Braving the Cold to Photograph the Stars at Chaco

Bright crescent moon and stars, looking toward the west (11 pm)

(Specs: ISO=400; f-stop=4; shutter=30 seconds)

Predawn (5:50 am), looking to the south, toward Fajada Butte and Chacra Mesa

(Specs: ISO=400; f-stop=3.5; shutter=30 seconds)

The night sky at Chaco Canyon can be breathtaking. I braved the cold a few times to take photos of the stars, and describe my experience and provide some tips for you below.

1.  I got up early one morning before dawn, excited when I noticed that the stars were visible. It had been stormy the previous afternoon and evening, with rain and some snow. 

However, by the time I got bundled up (it was cold!) and set up my tripod and camera outside, the clear patch in the sky had been replaced by a thick layer of clouds, followed by a brisk wind and some snow. As dawn slowly lightened the sky, I could see that my car was covered in white icy snow, and the ground was white!

See Why It Is Difficult to Leave Chaco Canyon for the photos I did get of the snow before my fingers froze.

2.  I headed out again that night, when I noticed clear sky and stars, with a bright crescent moon. I couldn't see much in my viewfinder or LCD display. I persisted, and kept adjusting settings (ISO, f-stop, shutter), taking photos, and hoping for the best. Even with the bright moon, stars are visible!

3.  I got up again the next morning before dawn, bundled up, set up my tripod and camera, and took as many frames as I could before the predawn light replaced the stars and night sky.

Again, I kept adjusting camera settings. Good thing digital cameras record the details. I like the result!

Here are some basic tips for taking photos of the stars:

1. Tripod: Use a decent tripod, to minimize shaking from the wind.  
2. Weather: Dress for the weather, as you may be out there a while.  
3. Flashlight: Bring a flashlight so you can see your camera controls. I found that a small led light worked better than my headlamp for getting the light where needed.
4. Manual: Read your manual first, so you have an idea what your camera is capable of, and how to make the adjustments. Pre-set whatever you can.
5. Shutter release cable or remote: If available for your camera, consider getting a cable or remote so you can hold the shutter open for longer exposures. I plan to purchase one. Longer settings are called “bulb,” meaning you manually hold the shutter open.
6. Self-timer: If you have a self timer, use it to release the shutter for the automatic settings. This will help minimize camera shake.
7. Focus: Set your focus manually to infinity - you probably won't be able to see anything to focus on.
8. Settings: Take lots of shots, methodically varying the ISO, the f-stop, and the time the shutter is open.   

Note: I am using a Nikon D50 with a Tamron lens, 18-200mm. I find it fits my needs perfectly. It is versatile, and relatively lightweight for an SLR.

Good luck!