Introduction to Astrophotography

This online course provides the basic knowledge, skills and techniques needed to create images of space.

It will explore how night-time photography is different to daytime and how, with a few key ideas and practice, it is possible to create amazing images.

The course tutor will guide the class through the first steps in learning how astronomy images are made. Starting with understanding camera settings, targets in the night sky and some straightforward processing, students will go on to capture and process their own images. 

Students will learn how to use astrophotography image processing software tools, many of which are freely available. Most tools are based on MS Windows, although Mac OS alternatives, where available, are suggested.

The six-week course, run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, will also touch on some more advanced techniques using tracking and telescopes, to give students a taste of the possibilities of deep sky astrophotography.

Everyone taking a course is also entitled to a 10% discount on books purchased from Royal Museums Greenwich - please check with your course tutor for more details!

Students will ideally have access to their own equipment for this course, including a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses and a tripod. A telescope is not required, though students are welcome to use a telescope for photography.

Age: 18+

Courses take place on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm and run for six weeks in total. The full dates for the 2026/27 academic year are below; when making your booking, simply select the start date of the course you'd like to join:

• 3 November - 8 December 2025 (Please note the 24 November class is moved to Wednesday 25 November)
• 5 January - 9 February 2026
• 23 February - 30 March 2026

The course will be held online via Zoom and is ideal for students who are not within commuting distance of London or cannot travel to Greenwich.

Header image by Ken Cheung on Pexels