This past weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting an incredible group of photographers for an Astro Masterclass that was nothing short of magical. The experience was filled with learning, creativity, and the kind of camaraderie that only a shared passion for the night sky can bring.
We kicked off the weekend with a blue hour blending session at Steel Creek. Nestled in the heart of nature, this spot provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the serene transition from day to night. Watching the skies slowly darken while blending the remnants of daylight with the emerging stars was a sight to behold. The second night at Sam’s Throne was also quite magical! We retouched on blue hour blending and worked on LLL and Light Painting with Light Painting Brushes.
As the first night fully settled in, we delved into more advanced techniques like capturing star trails over Roark Bluff. Finding Polaris became a fun challenge, and everyone was thrilled to see their cameras pull in those magical circular patterns in the sky. We also explored median stacking to reduce noise in our photos and experimented with low-level lighting and light painting to add that extra dimension to our compositions and didn’t end our “night” until the pre dawn hours.
Our home base for the weekend, Harmony Mountain Retreat, couldn’t have been more perfect. Each participant had their own private room and bathroom, providing a comfortable and peaceful place to rest after long nights under the stars. The large communal balconies offered forest views, and it became our go-to spot for grilling out.
The food was another highlight! We enjoyed delicious meals from Jasper Pizza Company and Wooden Spoon Provisions. I think I speak for everyone when I say the banana pudding was some of the the best we’ve ever had.
Convenience was key during our editing sessions, which we held right in the dining area of the lodge. With everything we needed under one roof, we could focus entirely on refining our photos without any distractions. The only time we left was to venture out and capture more starry skies.
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and made this masterclass so special. Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make these workshops a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see the incredible images you captured and to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure under the stars.
