Astrophotography doesn’t have to be complicated.
It can be powerful, peaceful — and more accessible than you think.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your connection with the night sky, Cosmic Captures is here to guide and inspire you.
Through practical tools, relatable explanations, and emotionally rich stories, I’ll help you navigate the technical side — without losing sight of the wonder.
Welcome to Cosmic Captures – Your Guide to Astrophotography
Tim Ciasto
Astrophotography is more than just gear and data.
It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and reconnecting — with the sky, and with yourself.
Every image starts with a feeling: curiosity, awe, presence.
Cosmic Captures is here to help you turn those moments into photographs.
Plan Better. Shoot Smarter. Stay Inspired.
Each month, the Night Sky Guide helps you plan your astrophotography with key celestial events, target suggestions, and imaging tips.
You’ll also get two unique planning tools:
MAP (Moonlight Astrophotography Planner) — Find the best nights based on the Moon’s phase and position.
CAP (Cosmic Astrophotography Planner) — Discover the top targets each month, with ideal focal length and filter advice.
Want guidance straight to your inbox?
In the Cosmic Captures Newsletter, I share practical tips, night sky updates, and behind-the-scenes insights from my own journey.
If you want to improve your results, stay inspired, or just feel a little less alone in the dark — I’ve got you.
New to Astrophotography? Start Here
Astrophotography can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need expensive gear to start. Watch this video to learn about the different types of astrophotography and how to begin with what you have:
Astrophotography is a vast and rewarding hobby, offering many ways to capture the beauty of the night sky. Whether you’re shooting landscapes under the stars, tracking distant galaxies, or photographing the Moon and planets, there’s a style for everyone.
DEEP SKY
Deep sky photography is a specialized branch of astrophotography focused on capturing distant celestial objects beyond our solar system. These targets include galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and other deep-space phenomena that reveal the beauty and complexity of the universe. This form of photography allows us to peer into the cosmos, unveiling details invisible to the naked eye.
NIGHTSCAPE
Nightscape photography is a captivating blend of landscape photography and astrophotography, where the beauty of the night sky meets the terrestrial world. It focuses on capturing landscapes under a starry sky, often incorporating features such as mountains, forests, or man-made structures into the composition. The goal is to create an image that harmoniously showcases the beauty of the cosmos alongside the Earth’s natural or built environment.
LUNAR
Lunar photography focuses on capturing detailed images of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor, the Moon. As one of the brightest and most prominent objects in the night sky, the Moon offers endless opportunities for both beginner and advanced astrophotographers to hone their skills. Whether it’s a stunning full moonrise, a dramatic crescent phase, or the textured surface of craters and lunar seas, the Moon provides a canvas for artistic and scientific exploration.
PLANET
Planet photography is a specialised form of astrophotography focused on capturing images of the planets within our solar system. From the vibrant colours of Jupiter’s storms to Saturn’s iconic rings, each planet offers a unique photographic challenge and opportunity. This discipline combines technical precision with the thrill of observing our celestial neighbours in stunning detail.
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SOLAR
Solar photography is the art and science of capturing images of our Sun, revealing its surface features, dynamic activity, and interactions with the surrounding space. From the intricate patterns of sunspots to the spectacular eruptions of solar prominences, photographing the Sun offers a unique glimpse into the life of our closest star.
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COMET
Comet photography is a captivating form of astrophotography focused on capturing these rare and dynamic visitors from the outer reaches of our solar system. With their glowing nuclei, distinctive tails, and unpredictable appearances, comets provide both a challenge and an opportunity to create striking celestial images.
Content in development
AURORA
Aurora photography captures the breathtaking natural light displays of the aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights). These phenomena occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, creating vivid curtains of light that dance across the sky.