Chief Photographer, Astro Freak, and Expedition Designer at Capture the Atlas
Hey there! I’m Dan Zafra, a professional landscape and astrophotographer with roots in Spain, currently based in the captivating desert Southwest of the United States.
My photography is a blend of both my artistic vision and technical expertise. I draw inspiration from the majestic landscapes and the classical masters of light and composition and use advanced camera technology and editing techniques to transform my creative vision into reality.
My true calling is helping others unlock their creative potential and capture the beauty of the world around them. Whether through online tutorials, photography tours, or workshops, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with people from every corner of the globe and inspiring them to see the world through a different lens.
My work has been recognized by esteemed organizations such as NASA, National Geographic, and Forbes, and I’m honored to have been named the People’s Choice winner of the 2022 Astronomy Photographer of the Year award. I’ve also had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences as a speaker at numerous photography talks and events like the Nightscaper Photo Conference or the Night Photo Summit.
Additionally, I take pride in creating resources like the Capture the Atlas Milky Way Calendars, which help thousands of photographers plan their Astro shots each year, and curating the “Milky Way Photographer of the Year” & the “Northern Lights Photographer of the Year” collections, inspiring countless photographers to explore the wonders of our night sky.
My (unconventional) journey
From a young age, my passion for travel and exploration has been a driving force in my life. Despite finishing studies in business and law, my heart always gravitated towards the visual arts and the allure of capturing moments in time. It wasn’t until I received my first paycheck at a multinational bank that I decided to invest in my passion and picked up my first digital camera. From that moment on, the world became my canvas, and I embarked on a journey to explore its wonders through the lens of my camera.
As I traversed the globe, immersing myself in different cultures and landscapes, I discovered the enchanting realm of night photography. Capturing the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way and the dancing Northern Lights ignited a new passion within me—a passion for astrophotography. Despite its technical challenges, the reward of capturing the cosmos in all its splendor was immeasurable.
To document my journey of discovery and learning, I co-founded Capture the Atlas alongside Ascen, my partner in adventure and life. It was then that I unearthed another profound passion—one that would dramatically redefine my journey: sharing my photography knowledge with others.
Initially, through online content such as photography blog posts, or tutorial on my Youtube Channel, and later through immersive experiences like photography tours & workshops and the Capture the Atlas photography academy, I’ve been fortunate to help individuals from all walks of life, assisting them in honing their photography skills and igniting a fresh perspective on capturing the world.
My journey from a conventional career path to the unpredictable yet fulfilling world of photography has taught me that life is too short to ignore our passions. With each photograph I capture and each person I inspire, I’m reminded that the pursuit of one’s dreams is the true essence of living. Join me as I continue to explore, learn, and share the beauty of our world, one frame at a time.
Awards
I’m honored to have received recognition for my work as a dedicated astrophotographer, especially for my Milky Way images:
Talks & conferences
It’s been a pleasure to present and speak at various photography conferences over the past few years. At these events, I share my in-depth knowledge and techniques to help others enhance their skills in capturing Milky Way panoramas, utilizing star trackers, and much more.
Some of the conferences and talks I’ve been a part of include:
- 2019 Masterclass International Conference – Bogotá: Landscape Photography Keynote Lecture
- 2021 Star-Tracking Masterclass – Photopills: How to Create Stunning Milky Way Images Using Star-Trackers
- 2023 Astro Modified Cameras Masterclass – Photopills: How to Photograph the Milky Way Using an Astro-Modified Camera
- 2023 Nightscaper Photo Conference – Kanab, Utah: Tracked Milky Way Panoramas Made Easy
- The Learn Landscape Photography Podcast: Tips to Help You Take Better Milky Way Photos
- 2024 Night Photo Summit: Unlock the Full Potential of Astro-Modified Cameras
Publications
My astrophotography, landscape, and wildlife images have been featured by numerous national and international media outlets. These publications have highlighted my Milky Way tutorials, showcased images from my global travels, and included features from my award-winning “Northern Lights Photographer of the Year” and “Milky Way Photographer of the Year” annual lists.
- Forbes: In Photos: Jaw-Dropping ‘Blood Moon’ Eclipse And Aurora Seen From Alaska 2025
- National Geographic: Most Popular Astrophotographers of 2022
- Conde Nast Traveler: Recap of my Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest (2023)
- Atlas Obscura: Tips for the Best Milky Way Images, From a Photographer Obsessed With It
- MSN: Spellbinding Shots Capture the Milky Way in All Its Glory
- The Guardian: Milky Way Photographer of the Year 2024 – In Pictures
- Digital Camera World: “Horsetail Firefall” Waterfall in Yosemite National Park
- Uol: Meet the “Milky Way Hunter” Photographer
- BBC Sky At Night: Guide to Stargazing in Utah
- MyModernMet: Milky Way Tutorial Spotlight
- Capture Landscapes: Best Tips for Planning Your Milky Way Photography
- Topaz Labs: 8 Helpful Tips to Get Sharp Milky Way Star Photos
- Picture Correct: Slot Canyon Photography Tutorial
- Business Insider: Recap of my Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest (2023)
- Stuff: Recap of my Northern Lights Photographer of the Year contest (2023)
