Top 10 Epic Photo Locations to Learn Astrophotography in 2025
Have you ever stood under a truly dark sky, overwhelmed by the sheer number of stars painting the canvas above? It’s a humbling, awe-inspiring experience that connects us to the cosmos. Capturing that feeling in a photograph, however, can feel like a monumental task. Astrophotography is a journey of patience, learning, and discovery, and the single most important element for success is your location.
Forget struggling with city light pollution. To truly learn the art of night sky photography, you need to immerse yourself in darkness. This isn't just about finding a spot with no streetlights; it's about finding a place where the Milky Way is so bright it casts a shadow, where the air is crisp and clear, and where the landscape below is as epic as the sky above. These are the places that will not only give you breathtaking images but will also accelerate your learning curve exponentially.
So, for 2025, let's make a pact. Let's move beyond the backyard and venture to places that will transform your photography. I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 locations around the globe that are perfect for both budding and intermediate astrophotographers. These spots offer a mix of pristine skies, stunning foregrounds, and the ideal conditions to practice everything from single-shot Milky Way captures to complex star trails and deep-sky imaging.
1. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
As the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve—the largest in the world—this location is a pilgrimage site for stargazers. The air here is incredibly clear and stable, thanks to the towering Southern Alps that block coastal weather. For a learner, this means more usable nights and less frustration with atmospheric haze.
The sheer majesty of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak, provides a world-class foreground element. You can spend weeks here and never run out of compositions. The park is accessible, with plenty of spots to pull over and set up your gear without a multi-day trek. This combination of pristine skies and dramatic, accessible landscapes makes it an unparalleled classroom for night sky photography.
- Pro Tip: Frame the brilliant core of the Southern Hemisphere's Milky Way arching over the snow-capped peak of Aoraki. For a different perspective, head to the shores of Lake Pukaki or Lake Tekapo. On a calm night, you can capture a perfect reflection of the star-filled sky in the turquoise glacial water, effectively doubling the spectacle in your frame. The best months for the galactic core are from March to October.
2. Atacama Desert, Chile
There's a reason the world's most powerful telescopes are built here. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with virtually no cloud cover and an altitude that lifts you above much of the atmospheric distortion. The sky isn't just dark; it's transparent. You'll see details in the Milky Way, like the Great Rift and colorful nebulas, that are simply invisible from most other places.
Learning astrophotography in the Atacama is like learning to cook in a Michelin-star kitchen—you're surrounded by the best possible ingredients. The extreme clarity allows you to experiment with lower ISOs and longer exposures, resulting in cleaner, more detailed images. The alien-like landscapes, from the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) to vast salt flats, offer surreal foregrounds that will make your photos stand out.
- Pro Tip: The high altitude can be taxing on both you and your gear. Acclimatize for a day or two before any strenuous night shoots. Pack layers, as desert temperatures plummet after sunset. Experiment with capturing the Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies that are stunningly bright and visible only from the Southern Hemisphere.
3. NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve, NamibRand, offers an experience that is as much about solitude and connection to nature as it is about photography. The reserve's commitment to preserving its natural darkness is absolute. Here, the Milky Way is so brilliant that it can illuminate the landscape, allowing you to capture detailed foregrounds without aggressive light painting.
The iconic camel thorn trees of Deadvlei (just outside the reserve, but under the same dark skies) and the sweeping red dunes of Sossusvlei provide some of the most sought-after astrophotography foregrounds on the planet. This is the place to master composition. Much like my own philosophy here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, the key is to find harmony between the sky and the land, and NamibRand provides the perfect canvas.
- Pro Tip: Plan your trip around the new moon to maximize darkness. The iconic, skeletal trees of Deadvlei are a must-shoot. Try a low-angle composition to make them appear to reach for the stars. The sand dunes are constantly shifting, so scout during the day to find a unique, untrodden ridge line for your evening shot.
4. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada, USA
As one of the largest Dark Sky Parks in the United States, Death Valley offers an incredible variety of landscapes in one location. This is a fantastic training ground because you can practice shooting different types of terrain all within a short drive. One night you can be on the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the next at the Badwater Basin salt flats (the lowest point in North America), and the next at Zabriskie Point's otherworldly badlands.
The air is typically very dry and clear, especially in the winter months, which are the most comfortable time to visit. This variety allows you to experiment with different compositional techniques. How do you light a vast salt flat? How do you use the curve of a sand dune to lead the viewer's eye to the galactic core? Death Valley provides the questions and the perfect environment to find the answers.
- Pro Tip: Winter (November to March) is the ideal time to visit, with comfortable nights. The Badwater Basin salt polygons create incredible leading lines. Bring a headlamp with a red-light mode to preserve your night vision, and be sure to have plenty of water, even at night. For a classic shot, capture star trails over the moving "sailing stones" at the Racetrack Playa (requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle).
5. Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Home to the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, Jasper offers a rugged, wild backdrop for your celestial pursuits. Think jagged peaks, pristine glacier-fed lakes, and the ever-present possibility of the Aurora Borealis. Learning astrophotography here teaches you to work with grand, dramatic scenes and the challenges of cold-weather shooting.
The number of accessible lakes, like Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, and Pyramid Lake, makes Jasper a top destination for reflection shots. Capturing the stars and mountains mirrored in still water adds a layer of depth and symmetry that can elevate a good photo to a great one. If you visit in the late fall or winter, you also have a solid chance of capturing the Northern Lights dancing behind the peaks—a true astrophotographer's dream.
- Pro Tip: Master cold-weather battery management. Keep spare batteries in a warm pocket close to your body. Use a lens warmer or a chemical hand warmer with a rubber band to prevent your lens from fogging or frosting over. For aurora, start with settings around f/2.8, 10-15 seconds, and ISO 3200, then adjust based on the brightness of the display.
6. La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Often called "La Isla Bonita" (The Beautiful Island), La Palma is a UNESCO Starlight Reserve with some of the strictest light-pollution laws in the world. The volcanic island rises steeply from the sea, meaning you can often drive above the clouds, which sit like a soft blanket below you, blocking out any residual glow from coastal towns.
Shooting from locations like Roque de los Muchachos (the island's highest point) feels like you're on top of the world. The volcanic calderas and unique dragon trees provide foregrounds you won't find anywhere else. The stable, laminar airflow over the island is what makes it a prime location for professional observatories, and it's what will give your photos tack-sharp stars.
- Pro Tip: Check the cloud forecast. Your goal is to get above the common sea of clouds ("mar de nubes"). This often means heading to the caldera rim. The winding mountain roads require careful driving, especially at night. Be prepared for strong winds at high elevations; a sturdy tripod is non-negotiable.
7. Kiruna, Swedish Lapland
If your astrophotography dream involves the vibrant, dancing colors of the aurora borealis, then Kiruna is your classroom. Located deep within the Arctic Circle, this region offers long, dark winters and a high probability of geomagnetic activity. Learning here is a masterclass in capturing one of nature's most dynamic and unpredictable phenomena.
Beyond the aurora, the landscape itself is a wonderland of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and minimalist beauty. This environment teaches you to find compositions in simplicity and to manage the technical challenges of shooting in extreme cold. It's not just about the photo; it's about the entire arctic experience.
- Pro Tip: Dress in serious layers—thermal underwear, insulated pants, a down parka, and warm boots are essential. Your camera gear will also need protection. Use a camera rain cover to keep snow off, and when bringing your gear back inside, place it in a sealed plastic bag to allow it to warm up slowly, preventing condensation.
8. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
There are few places on Earth where the land feels as spiritually charged as Uluru. Photographing the night sky here is a profound experience, connecting a modern art form with an ancient landscape. The massive monolith of Uluru provides an iconic, powerful subject to anchor your astrophotography compositions.
Under the pristine desert skies of the Australian Outback, the Southern Cross and the core of the Milky Way are exceptionally bright. This location teaches you the importance of respect and planning. Photography is restricted in some areas, so understanding the park's rules and the wishes of the traditional Anangu owners is paramount. It’s a lesson in creating beautiful art responsibly.
- Pro Tip: The best time for the Milky Way core is during the Australian winter (April to September). There are designated viewing areas for sunset and sunrise that also make great spots for astrophotography after dark. Scout your location during the day and be mindful of the park's opening and closing times.
9. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
For those on the East Coast of the United States, Cherry Springs is a beacon of darkness in a sea of light pollution. It's designated as a Gold-level International Dark Sky Park for a reason. The park features a dedicated Astronomy Observation Field that attracts amateur astronomers and photographers from all over, creating a wonderful, collaborative learning environment.
This is perhaps the most "community-focused" location on the list. On any clear, new-moon weekend, you'll be surrounded by people who are happy to share tips, show you their gear, and point out celestial objects. The park enforces a strict "no white light" policy on the observation field, making it an ideal place to practice and protect your night vision.
- Pro Tip: Book your spot on the overnight Astronomy Observation Field well in advance, especially for popular meteor shower dates. Come prepared with a red-light headlamp. The humidity can be higher here than in desert locations, so a lens warmer is a great tool to have to combat dew formation on your lens.
10. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
For the truly adventurous learner, this is the ultimate destination. Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest, offers the highest-altitude astrophotography on the planet. Trekking through the Himalayas with your camera gear is a challenge, but the reward is unparalleled. The thin, dry air at 14,000 feet (or higher) results in an astonishingly clear view of the cosmos.
Here, you learn about discipline, endurance, and minimalist gear selection. Every ounce in your pack matters. The compositions are the grandest imaginable—capturing the Milky Way over the jagged peaks of the world's highest mountains is an experience that will redefine your understanding of scale. This isn't just a photo trip; it's a life-changing expedition.
- Pro Tip: This is not a beginner's trip. You need to be physically fit and prepared for a multi-day trek. Hire a reputable guide and porter service. Pack light: a versatile wide-angle zoom (like a 16-35mm), one camera body, a lightweight but sturdy carbon fiber tripod, and plenty of spare batteries. Practice at home to ensure you can operate your camera flawlessly with gloves on.
Your Celestial Classroom Awaits
The world is filled with dark, beautiful places waiting to be photographed. Choosing the right location is the first and most critical step in your astrophotography journey. Each of these ten spots offers a unique combination of dark skies, incredible landscapes, and specific learning opportunities that will help you grow as a photographer in 2025.
So pick a destination, start your research, and prepare for an adventure. The universe is putting on a spectacular show every single night. Your job is simply to show up, point your camera to the heavens, and capture a small piece of the magic.
What's your dream astrophotography destination? Are there any amazing spots I missed? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!