Richard S. Wright Jr.
Contributing Editor Richard S. Wright Jr. is a software developer by profession specializing in computer graphics technologies at LunarG Inc. Richard is also a consulting engineer and imaging specialist for Software Bisque. A lifelong amateur astronomer, Richard first experimented with a webcam and black-and-white film images of the Moon in the 1990s, and he subsequently became hopelessly addicted to astrophotography. Currently, he seeks treatment at his dark sky camp/observatory in Okeechobee, Florida, whenever he can. Check out his online photo gallery.
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Astrophotography: Tips & Techniques
Long Focal Length Telescopes for Astrophotography
Long focal length scopes are usually discouraged for beginner deep sky astrophotography, but solar system imagers need that extra focal length reach.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. December 16, 2021
Imaging Foundations with Richard Wright
Getting Started in Deep-Sky Astrophotography
Shopping for gear to get started in astrophotography? Here's some sage advice before you max out all your credit cards.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. November 19, 2021
Astronomers Worth Noting
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn: Meteorologist, Pilot, Astrophotographer
Meteorologist and pilot by day, astrophotographer by night: Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn shares her pursuit and passion for the hobby.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. November 9, 2021
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Follow these tips to help capture auroral displays.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. October 19, 2021
Getting Started in Planetary Imaging
It's planet season! Here are some tips to help you start imaging the giant planets while they're in easy view.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. September 16, 2021
Astrophotography: How Long Can You Go?
While many astrophotographers follow the "rule of 500" (or 300), some experimentation can help find the right exposure time for your setup.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. August 16, 2021
Beating the Heat in Astrophotography
Keeping your camera cool is an essential element to obtaining good clean images in astrophotography.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. July 15, 2021
Demystifying Flat-Frame Calibration
Many astrophotographers skip flat fields because they seem complicated. But the flats can greatly improve your images — here's how to do them.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. June 17, 2021
Dark Frames and Bias Frames Demystified
The road to clean, easy-to-process data begins with proper image calibration, and the first step is to take dark and bias calibration frames.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. May 24, 2021
Astrophotography On The Go: When Failure Is Not An Option
Anytime you travel beyond your own backyard to do astrophotography, the whole endeavor can be lost because of one missing link in the chain. Here's what to remember.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. April 21, 2021
How Focal Ratio Affects Your Astro Images
Understand focal ratio to improve your astrophotography.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. March 15, 2021
Tips for Imaging Galaxies from Your Backyard
You don't need a dark-sky location to shoot galaxies — you can capture them from your backyard with these tips.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. February 16, 2021
Giorgia Hofer, Nightscape Astrophotographer
An Italian accountant, captivated by the sky since childhood, learned astrophotography to bring the heavens home with her.
In Astrophotography, Bigger Is Not Always Better!
Don't be intimidated by astrophotography equipment — modest equipment can do great things.
By: Richard S. Wright Jr. January 20, 2021
A Free Tool for Lucky Imaging
Check out this free astrophotography software package that'll make processing your lucky images — especially of the Sun and Moon — a snap.
Two Ways to Use Video for Astrophotography
Use high-speed cameras to capture spectacular live views of galaxies and high-res images of the Moon and planets.
Astro-Imaging: The Truth about Raw Data
What "comes off the camera" is remarkably different in astrophotography than most photographers expect coming from a digital camera experience.
Do Science With Your Astrophotography
Astrophotography can be its own reward, but there are ways to dig deeper. Here are some ways to do quantitative science with your images.
The Scientific Value of "Pretty Pictures"
Even processed images still contain data that's of scientific value.
Catch A Shooting Star (with Your Camera)
Catching a falling star is easier than you think . . . when you use a camera!
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