Astrophotography Evenings

My landscape astrophotography course and tours are very popular but successful results in the field are weather-dependent. I am therefore offering landscape astrophotography evenings in Wiltshire, Dorset or Somerset, arranged at short notice to take advantage of forecast for clear skies. They will make the most of ancient monuments, follies and ruined churches, which are such evocative features of the West Country and make great foreground to the night sky. Where possible I will negotiate exclusive access for our group with the site owners. Typically these evenings will last from an hour before sunset until midnight, 1am or 2am depending on the time of year. Our astronomical targets may include one or more of the Milky Way, planets, stars, the International Space Station, passing comets and meteor showers. Full guidance will be given in the field, but it will be useful if you have a grasp of basic principles such as how to focus and set exposure at night, for example from attending one of my Landscape Astrophotography Courses and/or my book Photographing the Heavens.

These evenings will usually be advertised two or three days in advance by email to those people who have subscribed to my mailing list to receive them. They may also be advertised on my Facebook Page. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. I will then confirm the event is running between 24 and 36 hours beforehand, taking account of the latest weather information. You will then need to pay by PayPal, after which you will receive joining instructions.

To make the most of this opportunity you will need to bring a DSLR camera (ideally full frame) or equivalent, a fast wide angle lens (ideally with a maximum aperture of f/2 or f/2.8 and a minimum focal length of 14mm to 16mm (at most 24mm) on a full frame camera, equivalent to 10mm on a cropped sensor camera), a sturdy tripod and a lockable cable release.

Maximum group size: Six.

Cost: Typically £50 but may vary to take account of admission charges to locations.

Included: Entry to stated location, tuition in field, lighting of foreground subjects.

Not included: Travel to location, drinks and refreshments, accommodation.

To receive invitations to these astrophotography evenings, email me with "Please subscribe me to astrophotography evenings" as your subject line.