Intro to Astrophotography - Star Trails Workshop

Learn how to photograph star trails in the night sky, with tips from professional photographer Leith Robertson!

When a camera captures a star's movement across the sky, it's called a star trail. The resulting photos are dazzling and hypnotic.

We'll meet at our location for photography - Lower Pitone Rd between Oakura and Okato by 8:45pm. This spot offers a beautiful coastal setting and prime positioning to capture the southern celestial pole. If you do not have transport, carpooling can be arranged free of charge from New Plymouth or Opunake.

Once at location, we'll set up our cameras and Leith will share his experience on planning, taking and processing star trail photography. The session will conclude at 10:30pm.

The equipment requirements for a star trail tutorial are:
- a DSLR with the widest lens you have (in the range 14-24mm). Many non-DSLR digital cameras will also work, so long as they provide the option of manual control over ISO (up to 1600), shutter speed (up to 30 seconds), aperture, Live View manual focusing, and have the ability to shoot continuously when triggered with a remote shutter control.
- Tripod
- Remote Shutter Control (can be just a switch but needs to be able to "latch" on)
- Headlamp or small torch
- Warm clothes & sturdy footwear
- Patience and a sense of humour are also valuable for astrophotography!

Spaces are limited so booking is essential.