Nico Carver

June update

The home-built spectrophotometer is finally working (see picture above of actual spectrum shot through an Optolong L-Pro Filter)! I hope to get back on track with the astro filter videos and finish them this month. At the moment, I think I will break it into two videos:

1. How to choose a filter for Astrophotography

This video will go in to mounting options for different camera types and optics, and different types of filters (narrowband, light pollution, specialty)

2. Light...

May updates

Hello all, and welcome to everyone new here! A couple months ago, I hit 10 patrons, and my first 10 patrons decided I should make a video about filters for astrophotography. I wanted to let everyone know I am still working on that, and it will actually be a series of videos. One of the exciting things I am doing for that series is building my own spectrophotometer so I can measure transmission of each filter I am using. 

The above image of the N. America and Pelican Nebulae is a qu...

April Updates

Filter video: I've started outlining and brainstorming. Also, I've been buying filters to compare 😁. The really cheap ones (svbony brand) haven't arrived yet.

New video: I will be releasing a new 40 min. video called "Astrophotography on a cloudy night" this week. I've finished editing and just need to write a description and upload it.

My astrophotography: I've had just a few clear nights the past couple weeks. I've been working on M101 and my multi year Cygnus mosaic.
2020-04-29 00:58:45 +0000 UTC View Post

Poll result: Astronomy Filters - it is!

I will start writing this video and trying to acquire more filters now. Let me know in the comments if there are any specific kinds of filters you want me to cover. I can't give an exact ETA on when this video will come out, but hopefully in the next month or so. Thanks to all who voted/commented and to everyone on here! I really appreciate your support!

Cheers, Nico

What should my next video be about?

For meeting my goal of 10 patrons (now 12!), I am letting you all choose the topic of my next big video! Please make your choice below before Friday 4/10/2020.

Disclaimer: I am still finishing a couple videos, so this won't be the next released, but it will be the next video I start working on.

Roast

My girlfriend poking fun at me 😂 

New video on the Rule of 500 and alternative rules coming very soon!

How to make a padded travel box, Build instructions (PDF)

Check out the video here! https://youtu.be/90F_cBiZpH8

And as an exclusive reward for patrons, please find a PDF of the build instructions attached below. If you have any questions feel free to comment or message me!

Clear skies, Nico

2020 Plan!

Here is the start of a *rough* plan for videos in 2020. I will continue to edit it as I get new ideas or I have to change plans due to weather and circumstance.  Let me know in the comments if there are any you particularly want to see! Or if you have any ideas not on the list. I am saving printing for April as that is the heart of "galaxy season" where I typically am not shooting much as my interest is really nebulae.

✅Intro to Narrowband and Hubble Palette, 4 parts (1/2020)

Behind the Scenes of my YouTube "Studio"

This might not interest everyone, but if you want to see how I film my YouTube videos, here is a behind the scenes tour of my "studio" aka my living room. It's just a quick tour showing the gear I use and how I have it setup. While it's a bit messy with lots of cables, I've arrived at this setup through some experimentation, and it is working pretty well now.

Clear skies, Nico

Mini Review: PS Align Pro (iOS App)

At $1.99, this app is a no-brainer if you own an iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad). Personally, I use this app on my iPhone 6s. It is the one of just a few apps I am likely to use every astrophotography session. At first glance at the home screen (above), it is clear that the main function is t...

Astro snapshots

I am the kind of astrophotographer that will spend months and months on one image, gathering 30, 60, or even 80 hours of data before processing. For other people, this approach is boring, and they would rather capture as many objects as possible, even multiple in one night. Sometimes, I like to do this too! On Halloween this past year, I was on vacation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I was at a small cabin with a wood stove. The best feature was an outdoor hot tub with a clear view ...