Bouddi Coast Astromeet 8th March 2024

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans as we embark on a journey through the cosmos with at our eagerly anticipated second Astromeet of the year! Prepare to be dazzled as we venture to the breathtaking coastal haven of Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast. Here, amidst the rugged beauty of sandstone cliffs sculpted by time, we'll witness a celestial spectacle like no other.

Under the cloak of night, immerse yourself in the enchanting dance of the Milky Way as it ascends majestically over the horizon, casting its ethereal glow upon the pristine coastline below. With a plethora of captivating compositions awaiting discovery, every participant will have ample opportunity to capture the magic through their lens.

But this event isn't just about capturing stunning images—it provides a concise learning experience. With Jay as a seasoned Nightscaper imparting invaluable knowledge on safety protocols, astrophotography etiquette, and techniques for locating and capturing the Milky Way. Delve into the art of crafting unique compositions amidst the rugged terrain, and master advanced capture techniques to elevate your astroscape photography to new heights.

As the night progresses, we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of astroscape lighting, ensuring every participant can skillfully illuminate the magnificent sandstone cliffs, unveiling their intricate patterns and textures in all their glory.

Prepare to be spellbound as we journey through the night, photographing the celestial wonders above and witnessing the birth of a new day as the sun rises over the horizon. Join us for an unforgettable experience as we shoot the Milky Way and Star Trails, forging memories that will last a lifetime.

NOTE: The meeting time is 11:00PM on Friday evening and we will shoot through to early Saturday morning.

Meeting Time: Friday 8th March 2023, 11:00 PM

Galactic Core Visible - 23:58 til 05:26 

Sunrise - 06:51 

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 can have some light painting fun around Putty Beach and the coastal walk if the skies fail to clear for us. 

Parking - Once inside Bouddi National Park, park at the end of Putty Beach Road at the eastern most end. Use this pin to navigate to the meeting spot.

https://goo.gl/maps/jdAVQztGjg49bGrAA

• Night shooting safety
• Locating the Milky Way
• Quick Milky Way settings
• Focusing in the dark
• Night shooting etiquette
• Looking for the Unique
• Managing Lens Fog

• 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 we will be traversing rocky cliff tops along the coastline.