AU NZ

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

AU NZ
Luke Tscharke
-
Advocate

Winter Solstice Astro Workshop

Tasmanian Dark Skies, Hobart, TAS
Sat 21 Jun
Luke Tscharke
Image: Alpha 7R V (A7RM5)
Learn night sky techniques during the longest night of the year

About the event

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: Dark sky location near Hobart (location details will be provided closer to the event date)
  • 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:

Weather Policy

Clear skies are essential for astrophotography. If weather conditions are unfavourable (heavy cloud or rain), we'll reschedule the workshop and notify all participants at least 24 hours in advance.

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.

Techniques covered

The following techniques may be covered during this session:
  • 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)

What to bring

  • 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)
Sat 21 Jun 2025, 6:00PM - 8:30PM
Suitable for all levels
7 going, 5 spot(s) left
A$20 per/person    Book now
2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

Celebrating its tenth year, the Alpha Awards showcase the very best of photography captured on a Sony Alpha camera and lens, giving you the chance to share in over $60,000 (AUD) worth of Sony digital imaging gear. 

Terms and conditions apply.*

Advocate

Luke Tscharke

Hi there! I'm a landscape, nature, and travel photographer living and working in Hobart, Tasmania. Photography has always held a special place in my heart, but ...

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