Astrophotography Guide: How to Photograph the Milky Way in Merzouga
A practical, field-tested guide to planning, shooting, and editing Milky Way photos over the dunes of Erg Chebbi—gear, settings, timing, and local tips for the Moroccan Sahara.
Astrophotography Guide: How to Photograph the Milky Way in Merzouga
The Sahara’s dry air and vast horizons make Merzouga an incredible place to photograph the Milky Way. With a bit of planning and the right technique, you’ll come home with images that capture the magic of Erg Chebbi’s dunes under a star‑filled sky.
This guide covers best months and times, essential gear, camera settings, composition ideas, safety, and a quick editing workflow.
When to Photograph the Milky Way
- Season (Northern Hemisphere): best visibility of the galactic core is roughly April–September, with peak months May–August.
- Moon phase: aim for new moon ±3 days (or shoot after moonset/before moonrise). Use apps like PhotoPills, Stellarium, or Sky Guide.
- Timing: the core is generally visible from late evening to early morning depending on month—your guide or camp can help plan exact times.
Essential Gear Checklist
- Camera with manual mode and good high‑ISO performance (full‑frame or APS‑C).
- Fast wide‑angle lens (e.g., 14–24mm, f/1.4–f/2.8).
- Sturdy tripod + remote/intervalometer (or camera self‑timer).
- Headlamp with red‑light mode; spare batteries and memory cards.
- Warm layers (nights can be cool even in warm seasons) and a microfiber cloth for dew.
Go‑To Camera Settings (Starting Point)
- Mode: Manual (M)
- Focus: Manual; pre‑focus at infinity on a bright star using live view (magnify to check).
- Aperture: f/1.4–f/2.8
- Shutter: 10–20 s (use the NPF rule or 500 rule to avoid star trails)
- ISO: 1600–6400 (adjust to taste and camera noise profile)
- White balance: 3500–4200K (shoot RAW for flexibility)
- Noise reduction: Long exposure NR off (do it in post), High ISO NR minimal
Pro tip: Use the NPF rule (via PhotoPills) for sharper stars instead of the older 500 rule, especially on high‑resolution sensors.
Composition Ideas in Erg Chebbi
- Dune ridges and leading lines: place a curving ridge to guide the eye into the Milky Way.
- Camel silhouettes or nomad tents: ask your guide for safe, respectful setups.
- Human scale: a figure with a dim headlamp (briefly) adds scale and narrative.
- Foreground textures: wind‑etched ripples look amazing under low‑angle sidelight.
Keep lights low and brief to preserve night vision and avoid disturbing others.
Simple Field Workflow
- Arrive before dark; scout compositions at twilight.
- Set focus on a bright star; tape the focus ring if needed.
- Shoot test frames at high ISO to refine framing.
- Capture a series for stacking (5–15 frames) to reduce noise later.
- Optionally, shoot a separate low‑ISO foreground at blue hour and blend in post.
Quick Editing Tips (Lightroom/Photoshop)
- Raise exposure gently; add contrast and dehaze sparingly.
- Adjust white balance toward neutral/cool (3500–4200K).
- Boost texture/clarity selectively on the Milky Way band.
- Use noise reduction and masking; avoid plastic skies.
- Consider stacking (Sequator, Starry Landscape Stacker) to clean up noise.
Safety and Etiquette in the Desert
- Tell your camp/guide your plan and expected return time.
- Bring water, layers, and protect gear from sand.
- Mind dune edges; avoid wandering far alone at night.
- Keep light pollution minimal; coordinate with others shooting nearby.
When to Combine With a Tour
- Best paired with a private Merzouga camp so you can step out after dinner for night shooting.
- Ask to include a sunrise camel trek the next morning for a perfect 24‑hour photo combo.
Book or customize:
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Contact Us
For more information or to book your adventure, contact us at:
Email: hello@merzougaway.com
WhatsApp/Phone: +212675203319 / +212668534981