in 2001, crawford renewed his interest in astronomy to become an amateur astrophotographer. in 2004, he was one of the principal founders of the advanced imaging conference held every year in san jose and has served as president since 2007. in 2008, he was invited to participate in the nasa "astronomy picture of the day" with many of his images appearing as the picture of the day. his images are noted in the astronomy community "for revealing extremely faint structures and details in objects not previously seen."