Andromeda: My First Decent Shot (Leaning on a Shoebox!)
Behold the majestic Andromeda Galaxy, M31! This image represents my very first attempt at capturing a 'decent' shot of this iconic deep-sky object. And guess what? It was all achieved with a humble shoebox as my trusty tripod, leaning my camera against it for stability. Proof that passion and a bit of resourcefulness can go a long way in the world of astrophotography!
The Gear and The Process
For this endeavor, I utilized the following equipment:
- Camera: Sony A7RIV
- Lens: 70-300mm
- Acquisition Method: Used the camera's built-in intervalometer.
- Processing: The raw images were processed in Siril, followed by some minor edits using my phone's images app. (Yes, I know the confession! 😅)
The Journey to the Stars
Achieving this shot required a total of 60 exposures. While the setup might seem rudimentary, the results are surprisingly encouraging. The dedication to propping my camera up with a shoebox certainly paid off! The next step on my astrophotography journey involves acquiring a star-tracking mount, which I'm eagerly anticipating for Christmas. The prospect of getting a Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro is incredibly exciting and will undoubtedly allow for longer exposures and sharper details.
This image is a testament to the fact that you don't need the most advanced equipment to start exploring the wonders of the universe. With patience and a willingness to experiment, even basic setups can yield beautiful results. The universe is waiting to be discovered, one shoebox-supported shot at a time!
