Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography Paperback – April 16, 2013

The author approached the topic from the premise the reader has never done in Astrophotography which in my case is true. One particular section of the book I liked showed a price estimate of different systems ranging from a few hundred dollars through many thousands of dollars along with the advantages of each system. I actually used this as a guide to put together my system. Each system lists the main components including the telescope, software, camera, mounts, etc. Albeit, I have substituted many components in my system, but having a starting point from a price vs performance standpoint got me much closer to finding all the components I needed quicker than starting from scratch.The author also listed every single component of his system which was extremely helpful. All the 'minor' components such as filters to flashlights add up to be a sizable amount of money and needs to taken into account when selecting the components for your system. I found the easiest way to put together my system was to list all the components needed by name and then set the total dollar amount I wanted to spend. After that it becomes a balancing act as to how much you can afford to spend on each component. My list of components consists of 50 items.My toughest dilemma is deciding on what type of camera to use. The basic technology of telescopes doesn't change much over the years, but the camera technology and CCD capabilities are changing quickly and there are many choices. I am still researching. I also think going ahead and spending the 'extra' money on top of the line software and a good telescope mount is of major importance from a photography standpoint.I have had many hobbies in my life and the one thing I find to be true is that if you truly think you are going to immerse yourself in a particular hobby then go ahead and spend the money upfront to get what you probably will end up with in the end. Starting with 'sub par' equipment and then working your way up to the system you really want in my opinion is a frustrating route to take and not the best from a financial, time, and enjoyment standpoint. I would say this is especially true with Astrophotography. Going to all the trouble that it takes to get a photograph of a planet or a deep space object to find out that the quality isn't what you are wanting isn't my idea of a good time. If I want a full size truck I don't need to start with a wheelbarrow. But, then again I don't have an unlimited budget so the importance of picking and choosing the components with a budgeted amount of money becomes important which with me is an enjoyable part of any hobby. Did I get the best bang for my buck?! In that regard this book pointed me down a good path.I don't think an experienced photographer would find this book 'hard to put down', but as a newbie to Astrophotography this book was very valuable and I will forever blame this book in causing me to spend more money on this hobby than I wanted. LOL

It's a friendly, easy-to-ready book. I recommend to anyone starting out.Props to Mr. Hall for what must be a true labor of love. I couldn't imagine putting such a book together!I purchased this book (my first DSLR AP book) in Dec 2013. Before that I found other more recommended sources from the guys in the forums at stargazerslounge: "Making Every Photon Count" by Steve Richards, but found myself put off by the very high price: ~40 UK pounds = $67; 20 for the book and 20 for shipping. To date it's not on amazon, which to the credit of the author is a likely way to protect his investment/cashflow. Good for him, not good for me. As a beginner, shelling out so much for a book, is well, quite an initial expenditure. So in contrast I want to thank Mr. Hall for providing such affordable learning of such a profoundly overwhelming topic in a clear and easy to read package.So I found many books on the subject and decided based off of the reviews to go with this book.This book is written as if the author were speaking which I found fine. This makes the reading a little more interesting.The charts and photos are black/gray and white. I would have preferred color for some images but still found them appealing.Mr. Hall lays out his credentials/background in AP and takes care to mention many important considerations for the beginner, for example, Mr. Hall highlights the cost vs performance "continuum", as I like to call it.Mr. Hall covers the subject chapter by chapter in a very satisfactory way, with opinion, detailed explanations, many charts, and many many online references and sources. Mr. Hall even cover's some of the math equations involved very well! He knows his math!!The book covered: setup, scope and related equipment, mounts, various cameras, controls, related control and support softwares. The book is full of tips and suggestions and a few recommended lists, which I found very helpful. Also the subject of Spectroscopy surprised me; very cool!!I'll say it again, I found this to be a friendly, easy to ready book. I recommend to anyone starting out, particularly if you plan on using a telescope.It covered more than I needed as I am only starting out with a DSLR and DSLR lenses.

I just finished my first reading of Getting Started: Long Exposure Photography. Finally, a book that makes some sense of the maze that is astrophotography. Thank you Allen! I suspect there will be 2 or 3 more readings before I really get it but this book is pointing me in the right direction.The up side is that I now have a clear direction to move ahead, the down side is that I now have a very long shopping list of software and equipment that I need to get where I want to be. In spite of the long list, I at least have a good idea of what is required. I am a professional photographer and have been conducting photography workshops for about 10 years so I assumed that getting into astrophotography would be pretty smooth. Bad assumption! The tools, software, and techniques are very different from the routines that I use.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into astrophotography. It is a practical and down to earth overview of the tools and techniques required to be successful in getting started. I think the idea behind this book is to help a beginner get started and if that is the goal the book is a great success. I am not overwhelmed by the information in the book but have a long list of new ideas to try, a clear set of steps to take to get to the next level, and a good reference to go to when I run into a problem. It is still a long road ahead to learn all the new software, the telescope, mount, and guider routines, the camera techniques, and the post processing routines but before reading this book I was at a standstill, unsure of what to do next.Now...all I need are some clear skies instead of all this rain!!