Milky Way Composite Guide

Why This Method?

• Noise-free stars: Stacking sky exposures reduces sensor noise.

• High detail: Max dynamic range in both sky & foreground.

• Creative control: Foreground exposed optimally without star trails.

Sky Stack Settings

Camera Setup

• Mode: Manual

• RAW: Always

• Focus: Manual, infinity (zoom + magnify on star)

• Aperture: f/2.8 or wider

• ISO: 3200–6400

• Shutter: 10–15 sec (avoid star trails)

• WB: Manual (4000–4800K recommended)

Frames to Shoot

• Untracked: 10–20 frames (use interval timer or remote shutter)

• Tracked (optional): 4–10 longer exposures (track sky only)

Sky Capture Tips

• Use interval shooting: 1 sec delay between frames

• Turn off long exposure noise reduction (LENR)

• Watch for dew/fog: Use lens warmer or shield

• Disable IS/IBIS if on tripod

• Shield LCD to preserve night vision

Foreground Exposure

When to Shoot

• Blue hour: Best dynamic range

• After sky: Light-painting or long single exposure

Settings

• ISO 100–1600

• Aperture: Match sky lens

• Shutter: 1–30 min (use bulb + remote)

• WB: Match sky or 4000–4800K

• Focus: Don’t change from sky if same focus distance

Stability Tips

• Don’t move tripod

• Use remote shutter

• Block wind if needed

• Tape down focus ring & zoom

Alignment Best Practices

• Lock tripod before and after sky stack

• Do not bump or recompose

• Use same lens & focal length

• Use apps (e.g., PhotoPills) to plan composition

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Tripod shift = misalignment

• Changed focus = stacking/focus fail

• Exposure mismatch = unrealistic blend

• Auto WB = inconsistent tones

• Wrong sequence = missed timing

Organization & Metadata Tips

• Use separate folders: /SkyStack/ + /Foreground/

• Rename files on import (e.g., SKY_001, FG_001)

• Log settings in phone or notebook

• Tag images for stack/foreground with color rating

Field Checklist

◻️ Set manual focus & exposure

◻️ Tape focus & disable AF

◻️ Shoot 10–20 sky frames (untracked)

◻️ Optional: tracked long exposures

◻️ Lock down tripod

◻️ Capture foreground (blue hour or after)

◻️ Review critical focus & histogram

◻️ Organize files before bed

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