Meteor Shower Photography Guide: How to Plan and Capture Stunning Shots

Meteor showers are one of the most spectacular celestial events, offering skywatchers and photographers a chance to witness nature’s cosmic fireworks. But to capture them beautifully on camera, you need more than just luck — you need careful planning, the right settings, and a good understanding of the sky.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps for photographing meteor showers, using my recent shoot of the Aquarius Meteor Shower (Eta Aquariids) in South Australia as a real-world example.

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Step 1: Understand the Radiant Point and Peak Time

The radiant point is where meteors appear to originate in the sky. While meteors can streak across any part of the sky, knowing where the radiant will rise and peak helps you aim your camera in the most active region.

For example, during the Aquarius Meteor Shower, the radiant rises in the east at around 2 AM and moves higher toward the northeast. The peak activity usually occurs just before dawn, around 5 AM.

Before any shoot, check the radiant details for your target shower using astronomy apps or online resources like Time and Date.

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Step 2: Check Weather Conditions and Light Pollution

Clear skies are essential. Even the best-planned shoot can fail if the sky is covered in clouds.

I highly recommend the Windy app, which offers several weather models such as ACCESS and GFS. Compare multiple models for cloud predictions, but keep in mind that forecasts are never 100% certain — there’s always a bit of chance involved.

Beyond weather, consider light pollution. Even in dark-sky areas, the glow from nearby towns can affect your images, especially if they’re located near the radiant direction. For instance, when shooting the Aquarius meteors in South Australia, I avoided spots where eastern or northeastern horizons were polluted by nearby towns.

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Step 3: Check the Moon Phase

The Moon can either be your friend or your enemy. A full or bright moon near the radiant can wash out all but the brightest meteors.

For the 2025 Aquarius shower, the Moon set around midnight, leaving the skies perfectly dark by the time the radiant rose — ideal conditions.

Always check moonrise, moonset, and phase calendars in advance when planning your shoot.

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Step 4: Choose the Right Location

Your observation and shooting site should meet several key conditions:

• Dark skies: Bortle 3 or lower is preferred.
• Clear horizons: Make sure the radiant direction (east/northeast, in the Aquarius example) is unobstructed by trees or mountains.
• Minimal artificial light: Avoid sites where the radiant aligns with light domes from towns or cities.
• Accessibility and safety: Ensure you can safely reach and set up at the site, especially if arriving at night.

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Step 5: Camera and Shooting Setup

Here’s a general photography setup for meteor showers:

• Camera mode: Manual
• ISO: 3200–6400, depending on your camera’s noise performance.
• Aperture: As wide as possible (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8).
• Shutter speed: As long as possible without star trails.

To calculate your safe maximum exposure:

• Use the NPF rule or the simpler 300 rule (300 ÷ focal length) to prevent star trailing.
• Example: With a 16mm lens on a full-frame camera, you can shoot up to ~18 seconds.

Set up interval shooting (timelapse mode) so your camera continuously takes images throughout the night, maximizing your chances of catching meteors.

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Real-Life Example: Aquarius Meteor Shower in South Australia

For the Aquarius Meteor Shower on May 5–6, 2025:

• I arrived at a dark-sky site with an unobstructed eastern view.
• The Moon set at midnight, and the radiant rose at 2 AM, peaking around 5 AM.
• Using Windy’s forecasts, I chose a spot predicted to be cloud-free.
• I shot with:
  • Sony A7R V + 16mm f/1.8 lens
  • ISO 3200
  • Aperture f/1.8
  • Shutter 10 seconds

The result? Several brilliant meteor streaks captured over the landscape, thanks to good planning and clear conditions.

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Bonus Tips for Meteor Shower Success

• Manual focus on a bright star or infinity.
• Shoot RAW for better post-processing flexibility.
• Use a dew heater or periodically wipe your lens to avoid fogging.
• Carry extra batteries — long timelapse sessions drain power fast.
• Bring extra memory cards — meteors are rare, but you’ll need thousands of shots to increase your odds.

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Conclusion

Photographing meteor showers blends astronomy, technical skill, and patience. By carefully planning your shoot — from understanding radiant points and moon phases to picking the best gear and settings — you can dramatically improve your chances of capturing unforgettable meteor shots.

The Aquarius Meteor Shower was a great success, but these same strategies apply to any major meteor shower throughout the year. So gear up, check the forecasts, and get ready to chase the next big celestial show!