UPCOMING DATES:

20 JUNE 2026 @ 4:00 PM (4 places left) AND 7 NOVEMBER 2026@ 6:30 PM (4 places left)


This course can be undertaken with late model smartphones. When booking let me know your device and I can send you instructions prior to the workshop. Out of Canberra? We also offer airbnb accommodation at our home in Canberra's south search "Studio in Canberra's south" on Airbnb - an ideal base to do a workshop with me - a discounted rate applies to people booking a course with me! Please read the booking policies below.

We are now at solar maximum and there has been some great activity in 2025. . The question inevitably arises: "should I head out?", "When should I head out?"


This course provides an introduction to the basics of interpreting the various data to make informed decisions about whether to head out to chase the aurora. It has given me a lot of satisfaction to see previous participants acquiring their first shots of the Aurora Australis after doing the course.


The first part of this course (the theory) helps you to develop an understanding of how to interpret various data incoming about the Sun to be able to make a more informed decision as to when to head out to capture the Aurora Australis from the Canberra, Snowy Mountains areas? I am a qualified Science teacher, so able to unpack this in a practical down to earth way and fun way .


The second part of the course covers the basics photographic techniques which are then reinforced in the field to photograph the wonders of the night sky including the Milky Way and Aurora? This will enable you to learn learn photographic techniques that will allow you to maximise your opportunity to photograph these events. I also cover some basic processing tips for processing your images of the aurora.


In the field I will teach you how to:

  • focus your DSLR/Mirrorless camera to help ensure the sharpest and most pleasing shots of our night skies taking into account the Earth's rotation and NPF rule. Emphasis is given to aurora photography.
  • adjust your camera settings in manual mode for ISO, shutter speed and aperture taking into account reasonable exposure levels using the histogram
  • shoot panoramas (great for the Milky way)
  • shoot star trails
  • shoot timelapses
  • light paint foreground objects such as buildings, trees etc to create images with the stars in the background
  • manage white balance in your shots as well as in light painting
  • shoot multiple images of foreground and background shots to be stacked so to further reduce noise in your images


Pease join me! I have had about 10 years experience chasing the aurora from the Canberra area after capturing my first aurorae (on film) back in 1989 in Hobart. I have also captured the aurora from Iceland in 2018 and 2019. This experience has allowed me to gather information to be able to make informed decisions to commence my own aurora chase.

Each participant receives detailed notes for future reference.


Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the contact table on my website.


Booking policies: What if it is cloudy? Cancellation policies etc

Assumed knowledge


I assume no knowledge of camera settings. About two weeks before a workshop I send out a brief summary of settings that I wish participants to familiarise themselves with to get more out of their evening. Comprehensive notes are provided to all participants so that they don’t have to remember it all!


Group size


Is limited to no more than 5 participants. Experience shows that this enables ample opportunity to provide individualised guidance to all participants. 


What if there is poor weather on the evening of your workshop


All my workshops contain a theory component with written notes provided to all participants, the workshop will proceed as scheduled. 


If there is poor weather and astrophotography is not possible, I arrange three make-up nights with participants taking into account their availability as far as possible. This usually then provides the opportunity to do the field work with clearer skies. 


About me and the workshops

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  • I am a fully qualified second teacher and can explain concepts relevant to my courses in a clear and understandable way. 
  • I work with vulnerable people.
  • The cost for this workshop is $250 per participant.
  • A workshop typically includes 1-1.5 hours theory and about 3 hours work in the field. Commencement times are seasonal. Winter workshops commence at 4 pm and later at other times of the year to take account of greater day length. Please note the time carefully when booking your workshop
  • Young people are welcome at my workshops but if under the age of 16 would need to be accompanied by a responsible adult who books the relevant spot.   
  • You'll get a confirmation email shortly after completing the payment process
  • A few days before the workshop, an email with a weather update, final workshop details will be sent. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about the workshop. ​


Cancellation Policy

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Your booking can be cancelled at any time up to four weeks before the workshop day for a full refund (less a 10% administration fee). 


Cancellations made within 21 days before the workshop will incur a 50% cancellation fee. 


Unfortunately, I am unable to issue a refund for cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop.


Insurance


Participants need to be aware that there is a field component to each workshop and that consistent with life, accidents may occur. Accordingly, each participant is responsible for arranging all their insurance needs as appropriate to their individual situation, such as medical, travel, etc for the workshop. 


What if I have disability or mobility issues?


Please let me know ahead of the workshop, I routinely schedule the location of my workshops at spots that are within close proximity to your vehicles. Such locations usually are suitable for people with mobility issues.