TAKE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY INTO THE NIGHT

The workshop is designed for photographers who already understand the basics of ISO, aperture and shutter speed and can operate a DSLR or mirrorless camera in manual mode.

You do not need previous astrophotography experience.

You’ll learn the complete field process, from planning a dark-sky shoot and finding a composition before darkness to focusing accurately, choosing an exposure and capturing cleaner night-sky photographs.

The group is limited to 6 photographers, allowing time for practical help with your own camera. Participants must be 18 or older.

Plan to be available from approximately 16:30 until 23:30. The final meeting time and exact location will be confirmed in the participant briefing.

The evening will include:

• Meeting in Agios Petros

• Driving towards the photography location in participants’ own vehicles

• A short, easy approach and site orientation

• Finding compositions while there is still light

• Setting up and photographing sunset and twilight

• Practical instruction in focusing, exposure and histogram use

• Night-sky photography with individual guidance

• A star-tracker demonstration

• Packing up and returning to the vehicles together

Timings may shift slightly according to access, light, weather and the pace of the group.

Please bring:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls

• A wide-angle lens—ideally the widest and brightest lens you own

• A sturdy tripod

• At least one fully charged spare battery

• A memory card with sufficient free space

• A lens cloth

• Your camera manual downloaded to your phone if you are unfamiliar with its night-time controls

A fast lens is helpful, but specialist equipment is not required. Kit lenses and f/4 lenses can still be used with the right technique.

If you are uncertain whether your equipment is suitable, send me your camera and lens models before booking. I’ll give you an honest answer.

Although the approach is easy and non-technical, this is a mountain environment and the return takes place after dark.

Please bring:

• Closed footwear with good grip

• Warm layers

• A windproof or weather-resistant outer layer

• A hat and light gloves

• A headlamp, preferably with a red-light mode

• Spare headlamp batteries

• A small backpack

• Water and snacks

• Any personal medication you may require

Temperatures can feel considerably colder once you stop moving and stand beside a tripod. Facilities, shelter and mobile reception may be limited or unavailable at the photography location.

No tent or camping equipment is required for the workshop.

The meeting point will be in Agios Petros, Arcadia. From there, we will continue towards the photography location in participants’ own vehicles.

Transport is not included in the workshop price.

Participants can offer or request a place in a car during registration. I can connect people interested in carpooling, but transport arrangements remain independent agreements between drivers and passengers and cannot be guaranteed.

The exact meeting pin, road information, parking location and final timings will be sent to confirmed participants before the event.

Your booking includes:

• A pre-workshop briefing and equipment checklist

• Guidance on planning a dark-sky photography session

• Practical instruction from daylight through darkness

• Composition scouting before sunset

• Manual-focus and exposure coaching

• Guidance on histograms, white balance and noise management

• Individual help with your own camera

• An introduction to stacking and foreground/sky techniques

• A practical star-tracker demonstration

• A final independent photography challenge

• Group leadership to and from the photography location

Transport, camera rental, food, accommodation, camping, personal insurance and computer-based post-processing instruction are not included.

The workshop teaches a repeatable field process. A particular celestial subject or finished image cannot be guaranteed because sky and weather conditions remain variable.

Astrophotography depends on cloud cover, visibility, wind and safe mountain access.

A first weather update will be sent approximately 72 hours before the workshop. The final go/no-go decision is expected by 18:00 on 9 October, unless conditions change unexpectedly afterward.

If conditions do not allow a safe and worthwhile workshop, you may choose either:

• A place on the replacement date, or

• A full refund

Partial cloud does not automatically mean cancellation. The decision will be based on the overall safety and educational value of the evening.

The route, photography location, timings or programme may be adjusted if weather, access or safety requires it. Participants must remain with the group during the approach and return and follow safety instructions.

The walk is short and non-technical but takes place over uneven mountain ground while carrying personal camera equipment.

Accommodation and organised camping are not included.

The official workshop ends after the group returns safely to the vehicles.

Anyone wishing to remain in the area must make their own lawful accommodation or camping arrangements.

Any activity after the official end of the workshop is independent of the event.

The price is €80 per participant. Full payment confirms your place.

The workshop is limited to six participants and requires a minimum of four paid bookings. If the minimum group is not reached, you will be informed no later than 5 October and offered either a full refund or a transfer to a future date.

If you cancel:

• More than seven days before the workshop: full refund

• Seven days or fewer before the workshop: your place may be transferred to another suitable participant, or refunded if it can be filled from the waiting list

• Non-attendance without notice: no refund

If the workshop is cancelled by the organiser, you will receive a full refund or may transfer your booking to the replacement date.

Each participant should complete their own booking and registration.