As a photographer, and specifically, a photographer who is OBSESSED with nature and the night sky photography, you may not be surprised when I say I'm picky about where I stay. 

And there's good reason. Perhaps not what you’d expect though.

Yes, I love a nice place (give me a cosy cabin with a log burner any day) but my requirements go beyond the aesthetic charm.

More importantly, for me our accommodation must have big, uninhibited views of the night sky. Because, more often than not, while my husband is sleeping, I'll be out capturing the magic of the night.  

Queen of Available Darkness

I love the freedom of getting away from living in a town and all of the artificial light that pollutes the night sky in the south east of England. (You don’t realise how much light pollution there is until you try to shoot the night sky here). 

I am so deeply drawn to the dark.

Once, I got called ‘Queen of available darkness’ because of the images I’d create after dark, using flash or gifts in the night sky. I enjoy how my work has been able to overlap so much with my passion and so I’ve included a few of the wedding shots I captured at night over the years too! 

Here are some tips for booking holiday accommodation for night sky photography:

  1. Check the weather forecast. Once you’re on holiday, clear skies are ideal for night sky photography. If I am travelling to shoot the aurora or night sky then often, I will book accommodation at the last minute and decide where I am going based on cloud forecasts! That totally adds to the thrill of the adventure! 
  2. Look for accommodations with outdoor spaces that are suitable for night sky photography. This could include a balcony, patio, or rooftop area that provides an unobstructed view of the sky. As I go out on my own shooting the night sky, I will look for spaces and areas that I will feel comfortable heading out at night. I don’t have any reservations in the Scottish Highlands, Iceland or Norway but I certainly feel hemmed in down here in Kent! 
  3. Consider the type of accommodation you'll be staying in. Camping or glamping accommodations can offer a more immersive night sky experience and can be located in some absolutely stunning scenery! While hotels or guest houses may provide more comfort and amenities, they will likely have a lot of artificial light around them. 
  4. Read reviews to see if there are any from other photographers to get an idea of their experiences with night sky photography at the accommodation. Look for reviews that mention the quality of the night sky, the presence of light pollution, and any other relevant details.

5. Finally, don't forget to bring your camera gear! Be sure to pack your tripod, camera, trigger for the shutter & any lenses or accessories you'll need for night sky photography. You can see my hints and tips for shooting the aurora here - these also transcend shooting the night sky too!

Thinking about how we can work together?

I'd love to get to know you! I can't wait to hear all about your ideas, and how you'd like our time together to unfold. Let's get a time in to chat!

Visit Print Shop

Print Shop is an online collection of images, curated from moments in nature shot across the world.

They are printed at the UK's first carbon negative lab, ordered online and delivered directly to your door.

I donate 10% of the Print Shop profit to Marine Conservation Society.

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