Shoot for the Moon and Stars

Join Gerri Whitley and Nick Sinnott to learn how to photograph the moon and stars.  This is a NEW FORMAT class, will meet 6 times via Zoom, every 4 weeks (please see below for the exact dates).  Astrophotography has always been a passion between these two popular instructors.  Learn everything you need to start capturing the moon and stars.  The course will cover the nuts and bolts of how to plan, shoot and edit beautiful night sky images.  Topics covered will include planning, scouting, exposure, equipment, composition, and post-processing/editing.  Details include equipment use, camera settings, focusing techniques, white balance and more.

After each online class, you’ll be tasked to independently photograph the moon, stars or the Milky Way using the skills learned.  Because this genre of photography can be challenging (for many different reasons as they’ll explain), you will have three weeks between each class to photograph the night sky subject.  Gerri and Nick will review and discuss your photos during the next online session. The class dates (and breaks) were planned by the Calendar of Celestial Events so that you’ll have opportunities to photograph the topics.

2024 Class Dates (All dates @ 7:00 PM CT)

• February 20th
• March 19th
• April 16th
• May 14th
• June 11th
• July 9th
• October 22nd (Image Review)

Celestial events that occur during this period:

• Solar eclipse (Total in the western states)
• Earthshine (Da Vinci glow)
• Lyrid Meteor Shower
• Perseid Meteor Shower
• Core of Milky Way Visible
• Multiple Full Moon Opportunities

Please note that this is an introductory class to astrophotography, they will cover skills for planning, executing and editing single shot images of the night sky.  To complete this class you will need a DSLR or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera, a wide fast lens (f/2.8 or wider), a long focal length lens (200mm or longer), a sturdy tripod, a cable or remote release and the PhotoPills app.