Astrophotography Workshop

With Valles Caldera National Preserve (an International Dark Sky Park) as an outdoor classroom, photographers Stan Ford and Richard Gonzales will guide program participants through the basics of astrophotography. Learn how to adjust and optimize DSLR camera settings, select a shooting location, and, of course, shoot spectacular images of the night sky. Participants should bring: • A camera that has Manual mode. You can use multiple lenses, but we recommend your widest-angle lens. • A sturdy tripod. • A headlamp or flashlight with red right. • Drinking water and snacks. • Sturdy footwear and warm clothing. We ask that program participants arrive with a basic understanding of how to operate their camera in the dark. If you're not experienced with shooting at night, your camera's instruction manual may come in handy. If you do not have a camera with Manual mode or cannot borrow one, we can work with the camera you have. You may not get the greatest images, but our main goal is for you to learn how to shoot at night and have fun!