Imaging from Bortle 9 skies isn't easy—but it's possible. This guide collects the tools, voices, and references that have helped me find beauty in the brightest skies. Whether you're just starting out or refining your workflow, I hope this helps you make the most of your time under the stars.

🌐 Astrophotography Websites & Creators

Cuiv, The Lazy Geek – https://www.youtube.com/c/CuivTheLazyGeek Imaging from Tokyo (Bortle 9). Automation, live stacking, and smart gear use. Cuiv's "lazy" approach is smart, efficient, and fun.

The Space Koala – https://www.youtube.com/@the_space_koala Luca Bartek provides a creative and technically insightful YouTube channel from beautiful Switzerland. Great for learning about gear, filters, and processing from a hobbyist's perspective.

Star Stuff – https://byronbayobservatory.com.au Stunning astrophotography from Byron Bay, Australia. Dylan O'Donnell shares high-quality images, gear insights, and thoughtful blog posts—a great example of what's possible from a light-polluted coastal location.

AstroBackyard – https://www.astrobackyard.com Beginner tutorials, gear reviews, deep-sky imaging guides. Great for learning the basics and exploring gear options. Trevor Jones' tone is welcoming and clear.

Nebula Photos – https://www.nebulaphotos.com Excellent for those starting with DSLR or OSC cameras in light-polluted areas. Nico Carver provides DSLR workflows, beginner tutorials, and YouTube demos.

Wido's AstroForum – astroforumspace.com | YouTube Wido Oerlemans images from a red zone rooftop in Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in smart telescope reviews and beginner tutorials. His mantra: "Astrophotography is a marathon, not a sprint."

Galactic Hunter – https://www.galactic-hunter.com Antoine & Dalia Grelin do urban imaging from Las Vegas. Target-specific guides and eBooks. Real-world examples of imaging from bright skies with practical setups.

Urban Astrophotography – https://urbanastrophotography.com Dedicated to imaging from city skies. Lee Pullen offers practical advice, gear reviews, and inspirational content for hobbyists working under light-polluted conditions from the U.K.

AstroBin – https://www.astrobin.com A global gallery and community for astrophotographers. Excellent for browsing images by target, gear, or location—and learning from others' setups.

Cloudy Nights Forum – https://www.cloudynights.com Extensive knowledge base, gear reviews, and urban imaging threads. Search for "Bortle 8/9" or "urban astrophotography"—lots of shared wisdom.

Reddit r/astrophotography – https://www.reddit.com/r/astrophotography/ Image sharing, gear Q&A, and beginner support. A good place to ask questions and see what others are capturing from cities.

🛠 Tools for Planning & Imaging

Telescopius – https://telescopius.com Target planning, framing, and visibility. Helps me choose targets that are well-placed during my 1-hour windows.

Astrospheric – https://www.astrospheric.com Weather and sky forecasts. My go-to for cloud cover, transparency, and seeing forecasts in the Midwest.

Clear Outside – https://clearoutside.com Simple weather forecast. Great for a quick glance at cloud cover, moon phase, and darkness windows.

PhotoPills – https://www.photopills.com Mobile app for planning. Great for sun/moon positioning, blue hour timing, and augmented reality sky views.

Stellarium – https://stellarium.org Planetarium software. I use it to visualize target positions and plan framing. Free and powerful.

Astronomy Tools – https://astronomy.tools Helps me quickly compare various camera + scope combos for a specific target plus other useful tools.

NINA – https://nighttime-imaging.eu Free acquisition software for PC users. A powerful alternative to ASIAIR with extensive automation and plugin support.

GraXpert – https://www.graxpert.com Gradient removal and noise reduction. A newer tool that's become essential for cleaning up light-polluted data. Works well with Siril and GIMP.

Siril – https://siril.org Lightweight and powerful image processing. Great for stacking, gradient removal, and color calibration. Free and open source.

GIMP – https://www.gimp.org Free Photoshop alternative. I use it for final tweaks, star reduction, and annotations.

PixInsight – https://pixinsight.com The industry standard for astrophotography processing. Paid software with a steep learning curve, but unmatched power for those who invest the time.

📚 Books That Inspired Me

The Backyard Astronomer's Guide – Terence Dickinson & Alan Dyer A classic. Covers everything from gear to observing to imaging. Beautifully illustrated and beginner-friendly.

The Deep-Sky Imaging Primer – Charles Bracken A clear, structured introduction to imaging. Great for understanding the "why" behind the techniques.

Astrophotography Image Processing with GraXpert, Siril & GIMP – Max Dobres A practical, up-to-date guide for processing images with free tools—perfect for hobbyists.

Stargazer's Atlas – National Geographic A stunning visual guide to the night sky. Inspires target selection and reminds me why I do this.

Star Mentor – Daniel E. Barth A thoughtful, philosophical take on astronomy education. Encourages curiosity and reflection—values I try to bring to my own work.

🧘 Final Thoughts

Urban astrophotography rewards patience, discipline, and a willingness to work within limits. These resources have helped me find joy in the process—even when the sky is bright and the time is short. I hope they help you too.

For my own guides on imaging from Bortle 9, see my Field Notes.

If you've found a resource that's helped you image from bright skies, feel free to reach out. I'd love to keep this list growing.

Clear skies, Pete