Astrophotography at Cape Schanck

Join us for a night of astrophotography at the well-known Cape Schanck, weather permitting with clear skies being essential for capturing the cosmos. This is an opportunity to capture the Milky Way and star trails with foreground opportunities to enhance our compositions such as the iconic Pulpit Rock, the lighthouse, the boardwalk and the rock formations.

Itinerary:
7:00 PM: Dinner at Rosebud Hotel (Please let us know if you will be joining for dinner. This is a great chance to socialise, discuss gear and settings, and share tips before we head out. If you use any of the main camera brands such as Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm or Olympus, feel free to chat to experienced photographers for camera tips)
9:00 PM: Meet at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse car park. Set up our gear and begin shooting. Explore various compositions, including the lighthouse, the boardwalk, and the rock formations.
11:30 PM: Wrap up and pack down.

SAFETY & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
To help ensure we operate in a safe and inclusive manner, we ask all members and guests to abide by the MEETUP GUIDELINES.

Please take a moment to read the following important disclosures and recommendations carefully:

• Event Attendance & Waitlists: If you have signed up for events which have a capped number (limited numbers) with a waitlist, you must update your RSVP as soon as you know that you will not be able to attend. Failure to do this will result in Organisers banning you from attending future capped number events.
• Event Adjustments: Your safety is our highest priority. Though we do not plan high-risk activities, we reserve the right to modify or cancel parts of the event if unforeseen risks, such as extreme weather, are identified. Our goal is a fun, stress-free, and secure weekend for everyone.
• Personal Responsibility: Participation in all activities, including travel and carpooling, is at your own risk. The organisers are not liable for any personal injuries, or damage/loss of personal belongings.
• Insurance: We strongly advise all attendees to have comprehensive ambulance and health insurance to cover potential medical emergencies. While we take every precaution, accidents can happen.

By signing up and attending this event, you and your guest agree to the above disclosures and the MEETUP GUIDELINES

ESSENTIAL NOTES AND CAMERA GEAR SUGGESTIONS
What to Bring & General Advice:

• Clothing: Pack layers! It can be chilly and windy on the coast, especially for sunrise/sunset and astrophotography. A waterproof and windproof outer layer is highly recommended. Don't forget to dress appropriately for the weather.
• Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy walking or hiking shoes are a must for exploring the lookouts and trails.
• Headlamp: A headlamp with a red-light setting is crucial for astrophotography to preserve night vision.
• Wildlife Awareness: We will aim to avoid driving through the national park area at night due to wildlife being active on the roads.
• Flexibility: This itinerary is a guide. We may adjust timings or locations slightly based on weather conditions, light, and group preferences.

Camera Gear Suggestions:

• Camera
• Lenses
• Landscape: wide-angle / telephoto
• Astrophotography: fast aperture lens f/2.8 or f/2.0 or lower
• Tripod
• Extra Batteries
• Remote shutter release

If you are new to astrophotography, this guide covers essential camera settings, must-have gear, and provides links to a few introductory YouTube videos to help you get started.

Annie, Rowan and John