Astro-Photographers from 16 to 100 years old will enjoy this experience.

This course is suitable for all levels - beginner to expert.

We'll take you through the essentials even if you don't have any kit, and we'll give you some advice on buying and using the right kit if you're thinking about that.  Things to think about bringing are:

• Your specialised astronomy cameras, filters etc (if you have them)
• DSLR camera & telescope adapter
• Your own telescope if you have one
• Laptop (to learn about processing and stacking etc)

If you are bringing your own DSLR we have adapters available for popular models of camera to enable you to use your camera with our telescopes during the event.

Additionally - specific questions can be emailed to our experts in advance, email us at info@battlesteads.com

Learn the first steps in taking pictures of the deep sky wonders of the universe. Whether you're a beginner starting out as an astrophotographer, or you have equipment that you'd like help with, or even if you're an expert looking for top tips on processing, this experience is for you. This extended course will give you ample time to get to know your camera and astrophotography techniques followed by supervised imaging sessions, including taking your own pictures in what is one of the best dark sky locations in the UK. No previous knowledge is required. Bring your camera & telescope if you have them and laptop (but they are not essential - you can use our equipment.)

Day One, Saturday.

After arrival and dinner in the award winning Battlesteads restaurant, join us at our dark sky observatory for one of our public observing events and learn how find your way around the stars. We will observe the most interesting objects, such as the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae, double stars and galaxies.

Day Two, Sunday.

The morning is your own, take the chance to explore some of beautiful Northumberland or just rest in the bar after last night’s astronomy.

2pm - Astrophotography course. 

• Getting to know your camera
• DSLR basics, getting off the “auto” setting
• Taking pictures of the Milky Way, night skyscapes and photographing the Moon
• Attaching your camera to a telescope and taking long exposure pictures
• Taking pictures of the planets
• Specialist Astrophotography cameras
• Tweaking and processing your images

6:00 pm - Break for dinner

8:30pm Taking Pictures

Our resident Astrophotographer will ensure that this part of your experience is tailored to your experience level and equipment - if you have a specific thing you'd like to focus on then drop us an email and let us know.

Putting into practice the afternoon session astrophotography guests will have the exclusive use of the observatory to take their own pictures with the tutor on hand to provide advice and guidance.

As of yet, we're unable to control the weather, so observing and photographing the skies can only go ahead if it's clear but you'll be pleased to know that all events will go ahead in any weather conditions.

In the event of inclement weather on day 2, the evening will be split between practical hands-on tuition learning how to put telescopes and cameras together and getting the best from your equipment. The second part of the evening will be an introduction to basic processing, using your own existing data or the tutors images.

Day two of this event is also available as a single day Sunday course.