From My Backyard to Chile: A Brief History of Astrophotography as Told through My Journey
From 2006 to 2026, the world population has increased a little more than 24% but the estimated number of astrophotographers has increased by a factor of 50. There are many possible reasons for this explosive growth. Imaging gear has become more accessible, and in some ways more affordable. Technology has also improved, making imaging easier, better, and less time-intensive. Algorithms and software for enhancing images, both for aesthetic and scientific reasons, have greatly improved and many of the best tools are freely available. Online and in-person imaging communities have grown and organized efforts to characterize astronomical objects, categorize galaxies, and improve measurements have proliferated. On Monday, club member and extraordinary astrophotographer Kevin Morefield will share his perspective on this evolution as a long-time enthusiastic participant. Kevin's imaging journey has paralleled and leveraged these developments as they have occurred and it will be fascinating to hear about the evolution of the field from the viewpoint of such an accomplished insider. I'm very much looking forward to hearing Kevin's story and it would be fun to have you join us!
About Kevin Morefield
With a lifelong passion for astronomy and a university degree in photography, Kevin has been photographing eclipses since 2002 and began deep-space imaging in 2013. He currently operates imaging setups in Chile and New Mexico. His images have been published by Scientific American, The Atlantic, and Sky & Telescope Magazines. His work has earned notable recognition including 49 AstroBin Images of the Day, shortlist placements for the 2023, 2024 and 2026 Royal Greenwich Astrophotographer of the Year, and runner-up in the Deep Sky category of the Australian Photographic Prize. A local Portland resident, he has been an RCA member since 2017.