About the event
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Jay's Astrophotography Workshop in the stunning Blue Mountains. This immersive experience is designed for photography enthusiasts of all levels who are eager to capture the breathtaking beauty of the night sky.
What You'll Experience:
Expert Coaching and Tuition
Our workshop offers comprehensive coaching and tuition to equip you with the skills needed to photograph the night sky. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, Jay will guide you through each step, ensuring you leave with images you'll be proud of.
Scenic Locations and Epic Vistas
Join us as we explore 3-4 carefully selected astro locations, traveling in a dedicated 4WD tour vehicle from Katoomba. As the Milky Way transits the sky, we'll move from east to west-facing compositions, capturing stunning celestial and terrestrial scenes. Be prepared for an all-night adventure, as we shoot until the early hours of the morning.
Post-Processing Mastery
After our on-location session, you'll have time to rest before reconvening for an online post-processing tutorial via Zoom. Learn Jay's efficient nightscape workflows and receive personalized feedback on your images. If you can't join live, don't worry – the session will be recorded and made available for you to watch at your convenience.
Astrophotography in the Blue Mountains
Located less than two hours from Sydney, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area offers over one million hectares of protected landscape, free from city light pollution. Capture the Milky Way and stars against a backdrop of vast sandstone valleys, eucalypt forests, and dramatic natural features.
On-Location Photography Coaching
Before setting up at each location, we'll cover astro planning tips, essential equipment, and setup techniques for nightscaping. Learn to locate the Milky Way, find the Southern celestial pole, and adjust your camera settings for different types of nightscape and astro images. We'll also share practical tips on headlamp etiquette, low-level lighting, managing lens fog, and capturing panoramas and timelapses.
Licensed Parks EcoPass & Accredited Guide
Rest assured, Jay is licensed to operate photography tours and bushwalk activities in NSW National Parks under an Eco Pass License # LIC20/116. This ensures a responsible and environmentally conscious approach to exploring and capturing the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Respect for Traditional Owners
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands we visit – the Gundungurra, Dharug, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung, and Tharawal people. We pay our respects to their elders past, present, and future.
Why Join Us?
- Comprehensive Learning Experience: Gain hands-on experience with expert guidance, ensuring you learn and grow as a night sky photographer.
- Stunning Locations: Photograph the Milky Way and stars in one of Australia's most picturesque and accessible dark sky locations.
- Flexible Post-Processing Tutorials: Access live tutorials or recorded sessions to refine your skills and perfect your images at your own pace.
Workshop Details:
- Location: Blue Mountains, departing from Katoomba
- Duration: All-night shooting session followed by next-day online post-processing tutorial
- Transport: Dedicated 4WD tour vehicle
- Group Size: Small groups for personalized attention
- Equipment: Bring your own camera and tripod; additional gear recommendations provided upon booking
Example Itinerary
Day 1 - Astro Shoot
4PM – Meet at Katoomba Railway Station
4:30PM – Depart for Astro Shoot
5PM – 2AM – Travel between Astro Locations with on-location tutoring
2AM – Return to Katoomba
3AM – On-location Workshop closes
Processing & Tutorials
We will organise a suitable time to host our online post processing session with the group to ensure everyone is available. These times are just a guide.
7PM – Post Processing via Zoom Conference
9PM – Ask any questions
9:30PM – Workshop Closeout
*Bad Weather Policy for Astrophotography Workshops
Try as we might, we just can’t control the weather (and we have tried to build an app to do it for us!). Our workshop dates are planned around the best times in the moon cycle to capture the night skies. In order to build a calendar for each year, we have to specify dates at a time where there is no visible or accurate forecast for weather conditions on those dates.
As a consequence, by booking you place on this workshop, you will be agreeing to our Bad Weather Policy for Astrophotography Workshops as outlined below:
- This workshop is weather dependant, and we cannot guarantee you will capture images of the night sky when you attend.
- In the event of cloudy skies, we will still continue with the workshop itinerary and no cancellations will be considered.
- Where cloud prevents us from capturing the night sky we will go through some light painting activities until skies clear or the workshop concludes.
- Where rain or storms occur during the workshop, we will suspend outdoor activities and seek shelter until rain or storms pass or the workshop concludes.
- In these cases, we will attempt to invite you to a subsequent astro event based on availability. These events generally occur on a monthly basis in Astro season and are classed as meet ups rather than workshops. Places on these events are limited, on a first come first served basis. If you are unable to attend the first available event, we may not be able to invite you to subsequent events. This policy is a best endeavor approach on our part to try to ensure you get to photograph some clear night skies as part of your workshop, however, you must agree you are not liable for a refund if we cannot.
- In the event of extreme weather conditions where very heavy rainfall, electrical storms or very high winds are forecast, we may opt to cancel or postpone the workshop. Cancellation by us will see your workshop fees refunded. Postponements will occur on a date mutually agreeable to all members of the group.
Techniques covered
- Learn how to plan your Astrophotography and Nightscapes
- Learn how to setup your camera for Astro and Nightscapes
- Learn about the night sky and how to locate the Milky Way
- Capture the Blue Mountains at night with a rising/setting Milky Way & star trails
- Learn the settings to use to capture the Milky Way or Star Trails
- Learn how to process your Astro images
What to bring
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and manual controls
- Wide angle lenses (anything from 10mm-24mm preferably f/2.8 or wider apertures)
- Sturdy tripod, Head & appropriate plates/mountings for your camera
- Shutter remote (cable or wireless)
- Fully charged batteries
- Empty memory cards
- A small towel to cover your camera
- ESSENTIAL – a working Headlamp
- Warm layered clothing suitable for winter weather
- Sturdy hiking Boots or shoes
- Water bottle
- A comfortable camera backpack with room for extra clothing
Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)
Apart from Astro photography coaching & tuition from your highly experienced photography guide and tutor, your fee covers my business costs for hosting such tours in NSW National Parks, Council Reserves and Crown Lands which includes:
- Your National Park Entry Fees ($4.64 per person per day).
- NSW National Parks EcoPass License Fees
- Public Liability Insurance to cover Bushwalking and Wilderness Activities (a Requirement of my EcoPass License)
- An Experienced and Accredited Guide and Photography Educator with Remote Area First Aid Accreditation.
- Tour Vehicle Expenses, Fuel and Insurance
- Other Ancillary costs.
Accommodation is not included in your tour cost. Due to the late conclusion of the workshop, we recommend staying in the Blue Mountains for the rest of the night to rest. Why not #goblue #stayanightortwo and book into one of Katoomba or Leura's many guest houses or hotels for the duration. If you are looking for any recommendations, please contact me and I can discuss the options with you directly.
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport to/from the Blue Mountains
- Optional experience costs (where applicable)
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