Milky Way Photography Workshop Canberra
Step into the world of astro-landscape photography with Ari Rex, a highly acclaimed nature photographer and award-winning astrophotographer. As the 2020 "Nature Photographer of the Year" and the 2019 winner of the prestigious Astrophotography award at the International Photography Awards (IPA), Ari brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his Milky Way photography workshops. With nearly a decade of experience teaching this workshop, Ari's expert guidance will help you capture the beauty of the cosmos and create stunning images that will leave you in awe. Join us and take your night photography skills to new heights.
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Intro
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Canberra is one of the prime locations in Australia, and possibly even the world, for astrophotography and stargazing due to its favorable conditions. The city experiences low humidity and minimal light pollution, making it an excellent place to capture the Milky Way and take clear, sharp images of the stars. While it is possible to photograph the Milky Way from within Canberra which is very rare to do so for a capital city, the best results can be achieved from 15min drive away from the city lights.
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Overview
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The workshop lasts around 5 hours and takes place on a stunning private property in Gundaroo, just a 20-minute drive from the North side of Canberra. We'll start indoors with an introduction and theory session on astro-landscape photography. As night falls, we'll head outside for the exciting part: hands-on practice photographing the Milky Way. Once your eyes adjust to the dark, you'll be amazed by the beauty of the night sky and the breathtaking sights of the Milky Way. Time will fly as you capture the stars and soak in the stunning views.
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All skill levels are encouraged to join this workshop, intentionally kept small with groups of up to six individuals. This ensures that Ari can provide personal attention and guidance, tailored to each participant's level of photography knowledge.
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What Is Covered?
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Expert guidance from internationally renowned photographer Ari Rex
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How to plan/photograph stunning astro-landscapes with the magnificence Milky Way in the background
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How to capture single shot portraits under the Milky Way
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Stitching panoramas
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Timelapses
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Startrails
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Histogram (how to best use histogram for improving the dynamic range)
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How and where to focus to get pin sharp focus of the stars and foreground objects in total darkness
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Understanding infinity focus
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Understanding the 500 rule and when to break it so you can extend the exposure time of single shots up to 200% without noticeable startrail (Ari's personal technique)
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Tips and tricks for using creative foreground lighting techniques
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How to perfectly light foreground subjects in a single or multiple shot portraits
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How to align quickly and use a star-tracking device to capture very high quality images of the Milky Way, Moon, constellations, nebulas as well as moon and sun eclipses
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Techniques and tips on how to keep your camera and lens in optimal condition to photograph during the night.
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Verbal post-processing overview
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After the workshop concludes, you will receive a detailed email outlining all the techniques and information covered during the session.
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*Please note: In respect of our community and the owners of the land, we apply a "leave no trace" policy in all our workshop.
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What Will I Need?
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DSLR or Mirrorless camera (preferably made after 2010 that can reach at least 3200 iso) and lens
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Tripod
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Remote trigger or intervalometer
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Headlamp
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Warm clothes (dress for very cold weather as the temperature drops low after sunset)
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Recommended but not required
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Extra Battery
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Smartphone
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Wide angle lens, preferably f2.8 or faster.
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No Camera, No problem!
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You can also hire a full Astro Camera Kit - available for just $100 at the checkout ​
Separate camera gear can also be hired before the workshop begins
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Astro Camera Kit hire includes:
- Canon full frame camera
- Two extra batteries
- One fast lens
- Sturdy tripod
- Ball head
- L bracket
- Remote trigger
- Headlamp
- Focusing torch
- Lens warmers
- Carry bag
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Need to bring your own SD memory card of at least 16gb if you hire an astro camera kit so you can take the images that you capture with you at the termination of the workshop.
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Difficulty
We welcome all skill levels to this workshop. Even if you are not confident about how to use your camera in manual mode or you have never shot the night sky before, don't worry, we will run through a quick crash course on some important functions that we will be using during the night. We keep our group size small to ensure that each participant receives individualized attention from Ari.
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A general fitness level is required. There is a small amount of walking on uneven ground, and standing for an extended period in a cold temperature. Please feel free to bring a chair if you need to sit and be sure to rug up as the temperatures drop quite a bit after sunset.
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General Info
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The fee for this workshop is $450 per participant (maximum 6 people)
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The registration can be done directly at the Book Workshops page or by pressing the green button Book Now below
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You'll get a confirmation email shortly after completing the payment process
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Our workshops fill up fast, so we suggest securing your spot as soon as possible
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Registration isn't complete until payment is made. If you encounter issues booking, please try another browser or contact us
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The workshop will proceed as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. In case of heavy clouds, rain, or storms in the forecast, we might need to reschedule the second part of the workshop (hands-on session) to another date
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A few days before the workshop starts, you'll receive an email containing workshop details and the itinerary
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Cancellation Policy:
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You can cancel your workshop booking anytime up to four weeks before the workshop day for a full refund*. Cancellations made within 21 days prior to the workshop will incur a 50% cancellation fee. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued for cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop.
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*10% admin fee applies
Special Advanced Level Milky Way Workshop
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Extra techniques, Extra time, Extra tracking, Only 4 participants
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Looking to enhance more your night sky photography skills ? Join our newly tailor-made workshops designed for advanced photographers like you. If you have prior experience in night sky photography, a solid grasp of the exposure triangle, and a desire to delve deeper into nightscape photography, this workshop is perfect for you.
Throughout the workshops, we will explore advanced techniques and concepts, taking a deep dive into the intricacies of nightscape photography. By the end of the workshop, you will have a good grasp of advanced photography techniques such as Hyperfocal Distance, Inverse Square Law, ETTR, and Circle of Confusion. With a maximum of 4 people per workshop, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Ari and learn valuable tips and tricks.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to refine your skills and take your photography to new heights! Sign up now!
On this workshop It's recommended that you have a full frame camera, a super fast wide angle prime lens, and an intervalometer,
Feel free to bring your startracker even if you haven't used it before Ari will show you how to set it up.
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Composition (advanced tips)
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Several Advanced focusing techniques
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Advanced Histogram
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ETTR Technique (advanced)
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Two methods of extending the exposure time up to 200% without startrails, on a single shot
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Advanced lighting foreground subject techniques
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Advanced Startrail techniques
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Advanced Timelapses (Holy Grail)
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Tracking, several techniques, we provide a tracked per person but if you wish, feel free to bring your own tracker too so Ari can teach you how to align it fast.
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How to capture seamless full Milky Way arch stitching panoramas (Including stitching and tracking panos, by hand)
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Advanced Lightroom and Photoshop editing tips
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The fee for the Advanced level workshop is $650 (maximum 4 participants)
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