Perfecting Panos: Next Level Astro Photography

Ready to take your Astro photography to the next level? Following on from our beginner workshops we've developed this evening session to work on panoramas that take in the Milky Way. We'll also be practicing perfecting the foreground in your night sky photos.

Wellington-based astro and landscape photographer Chris McKeown, and supported by Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Rebecca McMillan, will guide you through what's required to plan, shoot, and process stunning panoramic images of the incredible night sky in Wellington.

We will host an online briefing on Tuesday, September 23rd (evening), to discuss settings and camera gear, answer questions and confirm the meetup location for the Thursday evening workshop. (This online briefing will be recorded: contact the host who will share this briefing with you when you book). 

On Thursday, September 25th, we will meet from 8pm at Wellington's Pukerua Bay. The following evening we will host an online tutorial to demonstrate how to process your images, with time for Q&A.

Please note: The date of the practical workshop may shift due to weather. All participants will be contacted by the host if a rain delay is required. 

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 briefing on Tuesday 23 September (A recorded webinar will be shared with attendees who register after this date)
• In person 2-3 hour workshop at Pukerua Bay on 25 September from approximately 8pm to 10pm
• Online two-hour tutorial on the 26 September to demonstrate how to process your panoramas
• A basic understanding of astro photography settings is helpful heading into this workshop

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. 

• 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 (e.g. 14mm, 24mm)
• Tripod (we will have a couple of spare, please let us know in advance if you need to borrow one)
• Head torch (ideally with a red light setting)
• Warm clothes

NZ$50 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 21/09/2025

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.