My start in Astrophotography began when I was a child. I grew up during the Apollo Space Program Era and it spurred my interest. I loved everything Space! I have fond memories of my visits to my grandmothers’ house where she had an Astronomy book I would constantly look at. I also read anything Space related to Space in our local Library.

Getting my first telescope was so exciting yet frustrating at the same time. At age 11, I found out on my own through trial and error how to use my telescope. At the time, the library was my primary source of information. However, during my adult life I found a local Astronomical Society in my area. I joined the group and learned very valuable information, that has continued to feed my curiosity of the sky, planets, and navigating the night sky.

My involvement with Space has been up and down depending upon events in my life as we all experience. But I’ve purchased different telescopes as I journeyed along in my hobby. I learn from each of these experiences, and I never give up trying to figure out what I can see and how I can capture Space with my Astrophotography. It has continued to interest me and frustrate me but that is part of growing and learning.

It truly depends on where you are in your hobby, what you want to do with it, what you can afford and how much time you are willing to spend. Astrophotography has become my passion over the years. I continue to be involved in various Astronomical Societies and I encourage you to do the same if you are serious about this hobby. There are many things you can do, and it all starts with looking up.

If you are interested in Space, it takes time to get to the level of experience and knowledge to produce the amazing pictures you see on my website. If you would like to follow me on Instagram, contact me at astrojoe.space.

Links to YouTube Channels I or my work have been on:

https://youtu.be/wzXgKjJlY3Q?si=A7rLIALdcHbNo2ER

https://www.youtube.com/live/gNWne3HBMIk?si=mw4b2gNrYhS-vW32