Newbie needs help with imaging

[ks414]

Hi.

I am fairly new to night time photography. I want to get into astrophotography and while I was away during the winter, I bought a new camera and had a play for ages taking shots of the night sky. I have a 500D and a few lenses but mostly using the kit. I have attached an image of an attempt to capture Taurus. I would appreciate help on how I can turn an image such as this into a more interesting image. I think I am slightly out of focus but I am working on focusing issues. Is my problem just that there is too much light pollution where I was? The other image was an attempt to include some foreground detail. Have I got anything major wrong or do I just need to keep trying and find a darker location? I would appreciate any help or advice given. The image of Taurus was taken on manual at iso 400, 30s at f 5.6 and Orion was 20s with same settings

Thanks

[davew]

That Orion is rather good. Zoom in and you'll see a lighter patch where m42 is.

Have a look at - http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-tips-tricks-techniques/73737-basic-widefield-camera-tripod.html

It's as good a start as you'll find.

Then maybe get Steppenwolf's book. ( He's a member here ) - http://nightskyimages.co.uk/making_every_photon_count.htm

Dave.

[ks414]

Thanks for the tips davew, I will definitely have a look into both of these items. Much appreciated.