Hi, I’m Douglas Reynolds — astrophotographer, software engineer, educator, and passionate advocate for exploring and sharing the night sky.
I hold an Associate of Applied Science degree from Illinois Central College and a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from the University of Phoenix. I’ve spent over 20 years in the software engineering field, and I bring that problem-solving mindset and technical expertise to my work in astrophotography — creating scripts, workflows, and tools that help make sense of this complex craft.
One of my recent open-source contributions was to Siril, the most popular astrophotography image processing application. You can read more about my contribution in this article: AF Multi-Crop In Siril
From 2012 to 2016, I served as an Adjunct Professor of Web Application Development at Illinois State University, where I helped students build practical, real-world skills in software development and problem solving as part of their major capstone requirements.
I’m a published author, with titles including Learning Grunt (published traditionally) and An Astrophotographer’s Field Guide (self-published), which has become a go-to resource for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers looking to master calibration frames and processing techniques. Writing has always been an extension of my love for teaching — documenting what I learn and making it accessible to others through clear, practical guidance.
In addition to books, I’ve contributed numerous articles and cover images to The Observer, the monthly newsletter of the Twin Cities Amateur Astronomers. My work in The Observer includes both in-depth technical tutorials and personal reflections on imaging the night sky — sharing not just results, but the process, the challenges, and the wonder of it all. These contributions help inspire and support the astronomy community locally and beyond.
The Twin Cities Amateur Astronomers (TCAA) is an accredited organization affiliated with the Astronomical League and supported by Illinois State University, dedicated to promoting astronomy education and outreach. As an active member of TCAA, I’ve participated in public observing nights, shared my expertise with club members, and contributed educational materials to help foster a deeper appreciation of the cosmos.
In 2025, I was honored to receive membership in the G. Weldon Schuette Society of Outstanding Amateur Astronomers — an acknowledgment of my contributions to the community through writing, teaching, and outreach. This recognition reflects my ongoing commitment to not just imaging the sky, but also sharing it with others.
Through my blog, videos, and outreach, I share not just my images but also my knowledge, data, and enthusiasm — helping others to realize their own vision of the sky. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into astrophotography or seeking to refine your techniques, I aim to provide insights, guidance, and inspiration grounded in real-world experience and a love for this art and science.
If you’d like to connect, learn more, or collaborate, feel free to reach out. Clear skies!
Connect with me on social, using any of the social icon links found on this page!
Join AstroAF on YouTube
Join AstroAF on Buy Me a Coffee
Join my Discord Server