Photographing Night Skies
Have you ever stood beneath a starry sky and viewed the amazing array of celestial bodies, such as the Milky Way, a comet, a meteor shower and even the moon? Do you dream of being able to capture images of the night skies, or did you look at photos and think, I could never do that? Maybe you’ve even tried and come away with images that were less than pleasing? Maybe you’ve just been afraid to try? Or maybe, you just had no idea how to go about getting started.
If that’s you, then join us for a learning opportunity designed just for you!
We will begin with an approximately two hour (online) class that will go through everything you need to know to get started in astrophotography. We will discuss gear choices and the difference they can make, when to go out in search of specific subjects in the sky, how to locate them, and how to easily capture them to create amazing images of your own. We will specifically discuss how to photograph the moon, stars, star trails, and the Milky Way. Detailed information will be given on composition, exposure settings, dealing with the problem of digital noise, focusing to get sharp stars and more!
We will also discuss how to prepare for success using useful apps, such as Clear Skies, Star Walk, Photo Pills and The Photographers Ephemeris. Though this will not be a class on all that these apps can do, you will gain an understanding of the simple tools that will help you to determine what day and what time of day to go out, what to avoid, how to decide where to set up to shoot, and more.
Pre-trek class details: Due to time constraints and challenging schedules, the class will be pre-recorded and be available to watch beginning Friday August 6th. A live follow-up Zoom mtg will take place on Tuesday August 10, at 7pm, for participants to ask any questions they may have prior to the photo trek. In order to help participants best prepare, the class is mandatory for attending the actual photo trek, and will help minimize confusion on location in the dark. The Zoom meeting is not mandatory, but is offered to any questions from the class. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.
The location shoot will take place at French Creek State Park, and will begin at 7:30pm and last to approximately 11pm. This will provide the opportunity to photograph the sunset and then allow plenty of time to get set up for photographing the skies. French Creek is one of the darkest areas in southeast PA, and offers the ability to safely and conveniently gather as a group for a great learning opportunity. Exact location and meeting spot will be given upon registration.
Date for workshop is set to coincide with the peak of the Perseids Meteor show
The photo trek will be held on Saturday August 14, 2021 from 7:30-11pm, weather-permitting. In case of rain or extreme cloudiness, the trek will be rescheduled to Saturday August 20th, same place and time.
Please note special protective measures that will be in place throughout the in-person trek.
Updated Terms & Conditions – Valerie A Hoffman Photography (June 2020)
Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to me. As we begin to navigate the reopening of business in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, the following updated policies are being put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all workshop attendees, as well as those who we will come in contact with during events.
I will be following and adhering to state and CDC mandates going forward until we are clear of the threat of spreading the virus.
That being said, here is what you need to know and comply with:
- Anyone who is sick with COVID like symptoms or has a fever over 100 degrees must not attend the event. Amount paid may be put towards a future workshop, or can be refunded in full if notice is given in advance. Suggest checking your temperature BEFORE leaving home.
- Face Masks – Not currently mandated but are encouraged whenever you are in close (6 foot) proximity of other participants. When you are apart from others, you may remove the mask.
- Workshop participants will be limited to a smaller than usual number
- Indoor classes will also be limited in attendance based on the venue, so participants can be seated the appropriate distance apart
*Please note that this is a fluid situation and may change based on governmental directives, CDC recommendations and legal advisement
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Updated Terms & Conditions – Valerie A Hoffman Photography (March 2023)
As we live in our new ‘normal’, the following updated policies are being put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all workshop attendees, as well as those who we will come in contact with during events.
That being said, here is what you need to know and comply with:
- Anyone who is sick with COVID like symptoms or has a fever over 100 degrees must not attend the event. Amount paid may be put towards a future workshop, or can be refunded in full if notice is given in advance. Suggest checking your temperature BEFORE leaving home. By registering for an event, you also agree to a touchless temperature check at the initial gathering for any workshop or trek.
- Face Masks are optional unless otherwise specified.
Cancellation Policy:
Two (2) weeks notice is required to receive a full refund. 75% refund of the Trek fee with only one (1) week notice. NO refund will be given if less than one (1) week notice is given for cancellation. Must call to cancel. We reserve the right to cancel the Trek at our discretion. Minimum number of participants is necessary to run event.