Starry Sky Deep Dive Workshop in Maine

Starry Sky Deep Dive Workshop - Paid Event

Friday, September 26th - Sunday, September 28th.

Please note this event is a paid workshop. Workshop information via Meetup is informational only. Please use this link to learn more and to sign up for the workshop. The full details and registration for the event are on my website.

In this workshop, we will focus on the beginner and intermediate skills needed for astrolandscape photography, helping you gain confidence in capturing stunning Milky Way landscape photos.

This starry sky deep dive photography workshop is an immersive experience that includes two nights of Milky Way photography and sky exploration, and a hands-on processing session via Zoom. This event will take place at an astronomy camp, providing access to telescopes for deep-space viewing! If you have a tracker or telescope, this is an opportunity to view the heavens in a dark sky area.

If you are interested in learning about telescopes and viewing deep sky objects, this is a great opportunity to learn and view the heavens through the available telescopes. Featured deep sky images on this page are from a Seestar S50 and a Unistellar telescopes. Solar viewing is also available using dedicated solar telescopes.
Learning Goals:

• Learn how to plan for a starscape photograph.
• Learn how to focus at night.
• Understand aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance settings and how they impact a night image.
• Understand how to read the histogram
• Composition with the Milky Way and foreground subjects.
• Predicting the location of the Milky Way.
• Understanding how to read the night sky.
• Milky Way raw processing in Adobe Camera Raw (same engine as LR).
• Stacking light and dark frames for noise reduction.
• Aligning and blending different exposure images in Photoshop.
• View deep space objects through telescopes.
• Optional: If you have a telescope, bring it!

Physical Requirements: The shoots will be at the astro camp. You should wear sturdy footwear.
Optional Excursion: Western Maine was well known for their mines. You have the option to explore mines with a guide during our downtime.

Gear Recommendations
Camera: DSLR or Mirrorless camera required. It must either have a shutter delay or a remote trigger. Participants are expected to know how to operate their equipment. If you have any new gear, it is important to become acquainted with it to get the most from the photo tour.
Lenses: Wide and super wide-angle fast lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster. (14-24mm, 11-16mm, 16 mm, 20mm, and 35mm). Lenses with low coma aberration are recommended.
Tripods: A sturdy tripod is essential for night and long exposure photography. Please note that a travel tripod is not recommended.
Telescope (Optional). Bring one if you have a telescope. There will be telescopes available at the camp.
Tracking Device (Optional)
Accessories: Red flashlight, headlight, and a dew heater are recommended. A list of suggestions will be provided to registrants.
Software: All post-processing will be done using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Using another tool? No problem, the same techniques apply.
Pre-Tour Zoom: An overview and orientation will be held online prior to the photo tour.
Image Reviews: Feedback will be offered in the field. Reviews of fully edited images will occur during our post-workshop session.