Learn how to create stunning images under some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states! This class will cover pre-trip planning, camera settings and ideal equipment, composition, panorama creation, and post-processing techniques.
Participants will meet at the Sun Valley Museum of Art's Hailey Classroom on Fri, Sep 15 at 4:30pm to make a pre-trip plan and review camera basics. Carpools will depart for the shooting location at Craters of the Moon by 6pm. Students will photograph the sunset (7:50pm), discuss camera settings and composition, and shoot a bit during blue hour (twilight) before astronomical twilight (fully dark sky). Once the sky fully darkens (9pm), participants will practice creating long-exposure night sky compositions before heading back to Hailey around 10:30pm. If the sky is cloudy at the chosen site, arrangements will be made to find an alternate site with clear skies.
On Saturday, students will discuss post-processing techniques, including light noise reduction, panorama stitching, lens corrections, and image retouching.
Age and ability: 17+ years old and basic knowledge of how to operate your camera in manual mode; advanced photography skills not required.
This 2-session workshop takes place Fri, Sep 15, 4:30–10:30pm and Sat, Sep 16, 12–3pm at the Hailey Classroom and in the field.
Supplies needed for this class:
- Camera: Ideally DSLR or Mirrorless with wide angle lens and low aperture
- Tripod
- Remote Timer
- Warm Clothing
- Headlamp: Ideally with red bulb
About the instructor:
Nate Liles is a photographer and videographer who creates imagery of the night sky across the Western United States. A landscape photographer at heart, he shoots many different disciplines of photography, mostly in the outdoor space, and feels most at home under a dark sky full of stars. Nate has more than a decade of experience using advanced techniques to create stunning images of the landscape and night sky.
