Amber Pryszcz — Astrophotographer

Hi all, my name is Amber some of you know me as @ambyprys_astro on Instagram.

I am here to describe in my own words, a first.

For this I have to go with my experience in July 2020 when I saw and captured a photo of Comet Neowise, it was a first of many for me. Having just joined the astro group Astronomy Scotland, trying to keep myself busy throughout lockdown I had no idea at all that the night sky could be captured like this. By amateurs in their garden using basic equipment, I always assumed this was reserved for the professional NASA employee or space scientist of some sort.

So to say the least, I was blown away that I could potentially do this, actually capture images of the night sky, deep space, widefield or other. I was in awe from the get go and still am to this day. I was always an observer before, staring up in awe at the twinkling stars, myself and hubby tracked the meteor showers and we never missed them (weather permitting obviously, it is Scotland after all).

So having always loved the night sky, when the comet was approaching, I knew I had to try and see it. Being a new member of the group, seeing the activity in the group and asking the awesome members advice, I went on to purchase my first little set of binos.

I got myself prepared for when Neowise would be visible to me at my location, I used my new purchase and my dad’s antique tripod and got to work....after many failed attempts, I found it and I saw it through the binoculars. I had real tears and couldn’t believe it (many who know me know that’s common, this hobby then and now still leaves me in tears...happy tears though) and here was the start of it all for me.

The first! The first time I saw a comet on my own, the first time I located an object in the sky, the first time I saw anything through binoculars, the first time I used a tripod, the first time I put my phone to a lens and captured, the first time making the crossover from an observer to an amateur photographer, the first time I took the step to buy equipment, the first time I used an astronomy app, the first time I realised I had so much more to learn, the first time my hobby had me crying with happiness, the first time I realised my hobby was more than a hobby, the first capture I ever took of a deep sky object! 

The capture itself is not the best, it’s not clear, it’s grainy, it’s noisy but I wouldn’t change it for the world. That night and that capture was the start of it all for me and I’m so grateful for it. That was the first and to think where I am now, the knowledge I’ve gained, the targets I have captured, the equipment I have built up, the trips, the experiences and the amazing people I have met, I could never have imagined.

Thank you all who have helped me on my way so far.

This was me, Amber and a story of my first! Thank you for reading and clear skies to all x

Editors note: I have known Amber for a while now and we have followed each other's journey since we both started. We are ways helping each other when we can and this is what makes the astro community amazing—we all help each other, no matter what stage of our own cosmic adventures!