Principles for Responsible Astrophotography

  1. Use light responsibly
    Protect the nighttime environment and the experience of others by limiting the addition of artificial light in nighttime photographs.
  2. Promote honest representation
    Capture an authentic experience of the night sky by being transparent about the editing process, labeling composite images, and ensuring the night sky aligns with the geographic location of the foreground.
  3. Respect dark sky locations
    Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect sensitive areas, and abide by local laws and regulations when visiting parks, reserves, and communities. Travel mindfully to minimize impact.
  4. Practice responsible astrotourism
    Astrophotographers are an integral part of astrotourism. Follow DarkSky’s Principles of Responsible Astrotourism to support the sustainable growth of this industry.
  5. Manage expectations
    Astrophotography is both a scientific and artistic pursuit. Raising awareness of the differences between what a camera captures and what the human eye perceives can help set realistic expectations, especially for people experiencing dark skies for the first time.
  6. Share your passion
    Many people only experience dark skies through photographs. Use your work to inspire others and build awareness of the importance of protecting the night.

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