Milky Way over the Deschutes River

When and Where
When: August 3, 2019 (7:30 pm - 11:15 pm) Where: Deschutes River State Recreatioin Area
Tuition and Registration
Tuition for this workshop is only $150 Safe and secure payment through PayPal
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"
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 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 smart phone apps for Milky Way and other shoots How to take images for stacking Photo critiques (post workshop) How to prepare images for stacking Post processing using Adobe Lightroom (add contrast, adjust exposure, manage noise, bring out details in the Milky Way and land, apply local adjustments, and much more) Post processing using Adobe Photoshop (using luminosity and color channel masks, apply the Orton effect, apply noise reduction without affecting the sharpness of the stars, and much more) Detailed PDF document: step-by-step post processing example
Refund policy
Cancellations must be made in writing. 30 days or more prior to the workshop: Refund less a $20 cancellation fee. 7 to 30 days prior to the workshop: 75% refund. Less than 7 days prior to the workshop: 50% refund. If the workshop (including alternate dates) is cancelled the days leading up to the workshop (due to weather forecasts), 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 this workshop. 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.
Itinerary (subject to change)
7:30-8:15: Meet and Greet - Workshop orientation 8:15-8:30: Hike to workshop venue 8:30-11:00: Blue hour and Milky Way photography
What to Bring
Camera with good high ISO capabilities 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 work too)
Accommodations
Deschutes River Recreation Area (camping) (541) 739-2322 Motel 6 2500 W 6th St The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 296-1911 Cellilo Inn 3550 E 2nd St The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 769-0001 Cousin's Country Inn 2114 W 6th St The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 298-5161 The Dalles Inn 112 W 2nd St The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 296-9107 Shilo Inn 3223 Bret Clodfelter Way The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 298-5502 Fairfield Inn 2014 W 7th St The Dalles, OR 97058 (541) 769-0753

About the Workshop

The wonder and amazement of the Milky Way. Billions of stars stretching over the entire night sky. Throw in the rolling hills of Cenbtral Oregon and the beauty of the Deschutes River to take your photography to the next level and amaze your friends and family.

Certain equipment is required for this workshop. See "What to Bring".

The date for this workshop was specifically chosen during a time when the Milky Way will be positioned over the Deschutes River. This only happens during a two month period from this location.

Due to the remote nature of this workshop, participants should bring water and food.

Photography instruction and assistance will be provided in the field and tailored to individual needs with an emphasis on the many challenges faced when shooting at night.

This workshop requires nearly cloud free skies. In the event that weather conditions aren't favorable, an alternate dates will be 8/15 and 8/16.

Physical Requirements

Why choose this workshop over others?

Value: Other Milky Way workshops charge up to $300.
Experience: I have been leading Milky Way workshops since 2012.
There are very few (if any) workshops at this location.
My refund policies are far less restrictive than others.
My workshops are limited to 7 participants meaning you WILL receive personalized attention.
This workshop isn't strictly about 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 for this workshop is rated as EASY. We will take a short hike to the shooting location (about one mile). There is a small amount of elevation gain and we will be hiking back to the cars in the dark.

Personalized Experience

In order to provide each student tailored and individual attention, the workshop will be limited to 7 participants. A waiting list will be available.

Sample Images

Click here for sample images from the area

About Me

I am a passionate photographer with an extensive knowledge of landscape photography. I have been leading Milky Way workshops for the past 5 years. 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 has led several outings and workshops throughout the Northwest. I am also an instructor in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

Photographing the Milky Way

I recently published my book (Photographing the Milky Way). It is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Click here for more information.