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29 August 2003

How to Photograph Mars

Source: Usefilm.com

Want to get photos of Mars? Remember the basics: Tripod, cable release, set camera to "B" setting, use widest aperture, faster print film (400-1600), exposure about 10-20 seconds.

Tips:

• Start the roll of film with at least one photo in the light so the developer will know where to cut the negatives.
  
  
• Use a large enough lens (300mm and up) so the image will be large enough on the negative. Rule of thumb is that for every 100mm 0f focal length the image will be 1mm on the negative. So a 500mm focal length lens will give you a 5mm image on the negative (or positive for slides).
  
  
• Set your camera to manual focus if it is an auto-focus camera. Focus the lens at infinity.
• Exposures shouldn't be too long unless you are trying to get star trails.
  
  
• Get away from city lights. Try to get out in the darkest place to avoid light pollution from cities.