"Fascination": Rod Prazeres' Astral Photography Adventure
**Australian Astrophotographer Rod Prazeres Shares His Journey and Tips**
Rod Prazeres, a Brisbane-based astrophotographer, has quickly made a name for himself in the world of deep-sky astrophotography. His stunning images of nebulae and supernova remnants have been published in esteemed publications such as BBC Sky at Night and Astronomy Now, and one of his most notable works, an image of the Carina Nebula, is currently on display at the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London.
Prazeres' astrophotography journey began less than two years ago, and he has since been shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year (APY16) competition. For those interested in starting their own astrophotography journey, Prazeres recommends beginning by exploring AstroBin, a popular online platform where astrophotographers upload images.
"Scroll through the uploads and find visually striking photos," Prazeres advises. "Take note of the scientific details that can inspire and inform your own projects." AstroBin, he notes, is a valuable resource for both visual inspiration and learning about astrophotography techniques and scientific context.
Prazeres' approach to learning astrophotography also includes browsing platforms like AstroBin to study others' work and techniques, saving and analyzing impressive images for project ideas, and taking note of any scientific or technical insights shared with the images. This method, he believes, can help beginners and enthusiasts develop their skills by learning from a rich community repository curated by experienced astrophotographers.
In addition to AstroBin, Prazeres uses tools like Stellarium, Telescopius, and astronomy.tools for target scouting and framing. He also uses Light Pollution Map to locate remote sites with lower Bortle values for imaging trips or camping sessions.
Once he has identified his target, Prazeres captures RGB specifically for star color in his imaging. He then processes his images using PixInsight, a software he learned through direct mentorship with Adam Cohen. Prazeres' post-processing workflow is mostly done in PixInsight, with Adobe After Effects used to create cosmic animations.
Prazeres' work can be explored and fine art prints purchased on his website, and he can be followed on Instagram and contacted via email at [email protected]. For those looking to expand their knowledge, Prazeres has also attended advanced workshops with Steeve Body.
In conclusion, Rod Prazeres' success in astrophotography serves as an inspiration for those just starting out. His recommendations, including exploring AstroBin and studying others' work, provide a solid foundation for any aspiring astrophotographer.
- Rod Prazeres, a brisbane-based astrophotographer, initially discovered his passion for deep-sky astrophotography less than two years ago, eventually being shortlisted for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year (APY16) competition.
- Interested in starting an astrophotography journey, according to Prazeres, should begin by exploring AstroBin, a popular online platform where astrophotographers upload images, for both visual inspiration and learning about techniques and scientific context.
- Prazeres emphasizes the importance of examining visually striking photos on AstroBin, taking note of the scientific details that can inspire and inform one's own projects, aiding in skill development through the collective wisdom of experienced astrophotographers.
- In addition to AstroBin, tool-centric platforms like Stellarium, Telescopius, and astronomy.tools are utilized by Prazeres for target scouting and framing, as well as the Light Pollution Map to find remote sites with lower Bortle values for imaging trips.
- To capture RGB specifically for star color, Prazeres recommends using equipment such as cameras, telescopes, and various gadgets and gear, including smartphones, before processing the images in PixInsight, a software he learned through direct mentorship with Adam Cohen.
- Post-processing workflow for Prazeres is primarily done in PixInsight, with Adobe After Effects used to create cosmic animations, whereas his work can be explored and fine art prints purchased on his personal website, and he can be followed on Instagram and contacted via email at [email protected].
- For those looking to advance their knowledge, Prazeres has attended advanced workshops with Steeve Body, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and expanding his horizons in astrophotography, astronomy, and technology.
