The Astrophotographer

My name is Trevor Jones and I enjoy observing and photographing the night sky very much. I am a full-time astrophotographer, and I have been practicing and learning new techniques since 2010.

I live in Niagara, Ontario with my wife Ashley, and Labrador Retriever/Hound mix, Rudy. 

My YouTube Channel was launched in 2015, and since then I have contributed to the amateur astronomy and astrophotography community in many ways.

Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones (AstroBackyard)

I have spoken at star parties such as the Cherry Springs Star Party, and delivered astrophotography-related talks at astronomy clubs such as the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers. My presentations usually involve the topic of deep-sky astrophotography with a camera and telescope. 

In 2019, I was the course instructor for Canadian Astro Photography School (CAPS), a program run by the Hamilton chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). This two-day event helped beginners understand how to capture and process astrophotography images using amateur camera and telescope equipment. 

In June 2020, I received my first NASA APOD (astronomy picture of the day). The photo was of the Tadpoles of IC 410(shown below), an image I am very proud of. 

The majority of my work for AstroBackyard involves teaching others how to take photos of space, but I also enjoy partaking in the hobby myself. 

astrobackyard apod

The Tadpoles of IC 410. APOD (June 18, 2020).

From 2013-2018, I was an active member of the RASC Niagara Center, in charge of the club website and newsletter editor/publisher. Limited time has forced me to take a break from the club for now, but I look forward to contributing to this organization in the future. 

In 2020, one of my images will be published in the latest edition of the Backyard Astronomers Guide, a book that inspired me to pursue amateur astronomy many years ago. 

astrophotography books

Related Post: The 14 Best Astrophotography Books

I have been interviewed on many podcasts and webcasts, such as the Space Junk Podcast, and the Sky-Watcher What’s Up Webcast. I was also interviewed by the astronomy and space website Supercluster in 2019, to discuss my life as an amateur astrophotographer.

In 2023, the AstroBackyard story was shared on Yahoo Finance, discussing my transition from a content marketer to a full-time astrophotographer and presenter. 

I am on the panel of judges for the ZWO ASIWEEK astrophotography competition, where we select the best amateur astrophotography images from those using ZWO ASI cameras.

For my latest photos and information, you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Flickr.

Trevor Jones

My YouTube creator Award for passing 100,000 subscribers. 

How it All Started

My journey into astrophotography began with a starter DSLR camera kit, a Canon Rebel Xs with an 18-55m kit lens.

Most bios I read about astrophotographers mention that the author had always been interested in space and astronomy, from a young age. My story is a little different in the fact that I didn’t discover my love of astronomy until I was 25 years old.

Like many people, the very first step I took was to research and purchase a telescope online. I read countless reviews and visited many astronomy forums to make sure that I had the ultimate “starter” scope. I ended up choosing an Orion 4.5″ Dobsonian Reflector, as it promised the best views my budget could afford.

I was extremely happy with that telescope, and remember that first summer using it. I spent less and less time at the bars, and more time under the stars.

The Trifid Nebula

I would set the telescope on a table in the backyard to provide a comfortable viewing position. Then, I would browse through object catalogs on my planetarium and try and locate them manually through the eyepiece.

I still remember my first time seeing the cloud belts of Jupiter, and the Pleiades star cluster. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my experiences with that first telescope were crucial towards nurturing my love for this hobby, and my continued interest.

View My Best Astrophotography Images

Astronomy has given me a new appreciation for the natural world around us. The feeling of spending a night under the Milky Way is like no other.

The Milky Way

Getting started in Deep-Sky

I progressed my newfound hobby further by investing in a motorized tracking mount with go-to; The Celestron CG-5. The learning curve into astrophotography was steep for me, but my passion for it was very strong.

This equatorial mount meant that I could now track the night sky, and start taking long-exposure photos through a telescope.

One of my first successful deep-sky photos was of the Dumbbell Nebula. I nearly fainted when I saw the image preview appear on the camera screen.

astrobackyard

Setting up my camera and telescope in the backyard.

I researched information constantly, getting the best results from astrophotography forums and chat rooms. By then I was using a used 6″ Meade LXD75 Schmitt-Newtonian I purchased from the local photography store.

I also sprung for an Orion 50mm Guide Scope and Meade DSI Pro II CCD Camera to begin autoguiding.

Needless to say, I wasted many clear nights due to technical difficulties. It was at this point that I think the casual astrophotographer would have packed it in.

I was missing out on social activities to fight with all of this technical equipment when astronomy was supposed to provide me with a peaceful release from my busy life as a Creative Director. Nevertheless, I was determined to become an astrophotographer, so I pushed forward.

Trevor Jones Bio

Giving an astrophotography talk in Ontario, Canada.

It was around this time that I was introduced to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Niagara Centre. A local astronomy club about 15 minutes from home. It was there that I met some of the most helpful and knowledgeable astrophotographers I’ve ever met.

My knowledge and understanding of astronomy and photography were now on the fast track to the level of the other members of the club. 

I feel obligated to pay-it-forward and share my knowledge on this subject with beginner astrophotographers so that they can experience the joy and satisfaction of this addictive hobby. I still have a lot to learn, and that is half the fun. This blog is an outlet that not only helps others but strengthens my own interest in astronomy.

Thank you so much very stopping by, and taking the time to learn more about me.

The Astrophotographer

Trevor Douglas Jones

Trevor Douglas Jones

If you are interested in learning more about DSLR astrophotography, please visit the resources section of this website to have look at some of the recommended software I use.

From there, you can begin reading some of the tutorials or watching them on my YouTube channel. For the most up-to-date information and images, you can also follow AstroBackyard on Facebook.