Alabama Hills Workshop

Date: Friday, November 4 through Sunday, November 6, 2011.

Maximum attendance 20 people. Minimum attendance 8.

Imagine photographing the clear night skies against the background of Mt. Whitney and the High Sierra! Under the auspices of Star Circle Academy, the Alabama Hills Star Circle Workshop will be a chance to hone your night photography skills, learn new skills both behind the camera and in the digital darkroom, and come home with spectacular, unique images based upon the stunning clarity and unusual topography of California’s Eastern Sierra and the autumnal night skies.

The Alabama Hills Star Circle Workshop is for anyone who wants to learn more about the exciting world of digital night photography, or who wants to take their night photography to the next level. The workshop is geared to provide specific information about photographing star trails using a digital camera and an intervalometer (a programmable timer) and using stacking software to create a single composite low-noise image of star circles - and more!

The Alabama Hills Star Circle Workshop is not for absolute beginners. At a minimum, you should be comfortable with exposure concepts, using the manual exposure controls on your camera, bulb exposures, and working with a tripod.

If you are in doubt about whether this workshop is suitable for your experience level, or if you have special needs, please contact Star Circle Academy () for clarification.

Registration is CLOSED for 2011. Next year, perhaps?

Registration Cost

• Regular Registration is $675.

Cost is per person. Fee includes classroom instruction, materials, night shooting sessions and one lunch in Lone Pine, CA. If you elect to stay at the Best Western Frontier where the conference is held, breakfast is included, too.  The Best Western Frontier is holding discounted rooms for those who register before October 17th.

Fees do not include lodging, transportation, meals, travel costs or incidentals.

Registration and Payment

Where to Meet

We will be meeting in the Best Western Frontier Conference Room in the Best Western Frontier Motel. We recommend that you stay in the Best Western Frontier to make your experience a more pleasant one. A room at the Best Western Frontier includes a breakfast each morning. See below for how to get a special rate.

Schedule (subject to change)

• Friday: 
  3:00 PM to 4:15 PM - Conference Room topics include: Orientation, night safety, logistics, focusing and exposure for star trails.
  4:30 PM to 5:15 PM - Early dinner or purchase food for later.
  5:30 PM - On location photography, Location to be decided.
  5:52 PM: Sunset
  7:20 PM: Astronomical Twilight Ends
  8:30 PM - End on location photography
  9:45 PM to 10:45 PM - post shoot Q & A (optional) Conference Room
  11:00 PM to ? AM - Night Owl shooting (optional)
   2:39 AM: Moonset (Saturday)
  

• Saturday:
  5:52 AM: Astronomical Twilight Begins
  7:20 AM: Sunrise
  9:30 AM - Review of previous Night's Shooting
  10:30 AM - Processing in Adobe Camera Raw and using Photoshop Statistics
  Noon - 2:30 Lunch and optional daytime photo excursion.
  2:30 PM to 5:00 PM - Stacking star trails - a survey of tools
  5:30 PM to 11:00 PM - On location photography - location  to be decided
  5:52 PM: Sunset
  7:19 PM: Astronomical Twilight Ends
   2:35 AM: Moonset (Sunday)
  

• Sunday:
  2:00 AM: Daylight Savings Time Ends (fall back)
  4:52 AM: Astronomical Twilight Begins
  6:21 AM: Sunrise
  10:00 AM - Review of the previous night's shooting
  11:00 AM - Tools and techniques for selecting sites, navigating the night sky, and doing pre-shoot setup.
  12:30 PM - Lunch and free time.
  2:30 PM -  Advanced Night Processing
  4:00 PM - Wrap up and end.
  4:30 PM - Optional Night shoot for those staying longer. Site: to be decided
  4:50 PM: Sunset
  6:18 PM: Astronomical Twilight Ends
  3:31 AM: Moonset (Monday)
  
  

REFUNDS are offered ONLY when the event is canceled by the organizers for any reason.

NO REFUNDS are offered in any other instance including, but not limited to "no shows" or late shows, inclement weather, etc.

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 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. Some familiarity with Photoshop is strongly encouraged.
  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:
  
  

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)

You Will Be Provided With

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

Directions

The Best Western Frontier Motel is located in Lone Pine, California, at the foot of Mount Whitney. It is about an hour south of Bishop, California and 90 minutes away from the entrance to Death Valley. Lone Pine is about a 4 hour drive north from Los Angeles, less than five hours from Las Vegas, and about seven hours from San Jose, California. While Lone Pine has a municipal airport, the nearest major airports are in Bakersfield (about 3 hours) and any of the Los Angeles area airports at about 4 to four and half hours drive. See below for ideas about fly-drive options.

Please note that the workshop starts at 3:00 PM on Friday so do allow plenty of time.

To obtain your discounted room rate contact the Best Western Frontier and ask for the "Star Circle Academy" rate.  Pricing will be $80 per night plus tax for the standard room. The rate includes continental breakfast.

1008 S Main Street, Lone Pine, California, 93545-3010, US
Phone: 760/876-5571
Fax:     760/876-5357

Travel From the San Francisco Bay Area and Points North

For those headed from the San Francisco Bay area, there are two driving options, each about 7 hours and each with great things to see along the way one option is to drive through Yosemite National park and south along 395. Please check the current road conditions through Yosemite as the first major snowfall may close 120 (Tioga) road. The Eastern Route takes you by Mono Lake, June Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, Toms Place, Bishop, Manzanar and Independence while the Western Route follows 5 or 99 to the vicinity of Bakersfield and then you can either follow the Kern River through to Lake Isabella or take a more southern route through Tehachapi then turn North along 14 to take in the striking Red Rock Canyon State Park 24 miles north of Mojave.  The best of both worlds is to drive down by the Eastern Route and back north by the Western Route.  If Tioga road (120) is closed usually all of the other passes (4, 88 and 108) are also usually closed but Route 50 is usually open through South Lake Tahoe (or Interstate 80 through Reno).  The Western route is seldom if ever affected by weather.

Travel From Los Angeles and San Diego Areas

From San Diego, it is about 5 hours to Lone Pine via 15 and then 395. An interesting diversion is Searles Valley where the Trona Pinnacles formation can be found. The deviation in the route adds an extra hour or so of driving.

From points west of Ontario in the Los Angeles area the preferred route is 5 North to 14, then 395 North to Lone Pine. An interesting stop along the way is Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Travel from Farther Away

While Lone Pine has its own municipal airport, the nearest major airport is Bakersfield, California, about a 3 hour drive to Lone Pine. Burbank, Ontario and LAX airports are all about a 4 hour drive away and offer rental cars and many flight options.  Flying into Las Vegas allows a four-and-a-half hour drive through Death Valley on the way to Lone Pine. November is a great time to visit Death Valley but we suggest you allow extra time because Death Valley is huge and has many interesting places to visit.  Las Vegas airfare is often cheaper than the other options, too.

If you are interested in being a driver or passenger in a carpool let us know and we will attempt to align you with others.

 This page accessed from IP address 38.107.179.222 with hostname: 38.107.179.222