Nacho Fernandez

Hey! I’m Nacho Fernandez, a landscape, portrait, and astrophotographer captivated by the sky and nature. My journey into photography started at 14 when I received a simple camera as a birthday gift. I quickly discovered I could take macro shots with it, sparking my fascination with capturing the world in detail. In 2015, I saw the Milky Way core for the first time, and that moment completely shifted my focus toward landscape and astrophotography. Over time, I also ventured into wedding photography, which allowed me to turn my biggest passion into a career.

Like many self-taught photographers, I learned through trial and error, spending countless nights refining my skills and watching endless tutorials. When I first started astrophotography, I didn’t even know how to align my star tracker. Over time, I developed a deep understanding of advanced editing techniques, particularly in PixInsight, where I’ve created methods for extracting dusty structures that I haven’t seen others use. I also mastered the art of creating perfectly aligned HaRGB panoramas, developing a structured workflow that allows me to achieve the exact final results I seek.

Today, I specialize in HaRGB astrophotography panoramas. By combining a narrowband Ha filter with an Astro-modified camera, I reveal intricate hydrogen-alpha details and extract the dust surrounding the summer and winter Milky Way—even in Bortle 4 skies. My unique approach enables me to capture extreme detail in the night sky despite working in less-than-ideal conditions. I’ve successfully photographed elusive celestial structures, such as the Gum Nebula from the Northern Hemisphere and the dust surrounding Orion, all without needing to access Bortle 2 or 1 skies.

Beyond photography, I have extensive experience leading teams and engaging with people. I love creating a relaxed and welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions, experimenting, and pushing their creative boundaries. Whether it’s teaching someone how to set up their star tracker for the first time or helping them refine their post-processing techniques, I find immense satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and seeing others grow as photographers.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me enjoying video games, which have been my way to unwind from the stress of daily life since I was a child. I also have a deep love for animals—especially my 8-year-old cocker spaniel, who’s been my loyal companion through the years. For me, photography isn’t just about creating images; it’s about the journey, the connections, and the joy of sharing what I’ve learned.

Let’s explore the night sky together and create unforgettable images and memories!