Milky way rises over poles in tipi shape and hills

Night Photography Workshop and Star Party

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Special Event
  • Sep 5, 2021 at 7:00 PM
  • Free

Ever wanted to know how the amazing Milky Way pictures from Dark Sky Parks are created?  Ever wanted to catch the Space Station or meteors on camera? Join Agate Fossil Beds' night sky rangers Sunday September 5th from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m for a free seminar on landscape astrophotography!  It’s a fun and artistic hobby that almost anyone can enjoy, without expensive telescopes and tracking mounts.

The first half of this event is an informative talk about the process in the monument theater at 7 p.m., followed by a hands-on workshop under the stars at 8:45 p.m. Please plan on attending both segments.

There will also be a star talk and guided telescope tour for family members and other visitors starting at 8 p.m.

“This will be a collaborative experience to teach you how to enjoy landscape astrophotography as a hobby,” said park ranger Jason Gray. “No experience? No problem. Been on the cover of Sky & Telescope? We'll probably pick your brain too.”

All you need is a digital DSLR or mirrorless camera with a manual (“M” on the settings dial) mode, the widest-angle lenses you have (the lens that came with your camera is fine), a sturdy tripod, a red headlamp, and the excitement to learn! The park will not be able to provide cameras or other gear. Cellphones and point-and-shoot cameras without manual mode are unfortunately not appropriate for this seminar.

Admission to Agate Fossil Beds is always free. No reservations or tickets are required for the event. Camping and overnight stays are not allowed within the park, but privately owned camping is available just east of the boundaries.

For more information, contact the park at 308-665-4113

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Schedule

Date:

Sep 5, 2021

Time:

7:00 PM

Duration:

3 hours and 30 minutes

7 pm - Landscape Astrophotography seminar in the visitor center theater 8 pm - Star talk and telescope tour 8:45 pm - Astrophotography hands-on workshop (must have also attended 7pm session)

Event Type

  • Campfire/Evening Program
  • Talk
Tags: agate fossil beds national monument, agfo, night sky, astrophotography, astronomy, photography, star party