Astrophotography is a unique blend of science, creativity, patience, and adventure. In our Chasing the Cosmos interview series, we’re shining a light on passionate astrophotographers from across the Camera House network, each with their own story, inspiration, and approach to capturing the wonders of the night sky. From first encounters with the stars to dream locations, favourite gear, and valuable lessons learned along the way, these interviews offer insight into what drives photographers to venture out after dark.
Whether you're an experienced astrophotographer or just beginning your journey beneath the stars, we hope these stories inspire you to look up, explore further, and capture the beauty of the cosmos for yourself.
Simon Gregory's Astrophotography Journey
For many photographers, a single moment can ignite a lifelong passion. For Simon Gregory of Hobart Camera House, that moment came shortly after moving to Tasmania in 2021.
At the time, Simon knew very little about the Aurora Australis. Like many people, he began noticing stunning images appearing online, showcasing vibrant colours dancing across Tasmania's night skies. Curious to see it for himself, he set up his camera on the back veranda one evening after hearing conditions were favourable.
"The rest is history," Simon recalls.
Falling in Love with the Night Sky
Living in Tasmania provides photographers with a unique advantage when it comes to astrophotography. With some of the darkest skies in Australia and minimal light pollution, the island offers exceptional opportunities to photograph stars, the Milky Way, and of course, the elusive Southern Lights.
"What fascinates me most is how incredible our dark skies are here in Tasmania," Simon says. "We have bright stars, spectacular views of the Milky Way, and when we're lucky, the Lady Aurora comes out to play too."
For Simon, astrophotography isn't just about creating beautiful images, it's about experiencing the quiet wonder of the natural world after dark.
The Art of Patience
Astrophotography is often described as one of the most rewarding yet challenging genres of photography, and Simon agrees that patience is one of the biggest lessons the night sky can teach.
"I think the biggest challenge with Aurora photography is simply being patient," he explains. "There are so many factors that need to align to capture a great image."
From moon phases and cloud cover to wind conditions and solar activity, capturing an Aurora requires careful planning and a little bit of luck. The process doesn't end once the shutter clicks either.
"Another challenge has been learning how to best edit night photographs," Simon adds.
Mastering both the technical and creative aspects of astrophotography has become an ongoing journey, one that continues to evolve with every shoot.
Finding Perspective Among the Stars
Beyond the photography itself, spending time under the night sky has changed the way Simon views the world.
"Without trying to sound cliché, when I'm out in a quiet location, it's literally just me and the stars," he says. "It really puts things into perspective and makes you realise how small we are in this universe."
It's a sentiment shared by many astrophotographers. Standing beneath a sky filled with countless stars offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from everyday distractions and appreciate the scale of the cosmos.
Simon's Astrophotography Kit
When chasing Auroras and photographing the Milky Way, reliable gear is essential. Simon's current setup is built around performance in low-light conditions.
His camera of choice is the Lumix S1RII, which he praises for its impressive dual native ISO performance, an important feature for night photography.
Paired with the camera is the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 Art, a lens renowned for its ultra-wide perspective, exceptional sharpness, and ability to gather large amounts of light.
Other essentials that never leave Simon's kit bag include:
- Leofoto Poseidon tripod.
- PGYTECH backpack.
- Haida lens warmer for those cold Tasmanian nights.
And when long nights under the stars call for a snack?
"Sour Squirms!" Simon adds.
The Dream Setup
Like every photographer, Simon has a few items sitting high on his wish list.
His dream additions include:
- Lumix S1RII.
- Lumix 18mm f/1.8 lens.
- Leofoto Ranger LS-324C tripod.
- Angelbird CFexpress card.
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro.
The drone, in particular, is something Simon is eager to add to his kit.
"I've seen some incredible Aurora images captured with drones, and they definitely bring a whole new perspective to astrophotography."
A Bucket-List Aurora
Despite already capturing countless stunning nightscapes, Simon still has dream locations he hopes to photograph.
At the top of the list is one of Tasmania's most iconic landmarks.
"Capturing an incredible Aurora over Cradle Mountain would be amazing," he says. "Although I do have a couple of secret locations in mind as well!"
With Tasmania continuing to experience increased Aurora activity over recent years, there's every chance that dream image may not be far away.
Advice for Aspiring Astrophotographers
For photographers keen to try astrophotography for the first time, Simon's advice is refreshingly simple:
"Get out there and experiment with your settings."
He recommends investing in a sturdy tripod, learning how to manually focus to infinity, and keeping an eye on the southern horizon.
"And always point your camera south, just in case the Aurora decides to make an appearance."
A Tasmanian Journey Beneath the Stars
From discovering the Aurora Australis shortly after moving to Tasmania to spending countless nights beneath some of Australia's darkest skies, Simon Gregory has embraced the challenge and beauty of astrophotography. Armed with a Lumix S1RII, a sense of adventure, and plenty of patience, he continues to chase new perspectives, hidden locations, and unforgettable moments under the stars.
His story is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is looking up to discover a whole new passion.
Featured Astrophotographer
Photographer: Simon Gregory
Also Known As: Funktacula Fotography
Store Location: Hobart Camera House
All images featured in this blog were captured by Simon Gregory
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