Capturing the Spectacle: How to Photograph the Night Launch Streak

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink Group 5-3 Streak from Veteran's Memorial Park, Titusville, FLPhoto byTJ Waller Photography

As we approach the upcoming NASA/SpaceX Crew-7 launch scheduled for next Friday morning (Aug. 25) at 3:49 AM EDT, I have been inundated with inquiries from numerous folks asking me what settings they should use to “get the streak.” Hopefully this article will help better prepare you to capture that coveted shot.

The sight of a rocket launching into the night sky is a breathtaking experience that ignites a sense of wonder and curiosity. As a photographer, capturing the essence of a rocket launch through the art of long exposure photography can result in stunning and awe-inspiring images. Long exposure photography allows you to transform a fleeting moment into a mesmerizing visual masterpiece, showcasing the dynamic journey of a rocket as it pierces the darkness and elicits that “WOW!” response in everyone who sees your photograph.

Planning and Preparation:

Before you even get started, thorough planning and preparation are essential to ensure you capture the perfect shot.

SpaceX Falcon 9 OneWeb 16 Streak at Kennedy Point Park, Titusville, FL. (Click link for full, un-cut shot.)Photo byTJ Waller Photography

Choose the Right Location: From 12 to 300 miles away, capturing a streak shot of a night launch is possible! However, selecting an optimal shooting location is crucial. Research the launch site and your surrounding areas to find vantage points that offer unobstructed views of the rocket's trajectory. Popular viewpoints include beaches, elevated terrains, and designated public viewing areas near the launch site.

Check the Trajectory: Knowing the trajectory is crucial to choosing and preparing your location. When you know if the rocket is going east, north, or south, then you’ll be able to better set up your shot. The tool I always use is FlightClub.io. If you use the free version, then it will only give you the trajectory of the next flight. Fortunately, the Space Launch Schedule app live-links to FlightClub and will have the information for several launches in advance when the trajectory becomes available.

Check the Launch Schedule: Stay updated on rocket launch schedules. Space agencies and private companies often provide launch dates well in advance. Use apps and websites to stay up to date. My three favorite launch apps in order are:

Space Launch Now (Apple & Android);

Space Launch Schedule (Apple & Android); and

Next Spaceflight (Apple & Android).

Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast for the launch day. Clear skies are ideal for capturing the celestial spectacle. Overcast skies or adverse weather conditions may limit visibility and affect the overall quality of your shots. Though we always welcome a few clouds in the sky for dramatic effect!

SpaceX Falcon 9 Galaxy 37 Long Streak at Gator Creek Road.Photo byTJ Waller Photography

Camera Equipment:

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is recommended for long exposure photography. A full-frame is preferable; but crop-sensor cameras work as well.

Lens: Use the widest-angle lens you can to capture as much of the scene as possible for closer shots. I use a Tamron 15-30mm lens on my Nikon D850 (full-frame) camera for closer shots. If I’m 30 miles or more away, then an 18 to 30mm usually works on my D850. The wider the better, though. If your composition ends up too wide, you can always crop. If your composition is too narrow, then you’ll end up not getting the whole arch of the launch.

Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera during the long exposure. This prevents camera shake and ensures sharp images.

Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release or intervalometer allows you to trigger the camera without physically touching it, further reducing the risk of camera shake.

Camera Settings:

Manual Mode: Set your camera to manual mode to have full control over your settings.

ISO: You will want to use the lowest native ISO setting of your camera (normally, ISO 100) to reduce noise and maintain image quality.

Aperture: Aperture choice depends on several factors: Distance from launch, type of rocket launching and moon phase. When shooting from the Space Coast, we usually start our aperture at around f/16 and take a few test shots. If it’s too bright, then we tighten down to f/18 down to f/22. If this is your first try at a launch streak and you are on the coast, then start at f/18, take a few test shots at the shutter speed you will be using. Choose a wider aperture to gather more light when shooting from a distance of 30 miles or more. An aperture of around f/8 to f/11 is suitable.

Shutter Speed: This is the key to long exposure launch photography. A launch will take about eight minutes (give or take a few seconds) from launch to booster return. The longer you keep your shutter open, the more of the streak you will capture. Remember, just because you can’t see the streak any longer doesn’t mean your camera isn’t capturing it! Even when the booster doesn’t return to LZ-1, if I leave my shutter open for seven minutes, I can sometimes capture the booster entering the atmosphere.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Hakuto-R Streak Shot on A1A to Port Canaveral. (Click on link for full, un-cut shot.)Photo byTJ Waller Photography

Focus: Pre-focus on the brightest object on the horizon as close to the launch pad; then set your lens to manual focus. I try to get to my shooting location while there is still plenty of light, but sometimes that isn’t possible. Research your particular camera’s ability to focus at night; most high-end cameras have easy ways to lock focus even at night.

Format: Shoot in RAW to retain the maximum amount of data for post-processing. If you are used to just shooting in JPEG, set your camera to shoot in both RAW and JPEG. RAW files are your digital “film.” It isn’t compressed like JPEG files are and allows you do pull out every bit of light and information your camera captured.

Also, if your camera has the “Long Exposure Noise Reduction” option, use it. It will take double the time for the photo to render, but it’s worth the wait; especially if you plan on printing the photo. So, if your shutter is open for four minutes; then once you close the shutter, your camera will take an additional four minutes to remove any noise and render the photo.

Capturing the Launch:

Compose Your Shot: Frame your shot to include elements of the launch environment, such as the launch pad, foreground objects, and the night sky. Consider the rule of thirds and leading lines to create a visually appealing composition.

Start the Exposure: Begin the exposure using your remote shutter release or intervalometer a few seconds before the launch. I usually start mine at about T-5 seconds.

Monitor the Launch: As I mentioned above, your eyes will betray you concerning when the show is over. While taking the streak shot, I’m also using another camera with a 600mm lens to capture individual shots of the journey upwards. First stage separation shots can be really colorful at times! Depending on what you are attempting to capture in your streak, don’t stop your shutter until at least three minutes have passed; but no longer than eight minutes.

SpaceX Falcon 9 OneWeb 16 first stage separation. Nikon D500; Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens at 600mm.Photo byTJ Waller Photography

Conclusion:

Photographing a long exposure rocket launch at night is a rewarding and exhilarating experience for any photographer. It requires careful planning, technical skill, creativity and practice to capture the essence of the event. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at a launch streak shot doesn’t turn out the way you had hoped. It took me three tries before I started getting my desired results!

ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-68 Streak on A1A to Port Canaveral.Photo byTJ Waller Photography

By selecting the right equipment, mastering camera settings, and post-processing your images, you can create stunning photographs that showcase the sheer power and majesty of a rocket as it embarks on its journey into the cosmos. Remember, each launch is unique. Each one is a wonderful opportunity to capture a moment that few get to witness, making your photographs a testament to the marvels of human exploration and scientific achievement!