This workshop was replaced with a FIELD EVENT instead.

Friday, August 10th, 5:00 PM  to Sunday, August 12th Noon (with an optional extra day), to catch the Milky Way and the Perseid Meteor shower which peaks on the the 12th.

Early Registration until June 7, 2018: $525 for one photographer
Registration after June 7:  $625 per photographer
REGISTRATION Deadline:  July 16, 2018.


Minimum Attendance:   3 participants*.
Maximum Attendance:   8 participants*.

*Subject to change if we add additional instructors, but we will make sure that there are no more than 8 students per instructor.

NOTE: This will be an intimate event with one instructor: Steven Christenson, Astronomy Photographer of the Year.

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Imagine photographing the night skies against the background of Mt. Whitney and the High Sierra! Under the auspices of Star Circle Academy, the Alabama Hills Workshop will be a chance to hone your night photography skills, learn new skills both behind the camera and in the digital darkroom, and come home with spectacular, unique images based upon the stunning clarity and unusual topography of California’s Eastern Sierra and the dark night skies.

The Alabama Hills Workshop by StarCircleAcademy is for anyone who wants to learn more about the exciting world of digital night photography, or who wants to take their night photography to the next level. We have extensively scouted the location and will take you to fantastic locations that will inspire you.

The workshop covers the following topics in the field among fascinating geological formations:

• Night exposure basics – and beyond.
• Tips for getting the composition just right:  including sneaky ways to insure your framing and focusing are just as you expect.
• Getting a compelling foreground using light painting, natural light, and photo processing skills.
• How to navigate the night sky – find your way around the sky, and learn some key constellations of note for photography.
• How to capture starry landscapes, and the Milky Way without getting streaks or trails.
• PLUS we will have astrophotography equipment which we will show you how to use. This equipment is particularly helpful if you do not have a “high performing” camera but wish to capture detailed images of the Milky Way.
• Special tips and tricks for capturing Meteor Showers

In the Classroom you will learn

• How to use Photoshop CS3 through CC and/or Lightroom to bring out the zing in your shots
• Special processing techniques and tools to create star trails and timelapse animation.
• Masterful tips on planning for and then finalizing that fantastic image.
• Hands on help with your photo processing.
• Plus much more if time and interest permits.

The Alabama Hills Workshop is not for absolute beginners. At a minimum, you should be comfortable with exposure concepts, using the manual exposure controls on your camera, bulb exposures, and working with a tripod.  We also highly recommend that you have a DSLR with an optical viewfinder as well as an intervalometer or similar camera control device. We do have some loaner intervalometers available.

If you are in doubt about whether this workshop is suitable for your experience level, or if you have special needs, please contact us at Star Circle Academy for clarification.

A Liability Waiver is required to attend the workshop.

What Does my Fee Include?

The fee includes classroom rental, in room instruction, use of astrophotography equipment, class materials, and in-the-field instruction. One breakfast and one dinner.

Does not include lodging, any other meals, or travel expenses. We strongly suggest you book a room in the Dow Villa Motel or Hotel where the instruction will take place during the days. Mention “StarCircleAcademy” when you make your booking.

Register

You can register alone, or together with another photographer and get a discount. If you are bringing a non-photographer friend or spouse who will not be attending classes there is no extra charge.

Questions and Answers

• Q: It’s often hot (95 Farenheit is the average high) during the day in Alabama Hills, what will we do about that?
  A: We will be indoors during the heat of the day doing classroom instruction in air-conditioned facilities. If you book a room in the Motel (newer portion) of the Dow Villa you’ll also have air conditioning.  The Hotel portion also has air conditioning, but you cannot individually set the temperature in the Hotel rooms.  Our experience with the nights and evenings, however, is that they are usually very comfortable with average lows in the high 50s and low 60s.
• Q: What is your cancellation policy?
  A: There are no refunds for cancellations unless we cancel in which case we will return 100% of your payment. Note if for some reason we do not book the minimum number of participants, we will provide a full refund.
• Q: Is hiking required?
  A: Minimally, yes. If you are mobility impaired we may be able to accommodate you – please Contact us before registering, however.
• Q: Can I pay a deposit?
  A: No. We expect full payment in advance – via PayPal (though you can use a credit card even if you are not a PayPal member).
• Q: Is there any discount available?
  A: Yes. Early sign ups get a significant discount. The Dow Villa is offering modest discounts to attendees.

What our Students Say About Our Workshops

• The locations were excellent. There was plenty of space and the choices of shots abundant.
• All instructors were very knowledgeable, articulate and organized. In addition all were very open to answering questions raised by the content of their presentation.
• … all in all a great experience. … a perfect combination of talent to lead this incredible workshop. And the location could not have been better. What came through besides your knowledge was the love and enthusiasm for photography.

What our Students Say About Our Instructors

• Many thanks to Steven for his star trail, astronomy, and photography expertise. – Sarita
• Steven had the plans down to the smallest details! The group was great, fun times, great tips and suggestions!  – Marty
• The sky was clear, the instructions on how to shoot star trails top notch, and the company for the evening was awesome!  – Deborah

Lone Pine Weather