Welcome 2026 Speaker Ian Lauer
We are delighted to announce that Ian Lauer will be presenting at the Nightscaper Photo Conference!
Astrophotographer & Youtuber
ianlauerastro.com | FB | IG | YT
Ian Lauer is an astrophotographer and YouTuber who helps people reconnect with the night sky. He creates fun, approachable videos that turn complex space and astrophotography topics into engaging stories for curious minds.
Off YouTube, Ian leads immersive astrophotography workshops and stargazing tours, guiding participants through unforgettable nights under the stars and hands-on astrophotography experiences.
With a background in astrophysics and years of experience in the telescope industry, Ian has worked with institutions such as NASA and MIT on deep space imaging and satellite tracking projects. Today, he blends science, storytelling and adventure to remove the academic stigma attached to astronomy, bringing the excitement of the night sky to the general public.
Ian’s Presentations
© Ian Lauer
The Fast Track to Deep Space Photography: How to Easily Capture Your First Deep Space Image in One Night
Ever dreamed of photographing galaxies and nebulae, but felt overwhelmed by the gear, the setting or where to even begin? In this practical, step-by-step session, astrophotographer Ian Lauer will strip away the complexity and give you a clear, beginner-friendly roadmap to capturing your very first deep space image.
No dense jargon. No intimidating theory. Just a walkthrough of everything you need to know: what gear works best, how to set it up, what to shoot, and how to get a real image of deep space on your first try.
This talk is your invitation to start your own journey into deep space astrophotography, without the steep learning curve.
YouTube Secrets: Building a YouTube Channel Around the Night Sky
Want to start a YouTube channel around space and astrophotography, but not sure where to begin? In this talk, Ian Lauer will share how he grew his channel to 5 million views in less than one year.
You’ll learn how to come up with great video ideas, how to read YouTube analytics without getting overwhelmed and how to make content that actually connects with people. Ian will break down what works and what doesn’t, from thumbnails and titles to pacing and personality, all in a way that’s easy to follow and focused on creators who love the night sky.
Ian will also talk about the bigger picture: how YouTube can lead to partnerships, projects and even income when you build your audience the right way. This is a practical, honest and motivating talk for anyone who loves space and wants to turn that passion into something bigger online.
How do you stay involved?
If you haven’t yet, register for the Nightscaper Conference today!
Please share the 2026 Nighscaper Conference with your friends, other astro-landscape photographers and those who want to jump-start their skills. We also encourage you to share it with folks who are just getting into the craft.
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