Would you love to?
Capture the stars like never before?
Create stunning shots of the Milky Way with your own camera?
Be proud to share your own Dark Sky Astro images or put them on the wall?
Yes? Then this hands-on beginner-friendly Dark Sky Astro Photography Workshop is for you!
This workshop is about
Creating your first great Dark Sky Astro Photographs on your own camera or
Improving your basic dark sky photo skills
Hands-on help with zero pressure – it’s all about having fun and learning with your camera
Mastering dark sky camera techniques on your own DSLR or Mirrorless camera
Creating pin sharp dark sky astro images that you're totally proud of!
It’s super chill and beginner-friendly - no stress or tech snobbery!
This is a 2-day workshop. On day 1 you'll learn how to take brilliant Dark Sky Astro images and then on day 2 you'll make them sparkle in the Dark Sky Editing Workshop using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
This is a very small group workshop of 4-5 people so you get very individual attention, can resolve issues and achieve sparkling results with your camera. Places go quickly so book early.
NB: This workshop is NOT designed for cell phone photos or cameras with no manual features.
What You'll Actually Get Good At
- The skills to capture stunning night sky images using your own camera—yes, even if you're just starting out
- Pin sharp focus in the dark – finally learn how to get crisp, clear stars (no more blurry blobs!)
- Clarity on what gear you actually need - bye-bye overwhelm and spending money on gear you don't need
- Confidence to troubleshoot in the dark, so you can shoot on your own again later
- Scroll-stopping, wall-worthy images you’ll be proud to share (and maybe even frame!).
- A mighty confidence boost in your photography skills - and the inspiration to keep going
- The skills to make your images sparkle with post-editing
- Use Adobe Lightroom Classic to bring out detail, colour and that wow-factor
- Take your dark sky photos from good to breathtaking - without overediting
Workshop Investment
$315 for the 2-day workshop including Lightroom Editing Workshop or $160 for Dark Sky Astro Photography workshop (Day 1 evening) or Dark Sky Editing Workshop (Day 2 daytime)
Small group hands-on learning so book early (usually 6 people except Dark Sky Astro, which is smaller usually 4)
About your Tutor
Hey there! I’m Celia Walmsley
Photographer, tutor, camera whisperer—and your guide to finally figuring out how to use that 'good' camera of yours.
I’m based in the stunning landscapes of Central Otago and the creative buzz of Wellington, and I’ve been hooked on photography for over 30 years (yep, I started back in the film-and-darkroom days!).
For the past 12+ years, I’ve run my business, Stagebox Photography, working full-time as a professional photographer—think weddings, portraits, personal branding, ballet and dance.
When I’m not capturing movement and moments, you’ll find me out chasing golden light, dramatic landscapes, and starry skies.
I also have a Master of Fine Arts in Photography and a Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, so yes—teaching is my jam too.
I love helping people go from camera-confused to confident photographers. Whether you’ve just unboxed your DSLR/Mirrorless camera or you’ve had it a while and still feel like you’re guessing—this workshop is for you.
We’ll ditch the jargon, keep it fun, and help you start making images you’re genuinely proud of.
Let’s get that camera working for you—not against you.
Check out some images created by participants from previous workshops
You'll Cover
This is a two-day workshop
Day 1 is the Dark Sky Astro Photography evening practical hands-on workshop (5pm - 10.30pm) combining a bit of class learning and the rest under the stars
- We start on sundown and break down the mystery of Dark Sky Astro Photography and set up your camera and gear ready for your hands-on shoot
- Then we head out to capture your first photos of the night sky
- We return to the warm regularly to warm up and review your photos
We cover:
- Your camera set up, location, gear
- Master manual settings on your camera – No more guesswork—just confidence in shooting in low light
- How to frame and balance your shots for impact and drama
- How to get crisp, clear stars (not blurry blobs!).
- What makes a Dark Sky Astro image pop
- Lenses you need and don't need
- Trouble shooting in the dark
- Hands-on success at last!
Day 2 is a Dark Sky Astro Photo Editing workshop daytime hands-on practical (10am - 3.30pm)
We cover:
- Uploading the Dark Sky images you took the night before to Adobe Lightroom Classic on your laptop
- Introductory editing skills for making your Dark Sky images pop
- Exporting your Dark Sky images in various formats to share on line or print and put on the wall
You receive
- One evening (5-6 hour) Dark Sky hands-on workshop plus
- One day time (5.5 hour) Dark Sky Editing workshop
- Beginner friendly, fun hands-on practice on both days
- Comprehensive workbook
- Experienced tuition from pro photographer, Celia Walmsley
- Learning in a small group (usually max 5 people)
- Hot soup and hot drinks on the evening workshop
- Personal attention
- Fun and learning with fellow night sky photography beginners.
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