Winter Solstice Astro Workshop

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Luke Tscharke for a Winter Solstice Astrophotography Workshop at a dark sky location near Hobart! This session will focus on photographing the stars and Milky Way during one of the longest and darkest nights of the year, perfect for capturing awe-inspiring night sky images.

We'll begin at astronomical twilight to set up our equipment, then take full advantage of the dark conditions after 6:30 PM (it's amazing how early total darkness falls on the winter solstice!) to learn practical night photography skills. You'll discover how to focus properly in the dark, work with different compositions, and apply various techniques to get the most out of your camera at night. We'll also experiment with creative approaches like Milky Way "zoom bursts" that create striking effects in your images.

This hands-on workshop will cover both the technical and artistic aspects of night photography. You'll leave with new skills for capturing the night sky and practical tips you can apply to all your future night photography adventures.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 21 June 2025 (Winter Solstice)
• Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Location: The Springs, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington (near Lost Freight Cafe)
• Cost: $20 per person
• Group Size: Limited to 12 participants
• What to Bring: Camera, tripod (essential for night photography), warm clothing, headlamp/torch

Sony loan equipment will be available for you to try, including the FE 16mm f/1.8 G lens which works brilliantly for night sky photography. If you'd like to borrow equipment, you'll be asked to complete a short form after registering.

Our Winter Photography Series

This Winter Solstice Workshop is part of our winter photography program. If you're interested in building your skills progressively, check out our other events:

• Introduction to Low Light Photography - Online Session (19 May)
• Creative Light Painting Workshop - Hands-on Session (4 June)
• Hobart Dark Photo Walks - Urban Night Photography (5-6 June)
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Looking forward to sharing this special winter solstice evening with you! Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions before the event.

• Focusing techniques for star photography
• Optimal camera settings for astrophotography (ISO, aperture, shutter speed)
• Composition strategies for compelling night sky images
• Milky Way "zoom burst" creative techniques
• Using foreground elements to create depth in night photos
• Light painting to enhance landscape features (if time permits)
• Star trail photography methods (if time permits)

• Camera with manual mode capability
• Tripod (essential for night photography)
• Wide-angle lens (preferably f/2.8 or faster)
• Fully charged camera batteries (bring spares if possible) and empty memory cards
• Head torch
• Warm, layered clothing (it gets cold standing still at night)
• Gloves (preferably thin ones that allow camera operation)
• Thermos with hot drink (optional)
• Remote shutter release or intervalometer (if you need one, recent Sony Alpha cameras have this built in)