Expedition: Photograph the Milky Way, a Meteor Shower and More (FULL)

SORRY: We're full and the waiting list is now closed.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7784898988_41810f682d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steventheamusing/7784898988/)

Join Astronomy Photographer of the Year winner, Steven Christenson, and Photoshop and Panorama Genius Eric Harness for one or two nights (your choice) in one of our favorite places in the world: Alabama Hills.

Despite the presence of 2 instructors this group will be kept very small so it will be a fun hands on experience for all!

We know where to go to get the most interesting formations paired with the Milky Way, or your favorite Star Trail.

We'll have plenty of time after sunset (9PM) and before moonrise (11PM) to collect star trails and Milky Way images thereafter the moon will nicely light our landscape for still more creative exposures. We will finally retire for slumber in the wee hours.

AND if you didn't think that is enough... well good news, the end of July is also the peak of the Southern Delta Aquarid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Delta_Aquariids) meteor shower. We don't guarantee you'll see flaming fireballs like they did in Russia, but you will undoubtedly spy a few bits of flaming space dust.

In Alabama Hills the days are hot, but the nights are glorious. We strongly suggest you book a room at the Dow Villa as soon as possible (other accommodations are available, too, including several other motels and fine area campgrounds).

This Field Expedition is not for beginning photographers. You will need to know how to operate your camera and be comfortable walking around in the dark with minimal light. To attend you also must sign and return a Waiver of Liability (http://files.meetup.com/2514322/Waiver_GENERIC.pdf).

The hardest part will be deciding if you want to attend for just ONE night, or if you'd rather attend both nights at a discount.

There is no formal classroom instruction for this Field Expedition, but we will meet informally at lunch time on the following day to compare notes and catch up!

Where to Meet?

We will meet in the hotel lobby promptly at 7:00 PM. You will recognize me... I'll be the lumpy guy with a red backpack, a tripod and Eric standing near me. See your email for additional contact information.

One significant other is ALLOWED at no extra charge for this event (https://www.meetup.com/StarCircleAcademy/pages/Significant_Other_Policy/i/gh_new_page_tl). In fact, we'd rather see you travel with someone than drive solo 'cause you're likely to be sleepy!

Oh, and Steven will be bringing his fancy astrophotography gear. You can give it a try and create images like these (though we do recommend that you first take the Astrophotography 101 Webinar (http://events.starcircleacademy.com/events/64450692/))

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6052/6327284069_bebe75171d_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steventheamusing/6327284069/)

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6037/6299240922_8f5988266a_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steventheamusing/6299240922/)

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6223/6289792460_5a7f041aec_n.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steventheamusing/6289792460/)

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations less than 7 days from the event are non-refundable.

Cancellations more than one week before the event are refundable up to 50%.

If you cancel and a replacement takes your spot, we will refund up to 50%. If you arrange the replacement yourself (and notify us) you may have the replacement pay you directly and there is no cancellation fee.

About Weather

Weather is unpredictable. We feel confident that we can show you compelling photography opportunities in all but the worst weather. Since we cannot control the weather, however, we cannot be responsible for the result.