Tasmanian Aurora and Nightscape Chase 2: October 2023 - 3 days

PLEASE NOTE: The $875 ticket price here on Sony Scene is the deposit required to secure your spot. The full cost of this 3-day Chase is AUD $1,750. Please see the pricing section below for additional balance payment details before booking.

Join professional landscape photographer Luke Tscharke, on a unique 3-day, 2-night adventure chasing Tasmania's clearest skies to photograph the Aurora Australis and milky way at iconic locations. It's an exciting time to be an aurora chaser as the solar maximum is fast approaching - the point at which the sun is the most active during its 11-year cycle. This generally leads to the highest level of auroral activity, providing increased opportunities to photograph this natural display.

Finding the Best Aurora Location in Tasmania

We are doing something very different in this workshop. Our very small group size of 3 allows us maximum flexibility with our plans and options. Rather than being based in a pre-determined location and being at the mercy of the clouds and weather, we will have the entire state of Tasmania in play. 

Luke will review the weather forecast with the group and together we will determine the best possible location in Tasmania for night and aurora photography. We will then travel to this location and set our base there, meaning we should have the clearest skies in the state all to ourselves.

While we can never guarantee that the aurora will show, by timing this chase around the equinox in the dark sky period, and then travelling to a clear sky location, we are giving ourselves the very best chance. Even if the aurora doesn't show we are likely to have incredible conditions for milky way nightscape and astrophotography, which with Tasmania's extremely dark skies is an amazing consolation prize!

Potential locations include Cradle Mountain, Freycinet/Coles Bay, St Helens/Bay of Fires, Bruny Island, Hobart area, Stanley/Tarkine, Southwest/Lake Pedder, and Huon Valley. 

Chase Timing: Why the Equinox?

The equinox periods, both in spring and autumn, are renowned for their increased geomagnetic activities. For several weeks on either side of the equinox on September 23, the Earth's magnetic field interacts more readily with the solar wind, intensifying the breathtaking aurora displays. By aligning our Aurora Chase Workshop around the equinox period, we're increasing our chances of witnessing and photographing the Southern Lights in their full glory.

Chase Planning and Inclusions

As we won't have an initial fixed location we need to have an adaptable and flexible mindset, along with a sense of adventure. The logistics of the chase will work as follows:

• One week before the event: Brief online Zoom session for travel preparation and questions 
• Two days before the event: Online Zoom Chase plan session where we will review the weather and conditions to determine the Chase plan including shoot locations, accommodation, meals and any other considerations.
• First Chase day: Pick-up at the meeting point in Hobart (or alternate determined in planning session), drive to planned location, check-in at accommodation, visit planned shoot locations in daylight, sunset followed by aurora/night photography.
• Second Chase day: Sunrise shoot*, weather check, explore and photograph locations around the area, sunset followed by aurora/night photography.
• Third Chase day: Sunrise shoot*, check-out of accommodation, explore and shoot locations on the way back to Hobart, and return to the meeting point.

* For fatigue management sunrise shoots will be optional and based on how late we were up the night before

Accommodation

Being able to travel to the clearest skies in Tasmania is an incredible benefit but it does come with some challenges. As we will be booking accommodation with short notice, we must be mindful that this may come with some compromises. The goal will always be to find accommodation options where we will have our own private bedroom, however depending on availability we may need to twin share. Due to the flexible nature of this experience, the event pricing does not change if you have your own room or are sharing.

Accommodation arrangements and preferences can be discussed in the Zoom sessions before the event. The aim will be to stay in cost-effective but comfortable accommodation close to photography locations and to stay both nights in the same accommodation unless there is a significant benefit in changing locations. This assists with fatigue management and ensures we maximise our time out in the field.

Meals

This is an astronomy experience and not a gastronomy experience! Of course, we don't want you to go hungry, but we will be prioritising shoots over our stomachs. You will be buying and preparing your own food, with simple, nutritious meals to support your energy and focus during the experience being an excellent way to go. Depending on where we visit we may have an opportunity to eat out, noting that meal times may be significantly earlier than you're used to. We will have time to visit supermarkets and stock up on provisions, with easy-to-cook or no-cook meals being the preference, and nutritious snacks are always a good idea too. To summarise, what and when you eat will be up to you!

Personal Capabilities and Experience Level

Whilst having some night photography experience would undoubtedly be beneficial, all skill levels are catered for, whether you want some pointers or are after some more dedicated help out in the field. As part of the booking, you'll receive a link to Luke's online photography tutorial videos to assist with preparation. When planning the Chase, priority will be given to very accessible locations with short walks of up to 10 minutes, so a basic level of fitness is recommended. Luke will be there assisting you, and photographing alongside you, so you can learn and observe from him directly.

Pricing and Payment

Deposit: AUD $875
Balance Payment: AUD $875 due on Friday 15th September 2023
Total Price: AUD $1,750

The price by the booking button above is the deposit payable to secure your place in this workshop. The full price of the workshop is listed above. The balance payment is due three weeks before the event commences. After booking we will be in touch with additional information including final balance payment details.

Minimum numbers: A small group size of 3 people is required for the event to go ahead. A group of 2 (couple or friends) may be considered by paying a higher rate, contact Luke directly to organise. 

Cancellation: If you need to cancel your booking for any reason you will only be refunded the total amount (less booking fees) if we can find someone to take your place, or if you transfer the booking to another experience run by Luke. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Imagine standing under Tasmania's dark skies, camera in hand, as the Aurora Australis dances or milky way rises before your eyes. We'll do our very best to make sure that's you! With limited spots available, don't delay making your booking. Feel free to contact Luke if you have any further questions.

• Aurora Photography: Understanding and capturing the Southern Lights (conditions permitting)
• Nightscape Photography: Techniques for shooting the night sky and landscapes. 
• Landscape Photography: Daytime photography and sunset long exposures.
• Camera Settings: Tailoring settings for optimal night sky capture. 
• Composition: Framing and positioning for eye-catching images. 
• Post-Processing: Enhancing your photos to bring out the best in them. (where time permits)

• A full list of recommended equipment will be provided prior to the experience, but expect to bring:
• Warm clothing and sturdy footwear (weather-appropriate). 
• Camera with manual settings and a tripod. 
• Lenses, especially a wide-angle lens suitable for night photography. 
• Remote or cable shutter release if an external device is required.
• Headtorch, spare batteries and memory cards. 
• A sense of adventure and excitement!