
| Aperture | If your smartphone allows, set the aperture to the lowest possible value (e.g., f/1.8) to let in more light. |
5. Compose Your Shot
Frame your shot with an interesting foreground element like trees, mountains, or a lake to add depth and context. The Milky Way usually appears as a diagonal band across the sky, so adjust your composition accordingly.
6. Take the Shot
Tap the shutter button and let your smartphone do its magic. Be patient and avoid touching the phone or tumbler during the exposure.
Figure 4: Image captured. Almost done. One more step!
7. Edit Your Photo
Use photo editing apps like Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom to enhance your image. Adjust the contrast, brightness, and saturation to bring out the details of the Milky Way. Experiment with other adjustments to achieve the desired look.
 Figure 5: Voila! See the band across the sky on top of the bigtree? That’s the view of Milky Way, the galaxy we’re living in. |
 Figure 6 : Now try different shots and different spots. Make use ofnature elements such as trees to make your photo looks better.Practice makes perfect |
Tips For Success
| Experiment with Settings | Don't be afraid to try different ISO levels, shutter speeds, and compositions. Practice makes perfect! |
| Use a Remote Shutter | To avoid any camera shake, use a remote shutter or the self-timer function on your phone. |
| Stay Safe | Astrophotography often takes you to remote locations. Bring a flashlight, dress warmly, and let someone know where you’re going. |
Conclusion
With these simple steps and the innovative tumbler with a built-in phone holder, you can start your journey into astrophotography and capture the beauty and wonder of the Milky Way using just your smartphone. Remember, the key is patience and practice. So, grab your gear, head out to a dark sky, and let the cosmos inspire your creativity!
Happy shooting, and may your skies be clear and starry!
Oh yes before I forget, here’s your promo code to get an 8% OFF discount on that tumbler: ANAS8 (up to 10 early birds only)
Written by:
Anas Clay,
Amateur Stargazer and Astrophotographer,
Jitra, Kedah, Malaysia