Awesome Astro: An Introduction to Night Sky Photography

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? We've designed this workshop for beginner astro photographers: to take you from zero astro knowledge to being able to capture at least one awesome astro photo to impress friends and family. 

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.

We will start with an online introductory tutorial briefing on Sunday, June 1st (evening), to discuss settings and camera gear, answer questions and confirm the meetup location for the Tuesday evening workshop. On Tuesday, June 3rd, we will meet from 8:30pm on Wellington's South Coast to capture the night sky. (A rain check date will be advised if required). The following evening we will host an online tutorial to demonstrate how to process your images, with time for Q&A.

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

• Online two-hour introductory tutorial on Sunday, June 1st (Zoom details will be sent out to registered attendees)
• In person three-hour workshop on South Coast of Wellington on June 3rd from 8:30pm to 11:30pm
• Online two-hour tutorial on the 4th of June to demonstrate how to process your images

About Chris McKeown

Chris moved from Scotland to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2002 and immediately fell in love with photographing the landscape. Over the past decade, 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 is an avid astrophotographer who spends long nights around Wellington, Taranaki, Queenstown, and Lake Tekapo chasing the stillness of the night sky.

Chris will be presenting 'Widening the Aperture: What looking up to photograph the night sky can teach us about life and leadership' at Te Papa on Tuesday 3 June from 5.30pm. Tickets for Chris' talk are available from Friends of Te Papa. This presentation isn't compulsory to attend but will be of interest to workshop attendees. 

• Where to go to get the best images 
• Planning an astrophotography shoot (apps and tools) 
• Best camera, lenses, tripods, and other gear 
• Making the most of your equipment 
• What to look for in the sky 
• Processing images to get the best shots 
• Why looking up can make for a better, calmer life

• Camera (ideally a full frame camera, but crop sensor will be fine as well)
• The widest lens you have available (i.e. 14mm, 24mm)
• Tripod (we will have a couple of spare, please let us know in advance if you may need to borrow one)
• Head torch (ideally with a red light setting)
• Warm clothes for the South Coast 

NZ$50 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 26/05/2025

Payment for the remaining balance should be made directly to the host. They will be in contact with you shortly to provide the payment details and further instructions.