James McGivern

Hey! I’m James McGivern, a passionate astrophotographer with a love for both the night sky and the science behind it. My journey into photography began as a child using my mom’s point-and-shoot camera, and that early spark ignited a lifelong love for the art. A stargazing trip to Joshua Tree in 2018 opened my eyes to the beauty of astrophotography, and ever since, I’ve spent almost every clear night capturing the cosmos with my camera and telescope.

This love for the cosmos even pushed me to pursue a degree in astronomy. I’m not just passionate about photographing the sky—I want to dive deeper by conducting research with the images I capture.

What I love most about astrophotography is its complexity. Whether I’m capturing a nightscape with the Milky Way or working on deep sky shots using advanced equipment like star trackers and telescopes, I constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. For me, the key to a great shot lies not just in the gear but in the careful process of planning, shooting, and post-processing. That is why I dedicate myself to achieving the highest quality images, sometimes spending weeks on a single photograph.

Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in widefield nightscapes and deep sky astrophotography, and I enjoy sharing this knowledge with others. One of the most rewarding parts of leading tours at Capture the Atlas is helping participants discover the magic of the night sky. Watching them grow in confidence and skill, and seeing their joy when they capture the perfect shot, is what makes these experiences so special.

When you join one of my tours, you can expect a relaxed, lighthearted environment where learning feels natural and enjoyable. I ensure every participant feels supported, whether they’re grappling with gear, settings, or post-processing. Past participants appreciate the patient, easy-going atmosphere, and I take pride in helping everyone leave with images they can be proud of.

When I’m not leading tours, you’ll find me volunteering at Sky’s the Limit Observatory in Twentynine Palms, CA, or working on creative projects with my 3D printer—currently, I’m immersed in crafting a set of Mandalorian armor (in case you can’t tell, I’m a Star Wars fan)!