Star Circle Academy

Workshops

Our next workshop is November 4 through 6th, 2011 in Alabama Hills. More to come!

What our Students Say About Our Workshops

• The locations were excellent. There was plenty of space and the choices of shots abundant.
• All instructors were very knowledgeable, articulate and organized. In addition all were very open to answering questions raised by the content of their presentation.
• An excellent seminar. The locations selected, the content of the materials presented, the organization and pace of the seminar and the delivery by Harold, Steven and Eric clearly demonstrated their subject matter expertise and exceeded my expectations.
• ... all in all a great experience. The three of you were a perfect combination of talent to lead this incredible workshop. And the location could not have been better. What came through besides your knowledge was the love and enthusiasm for photography.

What our Students Say About Our Instructors

• Many thanks to Steven for his star trail, astronomy, and photography expertise. - Sarita
• Steven had the plans down to the smallest details! The group was great, fun times, great tips and suggestions!  - Marty
• The sky was clear, the instructions on how to shoot star trails top notch, and the company for the evening was awesome!  - Deborah

Workshop FAQ

Common questions about our workshops. See the detailed workshop information for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What kind of equipment do I need to have a successful experience in the workshop?
  A: We recommend the following:
  
  1. A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera or a point and shoot camera that can be set in bulb mode to take exposures of unlimited length, and preferably in RAW mode. (Very few point and shoots have these capabilities)
  2. A wide angle lens 35mm or wider and preferably f/5.6 or faster.
  3. A shutter release cable. Or better: an Intervalometer that is suitable for your camera. Intervalometers range in price from $30 to $200 depending on the brand of camera and remote. Note that these devices are called a variety of names including multi function remote cord and timer remote and timer remote controller.
  4. A laptop computer (PC or MAC) with a power adapter and with sufficient memory, display and CPU to run at least Photoshop Elements (trial version available) or Photoshop (trial version) or GIMP (free) - though none of these programs is required you will get more out of the class if you have Photoshop installed.
  5. Your laptop should also have any software necessary for exporting RAW photos as JPEG or TIF files. Photoshop, Picasa3 and Lightroom have this capability if you have a version compatible with your camera. Digital Photo Professional for Canon or Capture NX 2 for Nikon users.
  6. A sturdy tripod. Preferably one that allows you to change memory cards and batteries without having to reposition or unmount your camera.
  7. Several extra memory cards, a memory card reader that you can use with your laptop and at least one spare battery and a battery charger for your camera.
  8. Optional: If you have an AC power adaptor or Car power adapter for you camera, bring it. The instructors will bring extra field power.
  9. A red LED headlamp - the dimmer the better. Why? Because red does less damage to ones night vision – particularly if it is a dimmer deep red. Most red headlamps are not very bright and so cast less light back into others eyes and are less likely to damage your own night vision. Ideally you could operate your camera and navigate in complete darkness. But to strike a balance between needing to see something and fumbling, a red headlamp is your best bet. A dimmable white one (very dim!) is a good second choice. 
     
     
• Q: What if I don't have a laptop computer, can I still attend?
  A: Certainly. You may miss out on the opportunity to do some of the hands-on training on your own equipment.
  
• Q: I'd like to bring a guest/spouse/child? What is the fee?
  A: If your guest(s) will not be attending lectures or going to the on site shoots there is no additional charge. Children and pets are not permitted in the meeting locations or at the photography sites.
  
  
• Q: Are meals or lodging included?
  A: Lodging is not included unless otherwise noted in the workshop instructions.
  
  
• Q: I would like to arrive early or stay later than the workshop. Can I get the special room rate?
  A: You are responsible for arranging extra days or services on your own. The hotel is not obligated to provide a reduced rate for non-workshop nights or if you choose different room amenities. 
  
  
• Q: I may not be able to arrive until the night the workshop starts and/or I may need to leave early. Is that OK? Can I get a reduced rate?
  A: You will miss some great teaching and shooting opportunities, but it is OK with us. The rate will be the same but depending on your plans you may save on the lodging expenses.
  
  
• Q: Can I stay somewhere else?
  A: You may arrange to stay where ever you like. Most other arrangements, however will not be as convenient to the meeting facility.
  
  
• Q: I have special needs (limited mobility, special diet). Can you accommodate me?
  A: Perhaps. Please contact us with your needs and we will see if we can work something out. Some of the locations we shoot in do require walking or hiking over uneven terrain at night.
  
  
• Q: How much walking/hiking is required? How strenuous?
  A: Most of the sites we plan to use can literally be approached by car and require a walk over nearly evel ground of perhaps 100 yards. Optional sites requires about a 1/2 mile walk over terrain with a narrow use trail and uneven terrain - though it is rather flat.
  
  
• Q: Do I have to sign a waiver to attend? Why?
  A: Yes. You must agree to sign and date a Waiver of Liability or you cannot be included. We require the waiver because walking in the dark and traveling to and from the shooting sites presents risks. You must be willing to personally accept those risks.
  
  
• Q: Can I pay some way other than PayPal?
  A: You do not have to create an account to use PayPal, you can pay with your credit card, but the payment will be processed by PayPal. You may send a check in the mail, but we will not confirm your place in the workshop until the check clears the bank. The address to mail the check to is at the bottom of the Waiver of Liability page. Please be sure to send an email indicating you are sending a check and include your name, postal and email address on the check.
  
  
• Q: What happens if I have to cancel at the last minute?
  A: We will be reasonably flexible as we know unplanned events arise. However please see the cancelation policy for the workshop.
  
  
• Q: Who arranges transportation to the photography sites?
  A: We carpool when and where possible - but if your needs are unique you may want to drive yourself.
  
  
• Q: What if the weather is poor - will the event be canceled?
  A: Of course the weather is not completely predictable! In the unlikely event of stormy weather we have some alternatives planned to teach the principles even if the stars do not shine like we would like. Besides stormy weather often presents great opportunities for photography.
  
  
• Q: I would be coming from out of town. Where is the best place to fly into?
  A: See the further details section for the workshop.
  
  
• Q: What if I have a question that is not addressed here?
  A: Don't be shy. Just ask via an email to:
  
  

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What To Bring

Early November nights in Alabama Hills are generally mild but can be cold and windy so you should be prepared accordingly. Rain and snow are unusual at ground level but they can occur.

• Camera Equipment
  A sturdy tripod.
  A DSLR camera with a remote release cable and/or intervalometer (preferred).
  A wide-angle lens
  Batteries, battery charger, memory cards
  
  
• Personal Items:
  Be prepared for temperatures as low as 15 degrees and windy and you should be fine.
  Warm layered clothing including a parka, warm sweater or fleece, gloves (light gloves and warm gloves), a warm hat, a balaclava and scarf or similar warm head and neck coverings.
  Base garments (aka long underwear)
  A flashlight, a headlamp - preferably with a red-LED. See the Q&A section for why a red headlamp is recommended.
  Wool socks (Merino is quite comfortable)
  Comfortable, sturdy shoes (hiking boots, trail runners or similar)
  Snacks
  
  

• Optional but Recommended:
  A thermos or insulated cup to hold warm beverages.
  A suitable camera backpack that can hold the items listed above.
  A lightweight folding chair and/or lightweight insulated seat cushion (e.g. a stadium cushion)
  Wool/warm blanket
  Lip Balm
  Rain covering for your camera and backpack and a rain poncho for yourself.
  
  Laptop computer with power adapter for procressing images. We recommend you load it with Photoshop CS3 or later.

What NOT To Bring

• Pets
• Children (unless there will be a guardian to watch them while you are attending the workshop and shooting sessions)

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You Will Be Provided With

• Optional daytime shooting locations
• Plenty of instruction
• Fantastic, accessible locations for your spectacular photographs.

 

The Instructors

Harold Davis  is an award-winning professional photographer who is an expert night photographer. He is the author of more than 30 books, including a number of best-selling photography titles such as Creative Night: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques (Wiley) and The Photoshop Darkroom: Creative Digital Post-Processing (Focal Press).

Harold writes the popular Photoblog 2.0, www.photoblog2.com where almost daily new works and insights can be found. Harold and is a regular monthly photography and Photoshop columnist for Photo.net. See Photography with Harold Davis for a schedule of events, classes and appearances by Mr. Davis.

Harold is much in demand as a presenter on many digital photography topics. He is a gifted and enthusiastic teacher, and his photography workshop usually sell out quickly.

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Steven Christenson  is a geek by day and a photographer, hiker, backpacker and magician by night. He is also a co-founder and an organizer of the very successful Bay Area Night Photography group where like-minded, low-light photographers find interesting subjects and challenges.

Steven's love of astronomy, technology and photography have found an outlet in night photography, especially star trails. Steven is expert at photographing star trails and recently won the International Astronomy Photographer of the Year, 2010 competition in the category People and Space. He has built custom components to power a camera for all-night unattended shooting. Steven freely shares his knowledge of astronomy and software tools. He will explain his method for choosing the best celestial subjects, weather, dates and vantage points to capture everything from star trails to unusual astronomical events. Steven is also the primary contributor to the Star Circle Academy BLOG which is devoted to Star and Star Circle Photography. For a gallery of Steven's images check here.

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Eric Harness is a witty biotech researcher with mad camera skilz. His friends call him "Mr. Panorama" and other clever things. Eric is yet another co-founder and organizer of the Bay Area Night Photography group. Eric leads formal and informal classes for beginners to advanced photographers.  Eric also leads expeditions to photogenically delicious locations like Tahoe, Sequoia National Park and more and he is not afraid to strap on a backpack and venture into the snow, sleet, rain or doom of night. Eric is a Nikon and photoshop wizard with near endless energy and patience. He is also the right hand guy handling much of the background heavy lifting at Star Circle Academy.

Journal

For tips, commentaries and reviews related to Star Circle Academy, please consult the BLOG where you will find issues and answers like:

• How to Create a Panorama of NIGHT exposures.
• Creating a Timelapse
• Star Trail Creation – Step By Step - the ABC's of creating a star trail.
• Automated Stacking of Star Trails in PS CS5 - makes creating a composited star trail easy.
• Power On! Run your camera all night on a portable battery.
• Six Problems Common in Long Exposures and how to overcome them.
• How Long is A 30 Second Exposure? It is not as simple a question as it seems!
• How To Get those Elusive Meteors to Smile for the Camera
• My Camera Can't Focus at Night and Neither Can I
• Essentials Tools for the Star Trailer Shootist

You might also be interested in Harold's Photoblog2 with almost daily inspiration about all things photography.