How to shoot tracked panoramas of the Milky Way

What this adventure is about:

In the Southern hemisphere, from late Winter through to mid Spring (August to October), the Milky Way core starts to set and forms a remarkable boomerang shape.

This course will be offered twice in 2026. The first in late Summer to avail ourselves of the opportunity to image the Milky Way panorama in Summer in hopefully warmer weather. The second during the peak of the so called "Milky Way core" season in the Southern hemisphere.

This workshop will provide guidance and detailed tuition on how to shoot a panorama of the Milky Way using your camera and your tracker.

The aim is tor each participant, in the field, to shoot a number of panoramas, time permitting from various focal lengths eg 14, 20, 24 or 35 mm using techniques to minimise the risk of optical effects such as vignetting which can spoil panorama when you stitch it together.

Detailed notes will be provided to each participant at the time of the field workshop and then will also include some tips for processing in Lightroom and Photoshop plus some recommendations for software to be able to stitch you panoramas together.

Before the workshop, I will also like to work with you at least 6 weeks prior to the field workshop on some suggestions for other equipment that will help to make the process easier for your tracker set up and shooting the panorama. To take full advantage of this, early registration for the workshop is essential. Please note any suggestions are just suggestions and do not need to adopted to successfully participate in the workshop.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

The number of participants is limited to 4. I will also bring along two trackers to demonstrate my set up and also as a back up in the event there are issues with equipment.

You will note that I have added some alternative dates as "date savers"). the idea is if the workshop is postponed because of unsuitable weather, we can then reschedule to one of the following dates. The first is the Sunday after the workshop. Please keep these dates free when booking.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via the contact tab.

Cost is $320.00 per person.

Ian Williams

Booking terms and conditions

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 3 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.