Field Workshops

Star Trail Photography
Date: 30 July 2022
Time: Sunset 2011 hrs (Moonset 2145 hrs) until 0100-0200 hrs on 31 July 2022

For this workshop, I have been able to reserve one telescope pad holding a total of five [5] workshop attendees. We will be able to park seven (0) cars on the telescope pad, but there is parking a few hundred yards away - carpooling may be an option for some attendees.

A the sun sets the first gas clouds of the Milky Way, our home in the Cosmos, will be visible and ready for us to photograph. Jupiter will rise above the Eastern horizon near 3 am with another large portion of the Milky Way. Planets visible: Mercury (just after Sunset) Mars and Saturn at various times through the evening.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (approximately 30 miles northwest of Okeechobee, FL) 33104 NW 192nd Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34972

This 54,000 acre preserve protects the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. But we will be here for the dark sky feature of this great Florida grassland. Driving in the five-mile-long road into the preserve, you will be greeted by sweeping vistas of grasslands reminiscent of the Great Plains of the Midwest. The preserve offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, as well as the Crested Caracara and Burrowing Owl. Kissimmee Prairie’s remoteness makes it one of Florida’s premier locations for stargazing.

You will not need a lot of expensive gear to participate in this class! I first dove into Star Trails photography while a teenager in Boston – yes, talk about light pollution! But it was a start!! I had a locking cable release, a film camera and a tripod. I timed my shots with the second hand on a watch.

For this class the equipment list will be similar:

1. Camera – Just make sure you have the following options:
o Manual focus option on the camera
o You should also have a “Bulb” setting. This allows you to hold open the shutter longer than 30” – our star trail exposures will be 20 minutes to 45 minutes in length!!
o Manual Exposure Mode

2. Intervalometer – This is a fancy term for a release with a timer. There is no one size fits all and some cameras are not compatible with them. If you have just a cable release – bring a watch with a second hand - or time things with your phone.

3. Wide Angle Lens - In theory you could use any lens you want but the general rule of thumb for Star Trails photography is to use a wider field of view lens (35mm or wider) to capture more of the nighttime sky. I typically work between 24mm and 85mm depending on the “vision” I have at that particular moment.

4. Tripod - While most any tripod will work, long exposures will really benefit from a heavier sturdy tripod. I use a SLIK 700 DX Pro or a Manfrotto 290. We can always weight the tripod with a heavy bag, sand bag or something like that for a bit more stability.

Other Accessories and Comfort

1. Extra camera batteries (at least 3 and your charger too - you might want to look at a car charger adapter) and a small flashlight are essential. Make sure that you have a red filter of red cellophane over the light - people will thank you. Long exposures eat through batteries quickly. A small flashlight for seeing your equipment will keep you from cursing the heavens when something goes wrong. I have headlamps with a Red plastic cover. White light affects the images and also your eyes. The red cover with make everyone happy! Each of the campsites have power and I will have power strips on hand for charging batteries

2. Memory cards

3. Brings layers of warm clothing and something in which to sit comfortably. A reclining outdoor chair or even a camping pad (if you want to lie down) are good options. Remember you may be outdoors in the pitch dark for hours at a time and it can get really cold on the prairie, really fast – even in Florida. Don’t skimp on warming comforts under the circumstances. The damp Florida air will also create some cooling effect - so be prepared.

4. During some long exposure reading or listening to music, sleeping, even enjoying a late meal, card games and so forth are all good activities. I may bring my own telescope for star and planet gazing – through it, you can see the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter – If you have or can borrow a telescope – bring it along as well. I will send some sky maps to everyone as well!
You will learn:
· Long Exposures
· Composition and alignment of the “spin”
· Patience

This workshop is limited to 5 photographers with a 4 person minimum
THERE ARE CURRENTLY TWO (2) OPEN SPOTS REMAINING - PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY TO REGISTER.

– we are limited in the overall size of the group by FL State Parks – this will be on a first come first served basis.

Park Admission and parking our group is included. There is a restroom facility, showers and water available close by as well. This is NOT an overnight workshop unless you book your own campsite for the remainder of the night.

Cancellations must be requested ten(10) days previous to the workshop. We are weather dependent for this class and no refunds will be offered for inclement weather during the night.

Note: this is a private workshop - I am still following the COVID-19 protection standards listed on my workshops page. Compliance is non-negotiable when we are in close groups.

Organizer/Leader is not responsible or liable for accidents/injuries. Participants assume all risks on workshops.

By registering and participating in this workshop, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement:

I understand that the activities herein in might involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself. I will abide by all rules and regulations and agree to waive all claims which I or any member of my family, or heirs, executors of assigns, may have against this workshop or George Wilson Photography, Orlando, FL or it agents for damages or injury's sustained as the result of participating in the events held by the George Wilson Photography, Orlando, FL.