Booking and Scheduling

Sessions can be purchased before or after scheduling through the website. Chris will contact you to coordinate the best time and location based on your experience level and goals for a successful workshop.

Transportation

Meet at a designated location. Transportation to, from, and during the workshop is not included unless arranged beforehand.

Locations

Workshop locations are chosen collaboratively, considering your interests, skill level, Milky Way visibility, weather, and other conditions. Chris has 40+ years of experience in the Southern California and broader California region, ensuring selection of optimal spots within a 6-hour radius of Los Angeles. Custom sessions beyond this range are available by request.

Please inform Chris of any physical limitations for suitable location planning.

Curriculum

Beginner to Intermediate Skills

• Shooting in manual mode with exposure triangle mastery (aperture, ISO, shutter speed)

• Correct exposure techniques for night photography

• Camera settings and menu navigation

• Focusing and composing in low light

• Milky Way planning and positioning

• Using ISO effectively for night captures

• Workflow tips for smoother shooting

Advanced Techniques

• Exposure and time blending

• Focus stacking for enhanced sharpness and depth

• Using equatorial trackers

• Creative blending for artistic images

• Panoramas for increased field of view and detail

• Composition for depth, focus, and interest

Main Themes

Focus areas across all levels include:

• Exposure management

• Precise focusing

• Composition for engagement and interest

• Noise reduction through stacking

Results and Expectations

This workshop aims to deepen your understanding of camera operation and night photography tools so you can capture richer astrophotography images. Continuous practice will boost your confidence and skill.

Weather Policy

Workshops proceed except during heavy rain. Rescheduling options are available based on weather and availability.

Extended Experiences

Custom, immersive astrophotography experiences are available statewide, including Yosemite, Big Sur, San Francisco, Eastern Sierras, Mojave Desert, and more. Contact Chris for personalized sessions.

Post-Processing Instruction

Up to 3 hours of private post-processing coaching via internet is included. Instruction in both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is tailored to your experience level, covering:

• Lightroom and Photoshop workflow optimization

• Maximizing RAW file quality

• Clean editing techniques

• Stacking for noise and depth

• Luminosity masks and advanced blending

• Final image finishing

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to and from workshop location

• Food, water, lodging

• Equipment (please bring or rent your own)

What to Bring

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode and a wide-angle lens (10-35mm depending on sensor size and f/2.8 or less recommended)

• Sturdy tripod

• Remote shutter or cable release

• Extra memory cards and batteries

• Headlamp or torch

• Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear

• Food and water

If you have questions about gear or need recommendations, Chris is happy to assist.

Questions?

Reach out to Chris using the form below or see FAQ at the bottom my Private Workshop page for answers to common questions