Sunset & Milky Way over the Mornington Peninsula (placeholder)

THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDANT.
CHECK THIS PAGE/COMMENTS AGAIN CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE.
Join us for a night of astrophotography as we capture the sunset and the core of the Milky Way from the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula.

Draft Schedule
4.30pm: Meet at Sunset Location TBC
5.00pm: Sunset (Location TBC - Arthurs Seat)
6.00pm: Dinner (Location TBC - Flinders Hotel)
7.30pm - 8.30pm: Milky Way Photography- the Galaxy Core will be visible from 6.40pm (Location TBC as Flinders Jetty is under construction)

Weather Policy: Astrophotography is highly dependent on clear skies. If the forecast predicts 70% or greater cloud cover, we will postpone the event to our backup date (likely 11 July). Please check this space or the event comments for the "Go/No-Go" status at 7:00 PM on the day before the event.

Camera Gear Suggestions:

• Mirrorless or DSLR Camera (learn how to manual focus - you will be doing it in the dark)
• Lenses for Landscape: wide-angle / telephoto
• Lenses for Astrophotography: wide-angle anywhere between 14mm to 24mm or wider, fast aperture lens f/2.8 or faster (unless if using a star tracker)
• Tripod
• Remote shutter release
• Filters (ND, polariser)
• Extra Batteries
• A headlamp or torch (preferably with a red-light mode to preserve night vision).
• Warm layers and sturdy footwear

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.

Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability
By attending this photography meetup, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• RSVP: You must update your status immediately if you can't attend this event; failure to do so may result in a ban from future limited-number activities.
• Liability Waiver: Participation in all activities and travel is at your own risk. Organisers are not liable for injury, death, wildlife encounters, or loss/theft of property.
• Insurance & Expenses: Attendees are strongly advised to have their own health and ambulance insurance. You are responsible for all personal costs like food, travel, and accommodation.
• Event Changes: Organisers may modify or cancel events for safety (e.g., weather) and are not responsible for any financial losses you incur as a result.
• Conduct & Equipment: You are responsible for your own gear and must follow local laws and property regulations while navigating various terrains.
• Informal Advice Only: Any demonstrations, settings suggestions, or tips provided during the event are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional technical instruction.
• Technical Proficiency: You are expected to have a working knowledge of your own equipment. As we will be operating in low-light conditions, you should be confident in performing the following tasks manually:
  -- Adjusting Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed by feel or memory.
  -- Toggling and using DSLR Live View or mirrorless EVF settings.
  -- Engaging and fine-tuning Manual Focus (autofocus generally does not work for stars).
• Media Consent: By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded in public settings and waive claims related to the use of that media.

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

Annie and Andrew