OKC Astronomy Club Meeting - Friday, August 14th, 2026 - 7 PM at
Science Museum of Oklahoma
Presenter: Kinny Tolbert
Title: Capturing the Night Skies with Your Phone: A Practical Introduction
Background Information
Kinny Tolbert is an Oklahoma-based photographer whose work focuses on light — from golden-hour landscapes and storms to the night sky and beyond. While not a traditional astronomer, he has a strong interest in astrophotography, with a particular emphasis on deep-sky objects. He was featured in a KOSU (NPR) article sharing practical tips for phone astrophotography at Black Mesa State Park. Kinny graciously assisted a small group of us observing the center of the Milky Way at 5 AM at Black Mesa State Park when we celebrated its Dark Sky International designation in April. Kinny enjoys helping others discover what modern cellphones can realistically capture under dark Oklahoma skies. He is interested in assisting at BMSP in the future.
Abstract:
Modern cellphones are surprisingly capable tools for capturing the night sky. In this practical introduction, Kinny Tolbert will share realistic techniques for photographing the night sky with just a phone and a tripod. The talk will cover useful tips, basic settings, what targets work well (and which ones don’t), and simple ways to improve results. Designed for beginners and curious observers alike, this session aims to be approachable, honest, and immediately useful.
Time-permitting… Tentative: After Kinny’s talk, we will have a brief discussion on what’s happening at BMSP and/or Christ Petroff will give us his Quartermaster Minutes. Watch for more to come on this topic.