AU NZ

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

AU NZ
Jay Evans
-
Advocate

Blue Mountains Astromeet

Jay Evans
Image: Alpha 7 III (A7M3)
Jay Evans
-
Advocate
Blue Mountains Astromeet
Jay Evans
Image: Alpha 7 III (A7M3)
Join us for an astromeet in the Blue Mountains

About the event

Join me for an Astro Meet in the Blue Mountains! This night-time adventure, set against the stunning backdrop of Cahills Lookout in Katoomba, promises to capture the magic of the stars. With breathtaking views across the Megalong Valley, you'll have the perfect setting for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and much more.

As we are in the heart of the winter astro season, we'll witness the Milky Way rising majestically from the east and setting into the western skies. This timing provides an unparalleled opportunity to photograph the night sky over the Megalong Valley, Narrowneck, and the expansive western view of the Blue Mountains.

These Astro meets are the perfect opportunity to work with our community, to learn new techniques or refine your Astro skills, capture some stunning imagery, and enjoy a social atmosphere with lots of fun and help on hand.

During our meetup, we'll refine our astro photography skills, covering essential topics such as safety, etiquette, and how to locate and photograph the Milky Way. You'll learn to find unique compositions and master advanced capture techniques. Additionally, we'll explore basic astroscape lighting using mobile phone screens and Low Level LED Lights.

This workshop also offers a fantastic opportunity to experiment with lengthy star trails, timelapses, and astro panoramas.

Our session will begin just after sunset and continue through to approximately 3 AM, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the celestial wonders and enhance your astro photography skills.

This is a weather dependent event. If heavy rain or storms are forecast we will cancel or postpone the event to a later date. We will still run the event if it is cloudy, as we will have some light painting fun around Cahills Lookout if the skies fail to clear for us.

Techniques covered

  • Night shooting safety
  • Locating the Milky Way
  • Quick Milky Way settings
  • Quick Star Trail Settings
  • Focusing in the dark
  • Night shooting etiquette
  • Looking for the unique
  • Managing lens fog

What to bring

  • MOST IMPORTANT - Working headlamp or torch (no mobile phone torches please!)
  • A camera with manual controls and interchangeable lenses
  • Lenses suitable for astrophotography (between 12mm & 24mm preferably with f/2.8 or faster)
  • Remote shutter for camera
  • Sturdy tripod
  • A small towel to cover your camera
  • Warm layered clothing, beanie or other warm headwear, and warm socks/shoes or boots
  • Firm and grippy footwear is strongly recommended as there are a number of trip hazards around the site at night

Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)

We may have some Sony cameras and lenses to try, but this will not be known until the days prior to the event, however, if there is any Sony or Astro gear you would like to be able to try during the evening, please let me know in advance and I can try to coordinate it for you.
Please wear appropriate clothing ensuring you have a warm jacket, beanie and gloves. We have encountered plenty of sub zero temperatures in Katoomba in past events so be prepared for cold weather. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended.
Yes - There is plenty of roadside parking and a small parking area at Cahills Lookout. Parking in the Blue Mountains recently became subject to payment at a meter. Please ensure you bring a card to pay for your parking.
While we will be on hand to help photographers learn how to capture the night sky and the Milky Way, this is not a workshop, more an event to get like minded photographers in a safe group to capture the night sky.
Cahills Lookout has several locations to shot from. The main lookout has a steep but accessible ramp with some stairs to lower lookouts. Boars Head and adjoining areas are on the cliff edge and require a degree of mobility and self awareness, especially at night time.
You can get to Katoomba by Train and close to Cahills Lookout via the 686G bus. I will happily give a lift back to the station when we conclude. Trains back to Sydney on Saturday morning begin at 4AM.
Contact Jay at jay@jaydidphoto.com.au or SMS on 0410 168408
Weather Dependent - This is a Weather Dependent event. If heavy rain or storms are forecast we will cancel or postpone the event to a later date. We will still run the event if it is cloudy, as we will have some light painting fun around Cahills Lookout if the skies fail to clear for us.

Advocate

Jay Evans

Hi, I am Jay Evans. A Nightscape, Landscape, Nature and Astro Photographer based in the Blue Mountains and also a passionate Tour Guide and Educator.I love to e...

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Jay was a great teacher, explaining the intricacies of astrophotography with passion & humour. His ‘insider tips’ are priceless. Highly recommended.”

Victor Peddemors, Blue Mountains Astromeet 16th September
GOVETTS LEAP SUNBURST
Lithgow Blast Furnace - 1st A7R4 Astro Shot

Jay is a very knowledgeable photographer who is willing to share his expertise and advice.”

Danielle O'dea, Blue Mountains Astromeet 6th October
Event capacity: 10