Yellowstone National Park is known for big skies, clean air and sunny days that all add up to nighttime skies that are filled with brilliant stars.
Against this vast expanse of the starlit sky, the Milky Way provides a spectacular background to Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs and steaming pools.
Join us in July 2023 for this 4-night workshop and discover the magic of being surrounded by a world of stars.
At well over 2 million acres of incredible beauty and its spectacular clear skies ~ Yellowstone is a premiere location to photograph the night sky.
Each area of the park will provide you with remarkably unique night-scape shooting and lighting challenges to better hone your skills.
Within Yellowstone are half the geysers on planet earth. There are over 500 of them, and they erupt, spew, gurgle, gush, and yes even - explode - making them exceptional for reflecting and illuminating the night sky!
Each night our shooting will begin at sunset and continue for several hours of astrophotography to be able to maximize our time in the park.
Some of the locations we will shoot:
- Upper Geyser Basin - Old Faithful Area
- Midway Geyser Basin - Grand Prismatic Area
- Lower Geyser Basin - Norris Geyser Area
- Firehole River Area
- West Thumb Area
Required Equipment and Accessories :
Astrophotography requires a professional level camera and lens in order to be successful and get the image results you are looking for.
If you do not have a professional level camera or lens, we would highly recommend purchasing or renting them.
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with non-extended, "native" ISO to at least 12,800 and shutter speeds to at least 30 secs
- Wide angle lens with a aperture of f/2.8 or larger and a full frame equivalent of 14 - 24 mm
- A sturdy tripod (long exposures require it to be very stable)
- Shutter release cord (best option), intervalometer or wireless remote
- Extra batteries
- Headlamp with a RED filter
- Small flashlight
If you need to purchase or rent ANY of the required equipment - please, feel free to contact Craig at 520-732-1440 to help you get set up.
Recommended Items:
- Warm clothes (as the night gets later it does get cooler)
- Gloves and hat
- Boots with warm socks
- Snacks and beverages
- Camping chair or a portable seat. We do a lot of standing
What You Will Learn:
This workshop will cover single-exposure, wide-field astrophotography, which can be best described as landscape photography in the dark, with an emphasis on capturing brilliant Milky Way images using wide-angle lenses. Over the years a variety of techniques have been developed but our shooting time will be focused on getting the most out of your equipment with just a single exposure. This is a great place for the beginner astrophotographer to start their journey or the intermediate photographer to hone their skills before moving on to the more advanced techniques.
Techniques we will be focusing on:
- Single Shot Milky Way
- Star Trails and Processing
We will also take a look at:
- The best times to photograph the Milky Way
- How to find the best dark sky location
- Best equipment to use
- How to focus in the dark
- How to set exposure and ISO
- Rule of 400 / 500 / 600
- Identifying other lights in the night sky
What You’ll Need For Processing Class :
Digital processing is a crucial step in astrophotography for creating striking images.
We will also spend an afternoon on post-processing techniques that can help you create striking images using Lightroom Classic CC.
Make sure you have the latest version of Lightroom Classic CC pre-loaded
CLICK TO REGISTER!
More Details:
Participants: Limit 10
Experience Level: Who will benefit from this workshop?
This is designed for the beginner to intermediate photographer as defined below:
- Beginner I : Someone having a strong knowledge and firm understanding of their camera with "little to no" experience in astrophotography.
- Beginner II : Someone having a strong knowledge and firm understanding of their camera and have "tried" their hand at astrophotography.
- Intermediate : Someone having a strong knowledge and firm understanding of their camera with "some" experience in astrophotography.
Endurance Level: Moderate - Light hiking is involved, but nothing too strenuous. We’ll drive to each location then hike to the best position
Transportation: We will car pool to the park every night
Yellowstone Workshop Dates: July 13 - 16, 2023
Arrival Date: July 12, 2023 or morning of July 13, 2023
Departure Date: July 17, 2023
Lodging:
Our home base for this workshop is Best Western Desert Inn located in West Yellowstone, Montana where we have reserved a block of rooms at a reduced rate.
To reserve your room, call (406) 646-7376 and tell them you are with the Mike's Camera / Craig Wennersten Workshop in July of 2023.
*Because of the popularity of Yellowstone and a limited amount of lodging it is recommended you make hotel reservations as soon as possible.
What is Included?
The cost of the workshop DOES include:
- Welcome reception lunch on our first day
- Group dinner on one night
- Workshop instruction by Craig Wennersten
- Star trail photography instruction and processing
- Post processing instruction using Lightroom Classic CC
- Permits and park entrance fees
- Plus...all the Milky Way Bars you can eat! :-)
Bonus Day Tour Of Yellowstone Guided By Rik Williams:
Geysers, boiling mud pots, hot springs - Wow!
These expressions of the hidden power rising from deep within the earth bring us to Yellowstone, but where did they come from?
We'll explore their origin and the geologic history of the Yellowstone area. Then we'll zoom-out to see how Yellowstone Mts into the evolution of western North America as well as our planet and solar system. What could the future hold for Yellowstone?
We'll conclude with a look at geologic hazards and current research in forecasting and coping with these powers beyond our control. Rik Williams is a retired earth scientist who now shares stories like this with visitors at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
This workshop DOES NOT include:
- Lodging
- Transportation to and from the workshop
- Flights, rental cars, trip insurance etc.
- Meals (other than dinner on our second night)
Price: $ 2,995.00
CLICK TO REGISTER!
About Your Instructor: Craig Wennersten (Image 10 Photographic)
Image 10 Photographic began in 1988 with a passion for landscape photography and a desire to experience God's creation and capture God’s handiwork.
My first experiences with photography began in high school in journalism class as a yearbook photographer and also for the local newspaper in my home town, Holland, Michigan. It was at this time I began my extensive journey and education in manual cameras, black and white film and printing in the darkroom. During this time I built a strong foundation and learned the true “art of photography”.
In the 90’s – completely self-taught – I worked at refining my photographic techniques using my trusty Nikon SLR and transparency film before finally moving over to the “digital world” in 2012.
Now, I enjoy all the creative doors digital photography has opened and all it’s post-processing challenges – similar to that of my early years in the darkroom but now using computers and software.
Seasoned professional business owner, photographer and instructor who is passionate about all things photographable. I am a dark sky defender and member of the International Dark Sky Association. The night sky is disappearing worldwide at an alarming pace. As a dark sky defender I am dedicated to advocating for its conservation and protection. The brilliance of the Milky Way isn’t the only reason to protect dark skies. What else is at risk ?
While specializing in capturing all things looking up, my photography is a collaboration of astrophotography, cityscapes, abstracts and landscapes. I am a global traveler and have taught, led and organized numerous photography workshops, clinics and classes throughout the US .
Photography has always been a way for me to slow down my life, a way to stop and reflect on what is important. A time to refuel, refresh and recharge – I am grateful for it in my life.
Time is a precious commodity for all of us with busy lives, so whenever you can immerse yourself in God’s country, engage with your surroundings under the majesty of the galactic grandeur of the Milky Way and enjoy the “recharge” that outdoor photography can provide – I highly recommend it.
~ Keeping Looking Up!
Cancellation Policy:
> 90 days prior: Fully refundable.
< 90 Days Prior: Deposit Nonrefundable.
< 60 days prior: 1/2 of Tuition refundable as credit, after nonrefundable deposit.
< 30 days prior: No credit or refund.