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July Astro

 3 Night/2 Day Workshop

  • When: 25th - 28th July 2025 

  • Where: Riverstone House West Coast

  • Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 4 

  • Photography level: Intermediate +

  • Cost: $1990.00 | 10% deposit required

Overview

On this adventure we'll be visiting some of the West Coast's most iconic scenes and hidden gems, all within an hour drive from our base at Riverstone House, which is situated on the banks of the Taramakau River halfway  between Greymouth and Hokitika, owned and operated by yours truly.

You'll have your own private king or queen bedroom with access to a full kitchen stocked with all the essentials, including continental breakfast provisions that you can help yourself to.

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The workshop commences at 3pm Saturday 24th of May and concludes Saturday 31st of May at 11am and is open to both amateur and professional photographers who are already confident in capturing and processing single exposure images of the stars.

 

While predominantly astro focused, we'll also shoot sunsets if conditions are on, including a sunset eco boat cruise with West Coast Scenic Waterways along the stunning Mahinapua Creek where we will enjoy the tranquility of birdsong, ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees mirrored in the waterways, the snow-capped Southern Alps in the distance and outstanding West Coast flora, fauna and native rain forest 

 

​The exact schedule will be determined according to the whole group’s photographic objectives but the weather will be the main deciding factor so I keep a flexible itinerary to accommodate this. ​​

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Places we may explore include the many bays and beaches of The Great Coast Road consistently rated among the top drives in the world, including Motukiekie Beach, the Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes in Punakaiki, Charleston's Constant and Joyce Bay's along with the Pororari lagoon.

The compositional perfect Lake Kaniere is also an option.

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​       What you can learn

  • How to plan compositions and timing to find the best compositions using apps such as Photopills

  • Wide-field Astrophotography

  • Settings and methods specific to your gear and skill level

  • Blended exposure techniques 

  • Long exposure techniques at sunset using filters if you have them

  • Milky Way panoramas (mosaics) and how to stitch them

  • Milky Way Stacking 

  • Post processing using Photoshop, Lightroom, plugins, PTGui,  Sequator and Starry Landscape Stacker.

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What to bring

  • Mirrorless or DSLR camera

  • Ideal lenses: 
    -A wide zoom lens for sunsets such as, but not limited to, a 16-35mm 
    -A telephoto lens for sunsets such as, but not limited to, a 70-200mm or 100-400mm
    -A fast and     wide prime lens for astro; f/1.4 through to f/2.8 or 16mm through to 24mm for the best results, although up to f/4 is fine if your camera has high ISO capabilities. 

  • Spare camera batteries and SD cards

  • Sturdy tripod (essential)

  • Filters if you have them

  • Intervalometer if not built in to your camera body or shutter release cable

  • Lens heater (not essential but very helpful if you have a bulbous lens that is prone to fogging up at night)

  • Remote shutter or intervalometer if not in-built in your camera body

  • Laptop or desktop with Lightroom Classic and/or Photoshop installed.

  • Thermal base layers

  • Warm jacket*

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Gloves

  • Sturdy and warm footwear

  • Hat, hood or beanie

  • Head torch with a red light or low light setting

  • 2-3 lens cloths*

  • Water bottle

  • Snacks


    *The high humidity on the Coast causes dew. If bringing a puffer jacket, please bring a waterproof jacket to go over top. This also is why we need plenty of lens cloths in case your lens starts fogging up at night

Physical Difficulties

A minimum level of physical activity is necessary to enjoy this tour. All locations we shoot will be within a short walk along bush tracks or the coastline. These are sometimes uphill, over uneven ground, or rocky beaches and you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment. There may be a couple of longer walks (30-45 min one way). If your fitness or mobility is an issue please let me know in your application form.

Whats Included

  • 3 nights and 2 days of photography tuition

  • Accommodation at Riverstone House with your own private king or queen bedroom

  • 2 post processing tuition session to make your images pop

  • Travel during the workshop in a comfortable 4WD Landcruiser

  • Daily continental breakfast provisions to help yourself to

  • Full kitchen with all the essentials to cook and prepare your own meals should you wish to dine in

  • DOC concession fees

  • Comprehensive Safety Management Plan

  • Pick up/drop off at Hokitika airport

  • Digital workflow sheet spilling all my secrets on how I plan, shoot and edit an image from start to finish.

Whats not Included

  • Personal, equipment and travel insurance

  • Lunch, dinner and snacks

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Terms & Conditions

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