PhotoPills

Key Features

Sun, Moon, and Milky Way tracking with detailed position and light simulation on an interactive map.

Augmented Reality (AR) mode for real-time visualization of celestial paths and framing alignment.

Planner tool that lets you predict lighting conditions for any location, date, and time in the world.

Exposure, Depth of Field (DOF), and Field of View (FOV) calculators for precise camera setup.

Location scouting and saved plans for future shoots, complete with offline maps.

Time-lapse and hyperlapse calculator for videographers and creative photographers.

Why You’ll Love It

Combines technical accuracy with creative inspiration — no more guesswork during shoots.

Beautifully visual interface makes complex astronomical and lighting data easy to understand.

Ideal for travel photographers who need to plan around sunrise, sunset, and weather changes.

Supports all major camera systems with preloaded sensor data for accurate DOF and exposure results.

Community-driven tutorials and challenges help you learn and grow with fellow photographers.

Practical Tips & Best Practices

Use the Planner tool before every outdoor session to check sun direction and shadow length for your chosen location.

Activate AR view on-site to visualize where the sun, moon, or Milky Way will appear before setting up your tripod.

Save multiple plans if you’re traveling — one for sunrise, one for sunset, and one for night shots.

Combine exposure and ND filter calculators to get perfectly balanced long exposures without trial and error.

Back up your plans to the cloud so you can access them even if you change devices.

Common Questions (Quick FAQ)

Is PhotoPills free? — It’s a paid app, but users often call it a one-time investment that replaces several separate tools.

Does it work offline? — Yes, most planning features and maps can work offline once data is preloaded.

Can I use it for night photography? — Absolutely; it’s one of the best tools for Milky Way, moonrise, and star-trail planning.

Is it suitable for beginners? — Yes, PhotoPills offers tutorials and an active community to help you get started quickly.

Which devices are supported? — Available on both iOS and Android with consistent updates and feature parity.

How to Use

Click the button “Check All Versions” below to download and install PhotoPills on your device or browser.

Open the app and explore the Planner to set your desired shooting location and date.

Use the Sun, Moon, and Milky Way panels to analyze light conditions for your planned time.

Activate AR mode on-site to align your camera with celestial paths and confirm your framing.

Save your favorite plans and sync them across devices for future reference.

Experiment with the Exposure and DOF calculators to fine-tune your camera settings before the shoot.

Final Notes

PhotoPills is more than an app — it’s a creative toolkit that empowers you to plan, predict, and execute your best shots.

Take time to explore its modules — each one is a small powerhouse designed for specific types of photography.

Join the PhotoPills Academy and community challenges to stay inspired and learn from real-world examples.

Once you get comfortable, you’ll wonder how you ever photographed without it.

PhotoPills is a smart photography planning app built for photographers who want to blend art with precision. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, astrophotography, portraits, or cityscapes, PhotoPills helps you plan every detail of your shot — from sun and moon positions to golden hour timing and even Milky Way visibility. Designed with both professionals and hobbyists in mind, the app transforms complex calculations into intuitive visual tools. You can scout locations, simulate light conditions, and schedule ideal shoot times so that every photo feels intentional and perfectly timed. In short, PhotoPills is your portable photography assistant, putting the power of planning and creativity right in your pocket.