14 DECEMBER 2026 starting at 8:30 pm for theory and then through until about 4:30 am on 15 DECEMBER 2026 at dark sky site in Canberra area to be determined. DATES TO BE RESERVED IN CASE OF POOR WEATHER ON 14/15 DEC IS 13/14 DECEMBER AND 15/16 DECEMBER 2026


The Geminids meteor shower is the best meteor shower in southern Australia. In 2026, the shower peaks on 14/15 December in the early hours of the morning on 15 December. In 2026, conditions will be ideal as the Moon will have set on 11:38 pm on 14 December 2026, before the predicted peak of the meteor shower at around 1:00 am.


This workshop will comprise two elements, first a quick theory session on how to shoot the meteor shower in the field, then instruction on processing meteor images using layer masks in Adobe Photoshop will be provided to participants using images provided to them so that each person can work on their computers.


Next, we will proceed to a dark sky spot (likely to be the north of Canberra as the radiant of the metro shower is in the north east/norther sky so as to avoid light pollution). We will continue shooting the meteor shower until it starts to get light on the 15th of December as the meteor shower peaks in the pre dawn hours.


Each participant will need to have their own camera (preferably with a wide angle lens (preferably 24 mm or wider),sturdy tripod and also preferably several spare batteries together with charger. I will bring along a power supply to enable charge of batteries during the session.


Pre briefing notes will be provided before the workshop to enable people to do check lists of equipment before attending the workshop and detailed notes will be handed out at the workshop for each participant.

Participants are asked to reserved the night before and the night after the 14/15 December as the shower will continuing during those dates before it peaks on 14/15 December. This is in case poor weather is forecast for the 14/15 December 2026. If the workshop cannot proceed because of poor weather on any of these three dates, , an alternative workshop focused on night sky photography will be arranged in lieu.


Places will be limited to five participants only to enable individualised tuition and guidance in the filed as appropriate. Cost is $250 per participant.


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

I look forward to seeing you in December 2026!


Ian


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. In the case of this workshop we will practice the techniques to capture meteor showers on another night.


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.