Steve J. Giardini Photography

Night Sky Photography Workshop

Cost: $200 Per Person

Workshop Overview

Discover how to create dynamic Milky Way and star trail photographs like a pro! Professional outdoor photographer Steve J. Giardini will coach you through the night sky pre-planning process, teach you field exposure techniques and skills, and provide post-processing photo file editing recommendations.

The workshop includes;

  • A 30-minute ZOOM night sky planning presentation.

  • A 4+ hour night sky field experience with step-by-step coaching.

  • A 30-minute follow-up ZOOM editing technique presentation.

Maximum Group Size: Five (5)

Workshop Cost: $200 per person

Workshop Dates & Times

Night Sky Learning Zoom Session

April 21, 2023, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PCT

Practical Field Experience Session

April 22, 2023, 8:00 pm to 2:00 am at John Day Fossil Bed National Monument, Painted Hills Unit, Mitchell, Oregon

IMPORTANT: Reserve April 23rd as an alternate field session date.

NOTE: Weather predictions are just that, predictions. A clear, or mostly clear sky is necessary. The best weather-predicting software will be used to assess pre-event conditions. Three (3) hours before the scheduled start of the workshop, participants will receive a ‘go’ or ‘no go’ message. Please reserve April 23, 2023, Sunday as an alternate date. If the weather is poor on Saturday, April 22nd, the field experience will be moved to Sunday, April 23rd. If both nights are canceled, you will receive a full refund or credit if preferred. Understand that there is no guarantee the weather will be perfect for the workshop.

Follow Up Zoom Editing Presentation Session

April 24, 2023, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PCT

Travel Logistics

If practical, the group will assemble at a central location and caravan to the field site.

What You Will Learn

You will learn;

  • Ideal conditions for night sky photography and how to research and plan a night sky outing.

  • Best lens choice and how to focus the camera at night. 

  • Best camera exposure settings for specific night sky objectives.

  • How to review, evaluate and adjust the exposure for a good capture.

  • Common field exposure issues and how troubleshooting.

  • How to evaluate photo files afterward and basic editing techniques.

Who Should Attend

All are welcome to register for the workshop. Photo enthusiasts with a good grasp of camera operations and knowledge of exposure modes will benefit the most from this workshop.

Night Sky Learning Zoom Session Topics

  • Overview of night sky photo concepts & objectives,

  • Discussion of pre-planning resources & how to create a plan,

  • Camera operation & exposure settings,

  • Night-focusing techniques,

  • Scenario-based practical walk-through,

  • Discussion of what to expect during the in-field experience,

  • Safety and etiquette discussion.

Field Practical Session

The goal is to capture single-exposure (one-shot) Milky Way photos and (one-shot) star trail images. Multiple image star trail technique will be discussed and may be practiced.

You will practice;

  • Camera & tripod set up,

  • Night sky scene composition,

  • Choosing a lens and night focusing techniques,

  • Camera exposure settings adjustments,

  • Taking, reviewing & evaluating images,

  • Adjusting and troubleshooting exposure issues.

Workshop Includes;

  • Professional instructor time

  • Digital pdf Night Sky Guide

Workshop Does Not Include;

  • Transportation to or from Bend, Oregon,

  • Transportation to & from the field practical location,

  • Lodging & meals.

Physical Fitness Requirement 

This workshop requires minimal physical exertion. Participants will be within walking distance of their vehicle. It will be nighttime and therefore dark and cool.

Recommended Equipment & Personal Items

  • Camera with a manual exposure mode,

  • Wide angle lens (14 to 35 mm best) with a large aperture f/2.8 to f/4,

  • Wired or wireless shutter release - programable interval timer preferred,

  • Sturdy tripod,

  • Large camera storage memory card or multiple smaller cards,

  • Several charged camera batteries,

  • Headlamp with a red light night mode preferred,

  • Clothing including shoes, hat & gloves for any weather conditions i.e. cold, warm, rain, wind, etc., blanket & folding chair optional,

  • Insect repellent if appropriate,

  • Water & snacks.

NOTE: This workshop includes a computer image editing presentation. A hands-on in-person 2-hour basic editing session can be scheduled. The fee is $100.

PAYMENT, CANCELLATION POLICY & WAIVER REQUIREMENTS

Please read:

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Photo Workshop Indemnity Waiver

All participants must sign a standard indemnity waiver. A waiver form with be sent to you following registration. You may either email us a photo of a signed form or present at the workshop. Thank you.

Questions & Clarification

Call Steve (480.204.3109) or email (steve@giardiniphotography.com) with your questions. He would be happy to answer them for you.

Cancelation Policy: If you must cancel your field practice session, please notify us 5 days in advance. To cancel a registration call (480-204-3109) or send an email. Thank you.

General Statement of Advice

We recommend that you obtain travel/cancellation insurance. 

Camera equipment insurance is always encouraged.