SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2026 @ 4:00PM, SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2026 @ 6:00 PM, SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2026 @ 7:00 PM, SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2027 @ 7:00 PM, SATURDAY 6 MARCH 2027 @ 6:30 PM, SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2027 @4:00 PM ***THIS COURSE CAN BE UNDERTAKEN WITH RECENT MODEL SMARTPHONES***




This course is ideal for the complete newbie to astrophotography as well as for those who wish to further develop and refine their skills.


The workshop comprises aquatic theory element of about 45 minutes where I will take you through the basic setting for astrophotography and provide notes for future reference.


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.
  • 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
  • how to do simple light painting foreground objects such as buildings, trees etc to create images with the stars in the background
  • 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 10 years experience in teaching people of all ages how to do astrophotography.


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


FAQs and booking policies


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. 


What equipment do I need?


  • Warm clothing (including for your head!) as it can be very cold
  • A recent smart phone or a DSLR or Mirrorless camera- with a wide angle lens preferably 35 mm or less (eg 24, 20 or 14 mm). Ideally the lower the f number your lens can go to (f2.8 or lower eg f1.8 the better) 
  • A suitable sturdy tripod.
  • A head torch or torch, preferably with a red light option to avoid impact on other participants.
  • Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged, a spare or two would be great!
  • Make sure your memory cards are formatted and have plenty of space.


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

​

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.