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!
AND if you want to learn to edit your Dark Sky Astro images to make them pop then sign up for the Dark Sky Editing Workshop as well!
You'll Achieve
- 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, just what works
- 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
💻 Bonus: Add the Editing Workshop! and you’ll also learn how to:
- Make your images pop with post-editing
- Use Adobe Lightroom Classic to bring out detail, colour and that wow-factor
- Take your photos from good to breathtaking - without overediting
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 learning and playing with your camera, no stress or tech snobbery
Mastering sark 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.
AND
When you sign up for the Dark Sky Astro Editing Workshop you'll learn how to make your photos pop by editing them in Adobe Lightroom Classic
NB: This workshop is NOT designed for cell phone photos or cameras with no manual features
About your Tutor
Hi I'm Celia Walmsley, professional photographer based in stunning Central Otago and Wellington.
I've been photographing seriously for over 30 years (yes I started on film and darkroom) and been a full-time professional photographer for over 12 years with my company Stagebox Photography.
Professionally I specialise in people photography including Weddings, Portraits, Branding, professional Ballet and Dance and teaching Photography Workshops. Being based in Central Otago, Landscape and Dark Sky photography are my passions.
I'm passionate about tutoring photography and helping you to get the best out of your camera and helping you create images that truly excite you.
I hold a Master of Fine Arts (Photography) and Certificate in Tertiary Teaching.
Check out some images created by participants from previous workshops
You'll Learn
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 - 3pm)
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 hour) Dark Sky Editing workshop (optional)
Beginner friendly hands-on practice on both days
Comprehensive workbook
Experienced tuition from pro photographer, Celia Walmsley
Learning in a small group (usually max 6 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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