Intro to Astrophotography: Capturing the Night Sky – Wellington and Surrounds

From $249

Beginners and enthusiasts eager to learn how to photograph the night sky, stars, and celestial events.

DELIVERABLES :
DURATION :

About the Workshop

Workshop Locations:

Discover the beauty of the night sky in some of Wellington’s most breathtaking spots, each offering unique opportunities to capture stunning astrophotography. Whether you prefer a quick session close to the city or a more immersive experience further afield, I’ve got you covered.

Workshop Overview

This beginner-friendly astrophotography workshop is made to help you master the basics while exploring Wellington’s scenic nightscapes. You’ll learn everything from gear setup to capturing the stars and editing your images, with me guiding you every step of the way.

Locations and Packages

1. Wellington Red Rocks

A stunning coastal location just a short drive from the city, Red Rocks offers dramatic seascapes combined with dark skies.

Timeframe & Duration:

  • 30 minutes: Pre-shoot planning and setup
  • 1 hours: On-site shooting session
  • 30 minutes: Post-shoot editing session

What’s Included:

  • Travel to and from the location
  • Hands-on guidance with gear setup and composition
  • Step-by-step post-processing tutorial

Price: 249NZD per person
(Take your partner for FREE; not suitable for children under 15)

2. Baring Head Lighthouse

This lesser-known gem near Wellington offers a quieter location with coastal charm and a historic lighthouse that makes for a perfect foreground in astrophotography.

You can learn more about the location here in my blog post

Baring Head Lighthouse & Milky Way Core

Timeframe & Duration:

  • 40 minutes: Drive to the location (about 20-30 minutes walk to get to the lighthouse)
  • 1 hour: On-site shooting session
  • 60 minutes: Post-shoot editing session

What’s Included:

  • Travel to and from the location
  • Snacks and water during the session
  • Guided practice with camera settings and composition
  • One-on-one editing session

Price: 499 NZD per person
(Take your partner for FREE; not suitable for children under 15)

3. Wairarapa (Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve)

As one of New Zealand’s official dark sky reserves, Wairarapa offers unbeatable opportunities for capturing crystal-clear starry skies.

Timeframe & Duration:

  • 1.5 hours: Drive to the location
  • 2 hours: On-site shooting session
  • 60 minutes: Post-shoot editing session

What’s Included:

  • Travel to and from the location
  • Snacks and water (warm food available upon request)
  • Night sky planning tips with apps like PhotoPills
  • One-on-one guidance for perfecting your shots
  • Post-session editing walkthrough

Price: 699 NZD per person
(Take your partner for FREE; not suitable for children under 15)

4. Cape Palliser (Award-Winning Location)

Cape Palliser’s iconic lighthouse and rugged coastal scenery make it a favorite among astrophotographers, offering dramatic compositions under pristine skies.

Castle Point Lighthouse

Timeframe & Duration:

  • 2 hours: Drive to Cape Palliser
  • 2-3 hours: On-site shooting session
  • 60 minutes: Post-shoot editing session

What’s Included:

  • Travel to and from the location
  • Snacks, water, and optional warm food for longer sessions
  • Expert guidance on advanced composition techniques (utilizing the lighthouse and coastline)
  • Editing tips for creating award-winning night sky images

Price: $899 per person
(Take your partner for FREE; not suitable for children under 15)

What You’ll Learn

Astrophotography Basics:

  • Mastering your camera settings: ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance
  • Techniques for focusing on stars and avoiding blurry shots
  • How to compose your shots with foreground elements like lighthouses or rock formations

Planning Your Shots:

  • Using apps like Stellarium or PhotoPills to plan celestial compositions
  • Understanding moon phases, Milky Way season, and light pollution

Hands-On Shooting:

  • Guided setup of your camera and gear
  • Capturing the stars with or without star trackers
  • Troubleshooting common issues like noise, fogging, or low light challenges

Post-Processing:

  • Editing basics with Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop
  • Enhancing colors, reducing noise, and achieving a polished look
  • Tips for creating impactful, share-worthy photos

What to Bring

  • Your DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings
  • A wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or lower recommended)
  • A sturdy tripod
  • Warm clothing and comfortable shoes
  • Optional: Remote shutter release or intervalometer

Additional Details

  • One Partner Free: Bring one partner at no additional cost (must be aged 15 or older).
  • Travel & Snacks: All packages include transportation to the location, snacks, and water. Warm food can be arranged for longer sessions upon request.
  • Suitability: These workshops are not suitable for children under 15 due to the duration and nighttime conditions.

Why Join This Workshop?

Wellington and its surrounding areas offer some of the most spectacular nightscapes in New Zealand, and with my guidance, you’ll be able to capture these moments like a pro. Whether you’re new to astrophotography or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will leave you with unforgettable experiences and stunning images to cherish.

Contact and Booking

Ready to capture the beauty of the night sky? Let’s make it happen!
To book your spot or ask any questions, feel free to get in touch:

Spots are limited to ensure a personalized experience, so book early to secure your preferred date and location. I look forward to helping you capture the magic of the stars!

Important Information

Weather Conditions: Workshops are subject to weather conditions, as clear skies are essential for astrophotography. If the forecast predicts unfavorable conditions, I will notify you in advance, and we can reschedule to a suitable date.

Cancellations & Rescheduling: If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Last-minute cancellations may incur a fee.

Fitness Level: Some locations involve walking on uneven terrain or climbing small hills. Please ensure you are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Gear Responsibility: Participants are responsible for their own photography gear, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and accessories. I cannot be held liable for any loss, theft, or damage to your equipment during the workshop.

Injury Disclaimer: While I will take all reasonable precautions to ensure your safety, participants are responsible for their own well-being during the workshop. I cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur during travel, on-site, or otherwise related to the workshop.