This is going to be a long one because I'm covering one of my favorite things, shooting the stars. I feel as though people are often intimidated by getting out there and creating these kinds images. In reality astrophotography is really quite easy if you plan ahead and understand some basic concepts. First, have a plan before you go. This includes the place, time, gear, and weather if you skip on any of these you will have a rough time making an image worth keeping.
Where I usually start is finding a location that offers a special landscape or composition before the sun goes down. This allows you to possibly get some nice golden hour pictures but more importantly it offers you an opportunity to find a composition while there is still light. Don't expect good images if it's already dark out, I find it's nearly impossible to find a composition worth shooting after sunset. Then by using an app like PlanIt! to see where the milkyway will be in the night sky and how it will tie into your composition. Often this is at an hour like 2:30am so expect to sleep in the car or wait under the stars. The pictures below are an example of what I look for, the first images is how I planed the shot I took that's to the right.
Once you have a location and a time to get where you need to go, focus on what you are going to bring. The most important thing is to have a camera that has a manual mode that can shoot RAW and a sturdy tripod. To get any stars you must use a long exposure to collect enough light to create an image. You must also use a high ISO setting so that the stars don't start to trail. The place I start for an exposure of the night sky for my 18mm lens is 25 seconds F1.8 at ISO1600, I usually need to adjust it to the specific location but it's usually really close.
Some tips for the highest quality images. Use the 500 rule to make sure you have no star trials. For example, I shoot at 18mm on a crop sensor so if you divide 500 by 28 you will get around 18 seconds so if I shoot under that value there will be no trailing. Also the wider and brighter you lens is the better images you will get, an 18mm F1.8 lens is much better then a 24mm F4 however just shoot as wide and at the largest aperture as your lens will let you. Also use a timer on your camera or a shutter release cable to reduce camera shake.
Finally software is your friend, always shoot multiples when shooting stars so you have the most freedom when you get home. Apps like Stary Landscape Stacker can really work magic in reducing noise. Also know where you will be displaying your images, the larger the final product the more lens sharpness, noise, and motion blur will affect your images.
Finally just don't stress, have a plan, and have fun. Remember the biggest reason to do this is to get to places that you otherwise wouldn't experience at night.
