Advanced post-processing of a timelapse sequence can yield stunning results. Image: Aaron Priest
Night Sky Timelapse 3-Night Workshop
with instructor Aaron Priest (aaronpriestphoto.com)
June 2nd – 5th
4 slots open
$1500 | 6 participant Max.
Have you ever wanted to capture the movements of the night sky on camera? Timelapse is an advanced shooting technique that requires specialized equipment and software. This time of year (the summer solstice) is the shortest night with a late sunset (giving us plenty of time to set up) and the earliest sunrise. It is possible to stay out all night shooting. This is not an intro course to photography: you should be familiar with your camera’s basic functions, have a sturdy tripod, and be familiar with Adobe Lightroom or the Photoshop/Bridge duo. We’ll be using LrTimelapse to process and assemble the finished product. This software is available at Lr Timelapse’s site as a free trial (limited functionality) which you can always upgrade to the full licence for 99€.
This comprehensive workshop will feature 12 hours of shooting (weather dependant) and 12 hours of post-processing.
Workshop Schedule (weather dependant):
June 2nd: Plan to arrive by 2pm and be ready for an intro class session 3pm – 6pm. We’ll head out shooting at 8:45pm-1:30am
June 3rd: Get a good sleep and be ready to dive into post-processing from 2pm-6pm. Once again shooting from 8:45pm-1:30am
June 4th: Post-processing 2pm-6pm, shooting 8:45pm-1:30am
June 5th: Wrap-up of post-processing by 1pm
Equipment is paramount for advanced shooting techniques and you’ll want to have (or rent) good gear. You should have a camera that performs well at ISO 3200, full frame is preferable, most newer Nikon and Canons, and the Sony a7S are good choices (see list below). The other basic gear you’ll need is a fast and wide lens. f/2.8 is preferred and at least 16mm or wider (see list below). A sturdy tripod is a must, as is an intervalometer or Promote Control. A tablet with DSLR Dashboard works well with a camera equipped with wifi.
Cameras:
Nikon: D700, D750, D800, D810, Dx, or similar
Canon: 5D MkIII, 6D, 1Dx, or similar
Sony: a7S
Lenses:
Nikon: 14-24mm f/2.8
Tamron: 15-30mm f/2.8
Canon: 16-35mm f/2.8
Rokinon: 14mm f/2.8
If you have motion control equipment you should absolutely bring it along, though we can’t profess to know all of it’s functionality or successfully help you set it up.
This workshop covers the theory and techniques required to set up, execute, and process a timelapse sequence. Specifically:
- The camera setting and exposure control systems for timelapse
- Pre-visualizing the motion of the scene
- Forecasting events with software and in the field
- LrTimelapse and developing image sequences with Lightroom or ACR
- Exporting a finished product
- Adding motion to a sequence in post
- Overview of motion control systems
Acadia is a beautiful place to shoot, offering great scenery without long hikes. This is a double edged sword: Acadia is a small, high-traffic park, on several occasions curious onlookers have unknowingly stumbled into our sequences. Plan to be courteous and we’ll do our best to inform other visitors of what we are doing without disrupting their enjoyment of the National Park. The terrain along the coast and on the mountain top is uneven and in places has substantial drops. It’s important to move cautiously in the dark and make sure both you and your gear are stable. Tide is another concern and we will be careful to always set up above the high tide line.
Night Sky Timelapse 3-Night Workshop June 2nd – 5th | $1500