Workshop Agenda

Early Afternoon and Evening Session: Golden Hour and Milky Way Photography

When: Saturday 10th August 2024
Length: 8 hours

1. Pick Up at Accommodation (2:00 PM)
   • Location: Accommodation in Alice Springs.
   • Details: Meet at the front of the accommodation. Ensure all participants have their gear ready, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and any other necessary equipment. Briefly go over the day’s agenda and safety considerations before departing.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Overview of the day’s schedule and goals.
     • Safety and equipment checks.
2. Drive to Simpsons Gap (2:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
   • Details: Travel to Simpsons Gap, located approximately 30 minutes from Alice Springs. Discuss the expected conditions and goals for the golden hour shoot during the drive.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Introduction to the shooting location and expected conditions.
     • Discussion of photographic goals for the golden hour shoot.
3. Photographing at Simpsons Gap (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
   • Details: Walk through one of Alice Springs iconic gaps, where you get a chance to photograph the rock formation, with the reflective water and even might get a chance to photograph one of the Rock Wallabies that live in this area.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Photography techniques, including composition, lighting, and camera settings for golden hour.
   • Focus: Tips for capturing the vibrant red landscapes and rock formations, and adjusting settings for optimal exposure and color.
4. Drive to Rainbow Valley (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
   • Details: We drive south to Rainbow Valley, along the way you get to view the different changing landscape and have the opportunity to talk about the upcoming session.
     • Route: Approximately 1 hour drive from Simpsons Gap to Rainbow Valley.
     • Preparation: Discuss the upcoming sunset and Milky Way shoot. Ensure that all equipment is secured and ready for setup upon arrival.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Photography techniques, including composition, lighting, and camera settings for golden hour.
     • Tips for capturing the vibrant red landscapes and rock formations, and adjusting settings for optimal exposure and color.
     • Camera Settings for Different Landscapes:
       • Simpsons Gap:
         • Camera Settings: Adjust for dramatic rock formations and narrow canyons. Use a mid-range aperture (f/8 to f/11) for depth of field and a moderate ISO (100-400) to capture the texture and details in the rocks.
         • Composition Tips: Focus on framing the rocks and narrowing the composition to highlight specific features of the landscape.
       • Rainbow Valley:
         • Camera Settings: Adjust for large, open landscapes. Use a wide aperture (f/11 to f/16) for a broader depth of field to capture the expansive views. Increase ISO (400-800) if needed for dynamic light conditions and longer exposure times.
         • Composition Tips: Consider including more foreground elements and wide vistas. Experiment with different angles to capture the grandeur of the open landscape.
5. Setup and Location Scouting (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
   • Details:
     • Tasks: Set up cameras and tripods. Scout for the best vantage points for capturing the sunset and golden hour.
     • Considerations: Take note of the composition, lighting angles, and potential foreground elements for both the golden hour and Milky Way shots.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Setting up for optimal shooting conditions.
     • Scouting for the best shooting angles and compositions.
6. Photograph Golden Hour on the Rock Formations at Rainbow Valley (5:00 PM – 6:45 PM)
   • Details:
     • Focus: Capture the dramatic lighting and colors of the rock formations during the golden hour.
     • Techniques: Experiment with different compositions and angles. Adjust camera settings as the light changes.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Techniques for capturing golden hour light.
     • Composition strategies for highlighting rock formations.
7. Light Dinner (6:45 PM – 7:30 PM)
   • Details:
     • Options: Enjoy a light, portable meal. Consider bringing pre-prepared snacks or sandwiches.
     • Preparation: Use this time to review the photos taken during the golden hour and discuss any adjustments needed for the night shoot.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Review of golden hour photos.
     • Preparation for night photography.
8. Photograph the Milky Way (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
   • Details:
     • Focus: Capture the Milky Way and incorporate foreground elements.
     • Techniques: Use long exposures and light painting techniques. Adjust camera settings for night photography and guide participants through the process.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Techniques for capturing the Milky Way.
     • Night photography settings and light painting.
9. Drive Back to Alice Springs (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
   • Details:
     • Route: Return drive to Alice Springs.
     • Wrap-Up: Discuss the day’s experiences, review the photos taken, and address any final questions.
   • Topics Covered:
     • Reflection on the day’s activities.
     • Final Q&A and review of the photos taken.

Equipment Recommendations

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens
• Tripod for stability
• Remote shutter release or intervalometer
• Headlamp or flashlight for night setup