If you haven’t seen Space Station astronaut Chris Hadfield’s YouTube videos then today you’re in for a treat. Col. Hadfield has become an Internet sensation – some of his recordings from the International Space Station have gone ‘viral’ and have been featured on some famous Social Media pages.
In this YouTube video Col. Hadfield shares some of his inspirational photographs taken from 230 miles above the Earth. He also shares his space photography tips!
Chris Hadfield’s Snapshots from Space Video
In the video Col. Hadfield shows us the equipment he uses to take his stunning photographs of the Earth from space. Using the ‘Sunny 16 Rule’, Hadfield sets his camera to f/16 at an ISO of around 200 to achieve some beautifully exposed and composed photographs. Despite using a 400mm lens the frame still takes in many miles from edge-to-edge.
Col. Hadfield gives us his space photography tips. Here at Photography Incyder we wonder how much use these will be to those of us stuck on the Earth.
The International Space Station is traveling at over 17,000 miles per hour. At that speed you might think that motion blur might be a problem. But the space station is so high that it the speed doesn’t seem to cause any sharpness issues on Col. Hadfield’s photographs.
Sunlight Glints on Rivers and Seas
One of the prettiest effects of photographing the Earth from space is the glint of sunlight on rivers and seas. The great distance between the Earth and the International Space Station lengthens the distance that the sun appears to reflect off shiny surfaces. The effect is beautiful especially when there is contrast between the bright, glistening water and the surrounding area.
Photographing Textures from Space
Seen from high above the Earth, areas of dessert take on an altogether different texture and Col. Hadfield tells us how he focuses in on these areas to stunning effect. If you haven’t watched the video already, take a moment to scroll back to the top and take a look now – it’s worth it. His images are beautiful.
Tongue in Cheek?
Do you know how an astronaut goes to the bathroom? Or seen what happens when you wring out a wet towel in space? Click here to find out and also hear him sing David Bowie’s Space Oddity from the International Space Station! Col. Hadfield is an excellent communicator and is doing his bit to make science and space popular around the world.
Further Reading
- ‘I f***ing Love Science‘ on facebook
- Col. Chris Hadfield on facebook
- Col. Chris Hadfield on Twitter
- Chris Hadfield’s YouTube Channel
- BBC News website ‘Astronaut Chris Hadfield explains his space pictures‘ (video)