Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.
Explore Sony’s Digital Imaging line-up, an ever-expanding range of cameras, lenses and accessories that have been developed to meet a diverse range of creative needs and technical requirements.
Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.
Explore Sony’s Digital Imaging line-up, an ever-expanding range of cameras, lenses and accessories that have been developed to meet a diverse range of creative needs and technical requirements.
Always wanted to capture the Milky Way but don't know where to start? Or you've tried and the results haven't been amazing? This workshop is designed for beginner astro photographers: to take you from zero astro knowledge to being able to capture at least one night sky image you are genuinely proud of.
Wellington-based astro and landscape photographer Chris McKeown, and supported by Sony Advocate Rebecca McMillan, will guide you through what's required to plan, shoot, and process stunning images of the incredible night sky in Wellington.
Astrophotography is not only technical. We will cover that properly: camera settings, lenses, tripods, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focus, the moon, the weather, and where the Milky Way will be. But standing under a dark sky does something else as well; it pulls our attention outward, quietens mental chatter and reminds us that we are small, but we are not insignificant.
There is a growing body of research into awe, attention, and wellbeing that helps explain why this can feel so powerful. So this workshop is not just about making a sharp image of the Milky Way. It is also about understanding what we are looking at, why slowing down and looking up can be good for us, and how to experience the night sky more fully.
We begin with an online introduction on Friday evening. On Saturday 11 July at 3.00 pm we meet in Island Bay for a practical session on gear, setup and technique. After a break for dinner, we head out from 7.30 pm to an agreed South Coast location for the field session. On the following Tuesday evening, we meet online again for an editing tutorial and Q&A.
*Note raincheck dates for the practical workshop are Sunday 12 July or Monday 13 July 2026.
We also have the opportunity to access Sony cameras for the workshop: please get in touch with the organisers at least two weeks ahead of the event if you would like to borrow gear for this workshop.
Workshop summary
About Chris McKeown
Chris moved from Scotland to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2002 and immediately fell in love with photographing the landscape. He’s captured the earth, the sea, the stars, and the people who live beneath them. His images have been nominated for awards, published in magazines, featured in hospital murals, and sold as fine art prints and canvases. His annual calendar sells out each year and has raised thousands of dollars for charity. Chris also uses astrophotography to explore awe, attention, recovery and leadership. This work has included a flagship talk at Te Papa, an exhibition and related talks at the Home of Compassion, published articles on awe and attention, and interviews on leadership podcasts. He is an avid astrophotographer who spends long nights around Wellington, Taranaki, Queenstown and Lake Tekapo chasing the stillness of the night sky.
