**Astrophotography Tips from an Astronaut on the ISS**
NASA: Scientific American, this is Mission Control, Houston.
Rachel Feltman: Station, this is Scientific American. How do you hear me?
Matthew Dominick: Loud and clear. Welcome to the cupola on the space station.
**Photography in Space**
Matthew Dominick, the commander and flight engineer of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, has been busy with technical duties and science experiments while aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Despite his packed schedule, he has managed to capture and share stunning photos, videos, and time-lapses from orbit.
During an episode of Scientific American’s Science Quickly, Rachel Feltman had the opportunity to chat with Dominick live from space on September 5. Dominick shared insights into his passion for photography, his experience aboard the ISS, and the challenges and joys of capturing images in space.
**The Unique Challenges of Space Photography**
Photography in space presents both unique challenges and opportunities. Dominick highlighted the dynamic lighting conditions as one of the main challenges. The rapid changes in lighting as the ISS orbits the Earth at 17,500 miles per hour require astronauts to adjust exposure settings quickly to capture the perfect shot.
He explained that shooting through windows can be tricky due to reflections, requiring astronauts to use shrouds to block out internal lights. Additionally, the high speed of the ISS necessitates fast shutter speeds to avoid motion blur in photos.
**Special Equipment for Space Photography**
To overcome these challenges, astronauts on the ISS have access to a range of specialized photography equipment. Dominick mentioned using full-frame mirrorless cameras with fast lenses, such as an 85mm lens with an aperture of 1.4, to capture detailed images. He also highlighted the use of zoom lenses like the 50-500mm for daytime photography and a 15mm lens with a T1.8 aperture for low-light situations.
The ISS is equipped with neutral-density filters that astronauts can use to adjust exposure levels when shooting through windows. These filters provide four stops of exposure change, allowing for more flexibility in capturing images both inside and outside the space station.
**Training for Space Photography**
NASA provides astronauts with training in photography techniques to prepare them for capturing images in space. Understanding the basics of aperture, exposure, and ISO is crucial for adjusting camera settings on the fly to achieve the desired results. Astronauts also receive instruction in technical photography to document scientific experiments and research activities on the ISS.
**Favorite Subjects to Photograph**
When asked about his favorite subjects to photograph from the ISS, Dominick expressed a love for capturing unexpected moments. While he enjoys photographing phenomena like the aurora and city lights reflecting off the station’s structure, it’s the spontaneous shots that often become his favorites. He recounted a memorable experience of capturing a meteor streaking across the sky during a time-lapse of the Nile River, emphasizing the element of luck and surprise in space photography.
**Impactful Images from Space**
Dominick emphasized the importance of sharing the unique perspective of space through photography. He feels a deep sense of responsibility to convey the beauty and wonder of Earth from orbit to a wider audience. By capturing images that showcase the collaborative efforts of nations in space exploration, he hopes to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the incredible achievements of humanity.
**Life on the ISS**
As his mission on the ISS comes to an end, Dominick reflected on the aspects of life in space that he will miss. From the short commute to work and the joy of floating in zero gravity to the abundance of cameras at his disposal, he cherishes the unique experiences of living aboard the space station.
Looking ahead to his return to Earth, Dominick anticipates simple pleasures like taking a shower and walking, activities that he has missed during his time in space. Despite the challenges of re-adapting to life on Earth, he remains grateful for the opportunity to have lived and worked in space.
**The Future of Space Photography**
As he prepares to return to Earth, Dominick plans to continue his photography journey, capturing moments and scenes that reflect the beauty of life on our planet. He looks forward to honing his skills in capturing dynamic events and unique perspectives, both in space and on Earth.
**Final Thoughts**
Matthew Dominick’s passion for photography and his dedication to sharing the wonders of space through images offer a glimpse into the life of an astronaut on the ISS. His insights into the challenges and rewards of space photography underscore the importance of visual storytelling in conveying the awe-inspiring experiences of space exploration.
As he prepares to bid farewell to the ISS and return to Earth, Dominick’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of photography to connect us with the extraordinary world beyond our own. Through his lens, we catch a glimpse of the beauty, complexity, and wonder of the universe, inviting us to see our planet and ourselves in a new light.