Capture the Cosmos: Snapdragon Insider Bhaumik's Guide to Astrophotography

Some of the most breathtaking moments at Snapdragon Summit happen after the sessions end and the stars come out.

Last year, Snapdragon Insider Bhaumik (@BhaumikBheda1 on X and  @Bhaumik_Bheda on IG)  spent his evenings capturing stunning images of the night sky using a smartphone powered by Snapdragon. His astrophotography shots quickly caught the attention of the community, showcasing what's possible when powerful mobile imaging technology meets creativity, patience, and the right conditions.

This year, we teamed up with Bhaumik to create a simple astrophotography guide to help Snapdragon Insiders capture their own incredible images of the stars no matter where they are in the world.  Whether you're a seasoned photographer or trying astrophotography for the first time, these tips can help you get started shooting the night sky with a smartphone powered by Snapdragon. 

 

How I Capture the Night Sky

By Bhaumik Bheda, Snapdragon Insider

When I first started exploring astrophotography, I was amazed by how much detail modern smartphones could capture in the night sky. With the right conditions, a stable setup, and a little patience, it's possible to photograph stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way using a smartphone.

One of my favorite things about astrophotography is that it's accessible. You don't need professional camera gear to get started. A smartphone powered by Snapdragon, a tripod, and a willingness to experiment are often all it takes.

Over time, I've developed a workflow that helps me consistently capture sharp, detailed images of the night sky. In this guide, I'll walk through the settings, techniques, and tools I use most often when shooting with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra powered by Snapdragon.

 

My Recommended Setup

For most astrophotography sessions, I keep my gear simple:

• a smartphone powered by Snapdragon
• A sturdy tripod
• An intervalometer app for hands-free shooting and timelapses (optional)
• Keeping your phone stable is one of the most important factors in getting a sharp image, especially when you're working with long exposures.

 

My Go-To Camera Settings

When I'm shooting stars or the Milky Way, I usually start with these settings in Pro Mode:

• Main (wide) camera
• Shutter Speed: 10 seconds
• Focus: Auto Focus (AF)
• White Balance: Auto
• Exposure: ±0.0

 

These aren't universal settings for every location or lighting condition, but they're a great starting point. Astrophotography often requires a bit of experimentation, so don't be afraid to make adjustments based on what you see on screen.

Tips I’ve learned along the way

Use Manual Focus for Greater Precision

While autofocus can work well, switching to Manual Focus often helps when photographing stars. I like to use focus peaking to dial in focus and ensure the stars appear as sharp points of light.

 

Increase ISO While Focusing

When I'm trying to find focus in dark conditions, I'll temporarily increase ISO to brighten the scene. Once focus is locked in, I lower the ISO before taking the final shot.

 

Eliminate Movement

Even the smallest movement can soften an image during a long exposure. Using a tripod and triggering the shutter remotely or with an intervalometer helps keep everything steady.

 

Experiment and Review

No two nights are exactly the same. Sky conditions, light pollution, moonlight, and weather can all affect your results. I always review a few test shots, make adjustments, and keep experimenting as conditions change.

 

Keep Looking Up

Astrophotography has given me a new appreciation for the night sky, and one of the things I enjoy most is seeing how different people interpret the same scene. Whether you're photographing the Milky Way from a dark-sky destination or capturing stars from your own backyard, the best way to improve is simply to get out and shoot.

I hope this guide helps you take your own astrophotography journey a little further.

 

 

Download Bhaumik's astrophotography guide here!