Will Godward is a two-time former Olympian whose passion for competition and performance has supported a lifelong pursuit of capturing the night sky. An award-winning landscape astrophotographer with over 25 years of experience, Will now devotes his energy to documenting rare celestial events and sharing the beauty of the universe through his lens.
From first witnessing Comet Hale-Bopp in 1996 to photographing the 2023 Exmouth total solar eclipse and the extraordinary auroras of the 2024 solar cycle, Will has always chased the moments that inspire wonder. Based in South Australia, he has captured some of the darkest and most remote skies on Earth, with striking images from the Gawler Ranges, Lake Gairdner, Lake Eyre, and the rugged Flinders Ranges featured by Australian Geographic and NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. His expertise has also led him to collaborate with the space industry, documenting missions such as the return of the first commercial space capsule to Australian soil.
With more than a decade of experience as an adult educator, Will is skilled at making complex techniques approachable and engaging. He runs astrophotography workshops, dark sky tours, and outback expeditions that inspire people of all ages to connect with the cosmos. His passion for teaching is matched only by his pursuit of the ultimate Milky Way images, creating epic panoramas and time-lapses that showcase the scale and beauty of our galaxy arching over Australia’s remote landscapes.
As a Sony Advocate, Will combines his Olympic spirit, technical expertise, and creative eye in both still photography and cinematography. Through tours, workshops, space industry collaborations, and moving imagery, he continues to inspire others while raising awareness of the importance of preserving our natural night skies.
What is in your camera bag?
My journey into professional astrophotography truly began with the Sony α7 III—the camera that changed my life and opened the door to countless opportunities. Paired with what I believe is the best astrophotography lens in the world, the Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM, this combination has allowed me to capture the Milky Way in extraordinary detail. With the addition of a star tracker, it becomes a powerhouse setup that brings out the subtle colours, structure, and depth of our galaxy.
Supporting my workflow are the Sony α7 IV and Sony α7S III, two bodies that give me the flexibility to switch seamlessly between stills and video. Each has its place—whether for high-resolution landscapes, low-light shooting, or cinematic storytelling.
My go-to lenses complete the kit:
Sony 20mm f/1.8 G – perfect for lightweight nightscapes and travel.
Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM – sharp, fast, and versatile, ideal for high detail Milky Way panoramas.
Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM – beautiful for close-in details of the Milky Way
Sony 100–400mm GM – a telephoto workhorse for compressing landscapes and chasing moonrises.
This combination of Sony bodies and lenses gives me the creative freedom to tackle anything—from wide-field nightscapes under the darkest skies, to cinematic captures that tell the story of Australia’s wild landscapes and starry nights.
What is your go to in your Alpha kit and why?
If I could only take one camera and lens with me, it would be the Sony α7S III and the Sony 20mm f/1.8 G. The α7S III is what I believe to be the best camera Sony has ever created. It is the ultimate low-light tool, capable of bringing the night sky to life with incredible clarity and detail.
Matched with the 20mm f/1.8 G, this combination delivers both wide perspective and outstanding sharpness, making it perfect for astrophotography and storytelling. With this setup I have captured award-winning Milky Way images, lifelong family memories, cinematic stories for international brands, and even high-demand wedding photography.
For me, the α7S III and 20mm f/1.8 G represent the ultimate balance of performance and reliability, whether I am under the darkest skies in the outback or working on projects that demand the highest level of quality.
Most memorable moment shooting with Alpha?
My most memorable moment with Alpha has to be the 2023 Total Solar Eclipse. Witnessing a total solar eclipse is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences a human can have, and capturing it over the famous Ningaloo Reef was unforgettable. What made it truly special was sharing the experience with my oldest daughter, watching the sky transform together as the Sun disappeared behind the Moon. Photographing that moment, I could rely on my Sony Alpha cameras to deliver, capturing every detail of this once-in-a-lifetime event with absolute confidence.
