How to Photograph a Rocket Launch
Join Erik Kuna on location at the historic Launch Complex 39A, the epicenter of the space program, and learn everything you need to know to tell the story of a rocket launch. In this class you’ll learn about the history of space flight photography, the essential gear and camera settings you’ll need to use, how to capture breath taking streak shots, pad shots, and telephoto shots, the importance of pre-production, as well as tips and techniques for post processing all of your photos when the launch is over.
Release Date: 2020-03-20
Lessons
Introduction
The instructor introduces the class and discusses what will be covered in the lessons that follow.
Duration: 2 mins 7 seconds
History of Space Flight Photography
Learn about the history of space flight photography.
Duration: 4 mins 22 seconds
Streak Shots
Streak shots can be done from further away than you would expect, so anyone can do them.
Duration: 5 mins 51 seconds
Essential Gear
Erik goes over the core essential gear you’ll need to get started.
Duration: 12 mins 57 seconds
Specialized Gear
There are some scenarios where you need specialized gear to get the job done.
Duration: 12 mins 12 seconds
Camera Settings
A rocket is a mini-sun, so you need to be configuring your camera for a really bright subject.
Duration: 13 mins 37 seconds
Pre-production
The thing that separates an ok shoot from a good shoot is your pre-production.
Duration: 22 mins 5 seconds
Remote Setup
Watch as Erik goes out on the bus to set up the remote camera, and then scout for locations.
Duration: 2 mins 8 seconds
On Location Streak Shot
Miles away from the launchpad, Erik discusses what his plans are for capturing the streak shot.
Duration: 5 mins 20 seconds
Post Production: Streak Shot
Erik shares his workflow for editing the streak shot.
Duration: 8 mins 56 seconds
Post Production: Pad Shot
Erik shares his workflow for editing pad shots.
Duration: 12 mins 42 seconds
Post Production: Telephoto Shot
Erik shares his workflow for editing telephoto shots.
Duration: 7 mins 9 seconds
Conclusion
Erik shares some closing thoughts to help you move forward.
Duration: 3 mins 18 seconds
Bonus Lesson: Daytime Launch
In this bonus lesson to the class, Erik goes through his shoot of a daytime launch. He talks about taking the telephoto shots, streak shots, and light balancing with a ND filter.
Duration: 4 mins 23 seconds