Milky Way Photography Workshop

HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2025

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Overview

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Join us for an unforgettable stargazing experience and learn how to capture stunning Milky Way nightscapes with ease!

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Whether you're just starting out or brushing up on your skills, this workshop is an ideal way to dive into night sky photography with a fresh perspective. Led by internationally acclaimed photographer Ari Rex, you’ll embark on a celestial journey that’s sure to inspire.

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We’ll start with a brief, hands-on introduction in the studio, and as darkness falls, we’ll step outside to photograph the night sky. Together, we'll set up our cameras, fine-tune our settings, and get ready to capture the magnificent Milky Way core as it rises above the horizon.

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​In respect of our community and the land, we apply a "leave no trace" policy in all our workshops.

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What Is Covered?

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• Expert guidance from internationally renowned photographer Ari Rex

• How to plan and photograph the Milky Way

• The optimal settings to capture high quality image of the Milky Way 

• How to capture single shot portraits with the Milky Way in the background

• How to capture and stitch panorama images of the Milky Way

• What equipment to use for best results

• How to focus to get pin sharp focus of the stars and foreground objects in total darkness

• After the workshop you will receive a detailed email information pack with all the techniques learned 

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What Will I Need?

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• DSLR or Mirrorless camera and lens

• Tripod 

• Headlamp 

• Warm clothes (dress for very cold weather as the temperature drops low after sunset)

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Tips About the Equipment

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To make the most of this workshop, consider these tips obout equipment.

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• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, ideally made after 2010. Most of these cameras can capture the Milky Way, but for the best results, use a lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) to capture clearer, more vibrant details.

• Lenses: The wider, the better! A focal length between 10mm and 28mm is ideal for Milky Way shots. Lenses with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or faster) will let in more light, making it easier to capture the stars in all their brilliance.

• Tripod: Stability is key when shooting long exposures, so bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during the session.

• Headlamp with Red Light: A headlamp with a red light function will help you navigate the darkness while preserving your night vision and minimizing disruptions for others.

• Smartphones: While high-end smartphones can capture the Milky Way, they have limited manual control, and a tripod is still essential. For the best workshop experience, we recommend using a camera with full manual settings. However, if you’re bringing a smartphone, we’ll do our best to help you capture the night sky!

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Difficulty

 

We welcome all skill levels to this workshop*. Even if you are not confident about how to use your camera in manual mode or you have never shot the night sky before, don't worry, we will run through a quick crash course on some important functions that we will be using during the night. 

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A general fitness level is required. There is a small amount of walking on uneven ground, and standing for an extended period in a cold temperature. Please feel free to bring a chair if you need to sit and be sure to rug up as the temperatures drop quite a bit after sunset. 

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Weather Policy 

Our Milky Way photography workshop will proceed as scheduled, rain or shine. In the event of heavy clouds, rain, or storms, we’ll continue with the class indoors, covering all essential techniques, settings, and tips to ensure you're fully prepared for clear skies in the future.

If weather conditions prevent us from photographing the Milky Way outdoors, I’ll arrange a complimentary practice session for those able to return, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned under ideal conditions. This session is optional and ensures everyone has the opportunity for hands-on night sky photography.

Please note that weather is unpredictable and beyond our control, so we encourage participants to view the indoor session as a valuable learning experience, providing you with the skills to capture stunning nightscapes whenever the skies are clear.

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General Info

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• The fee for this workshop is $350 per participant 

• The registration can be done directly at the Book Workshops page or by pressing the green button Book Now below

• You'll get a confirmation email shortly after completing the payment process

• Our workshops fill up fast, so we suggest securing your spot as soon as possible

• Registration isn't complete until payment is made. If you encounter issues booking, please try another browser or contact us

• A few days before the workshop starts, you'll receive an email containing workshop details and the itinerary

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Cancellation Policy:

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• You can cancel your workshop booking anytime up to four weeks before the workshop day for a full refund*. Cancellations made within 21 days prior to the workshop will incur a 50% cancellation fee. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued for cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop.

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    *10% admin fee applies