Milky Way over Mt St Helens

Milky Way over Mt St Helens (6/19)

When and Where

When: Dates vary (see below), 9:30 pm - 1:00 am

Where: Mount Saint Helens National Monument

About the Workshop

Due to the COVID-19 situation, these workshops will adhere to strict social distancing guidelines. Each workshop will be limited to a maximum of 3 participants and everyone will be spaced at least 6 feet apart at all times. To avoid larger numbers of other people, the workshops will be held on Sunday through Thursday nights only.

Tuition and Registration

Safe and secure payment through PayPal

Click the "Pay Now" button below for the workshop date you'd like at attend.

The "Pay Now" button will take you to a secure PayPay page where you can pay with a PayPal account or click "Pay with Debit or Credit Card"

Thursday, June 18, 2020	SOLD OUT
Monday, June 22, 2020	SOLD OUT
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 2 SPOTS LEFT
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 3 SPOTS LEFT

Once your registration and payment is received, you will be sent detailed information regarding the workshop.

Included with your tuition

Personalized instruction and assistance
How to set up your camera and tripod in the challenging environment after dark
How to set aperture, shutter speed and ISO
Learn why shutter speed is limited
Learn why shutter speed is dependent on lens focal length
Guidance and instruction on composition
How to accurately set focus for tack sharp images
How to plan Milky Way shoots
How to use smart phone apps for Milky Way and other shoots
Learn how stacking can greatly reduce noise
Learn how to take images for stacking
Zoom post processing session using Lightroom and Photoshop (post workshop)

Refund policy

Cancellations must be made in writing.
Up to 5 days prior to the workshop:
Refund less a $20 cancellation fee.
Less than 5 days prior to the workshop:
Refund less a $40 cancellation fee.
If the workshop is cancelled due to weather or sky conditions, you will receive a full refund.
Once the workshop starts, refunds cannot be issued. I make every attempt to insure sky conditions are ideal for these workshops. I monitor weather forecasts from several sources, astronomical sky forecasts, live web cams, etc. Conditions can change without warning and in an instant - especially in the mountains. If conditions change once we are at the shooting venue, I offer participants credit towards future workshops.

More Workshop Information
The main focus of the workshop will be on how to successfully photograph the Milky Way and stars but the workshop will also provide an opportunity to shoot the golden and blue hours from an iconic location. The prime Milky Way season at Mt St Helens in 2020 is a short one (May and June being the prime months). Don't miss out on a rare opportunity. Certain equipment is required for this workshop. See "What to Bring". This workshop requires mostly clear skies (some clouds can add interest). If sky conditions are not favorable on the date of the workshop, participants should be flexible with their schedules. PLEASE NOTE: Face masks will be required by everyone while in the field during the workshop.
Why choose this workshop over others?
Value: Similar workshops charge up to $300. Experience: I have been leading Milky Way workshops since 2012. Refund policies that are far less restrictive than others. Focused workshops limited to 6 participants meaning you WILL receive personalized attention. This workshop is more than just Milky Way photography. We will be there for sunset and blue hour photography as well. See "Included with your tuition" and compare to other workshops.
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements are rated as VERY EASY (we will very close to our vehicles).
Itinerary (subject to change)
9:30-9:45: Meet and Greet (Castle Rock, WA) 9:45-10:30: Travel to workshop venue 10:30-1:00: Blue Hour and Milky Way photography
What to Bring
Camera with manual controls Wide angle lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster Sturdy tripod Headlamp (preferable) or flashlight with red light option Remote shutter release (self timer will also work) Camp chair Wind protective clothing Cold weather clothing Snacks and water Full tank of gas (we will be 50 miles from the nearest gas station)
Sample Images
Click here for sample images from the area
About Mount Saint Helens
The Pacific Northwest is blessed with many wonders. Mt. St. Helens is certainly one of them. In fact it is one of the true wonders of the world. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980 left a huge scar on the landscape that is still very visible today.
About Me
I am a passionate photographer with an extensive knowledge of landscape photography. I have been leading Milky Way workshops since 2012. I have lived in the Northwest my entire life. My passion for photography goes back to the early 1980's. I am the Coordinator for the Portland/Vancouver Photography Meetup Group and have led several outings and workshops throughout the Northwest.
Accommodations
If you would like to stay overnight in Castle Rock, here are some choices.
Mt St Helens Motel 1340 Mt St Helens Way NE Castle Rock, WA 98611 (360) 274-7721	7 West Motel 864 Walsh Ave NE Castle Rock, WA 98611 (360) 274-7526
Photographing the Milky Way
My book (Photographing the Milky Way) is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Click here for more information.