SPA ‘Starting from Scratch’ astrophotography workshop – Postponed

This SPA workshop covers all aspects of astrophotography at a beginner’s level, whether with DSLR/mirrorless cameras or specialised astro cameras, from wide-field photography with an undriven camera to through-the-telescope imaging. It is intended as a primer for the Advanced Planetary Imaging Workshop being held jointly by the BAA and SPA on 20 June.

Topics will include

• Basic night photography with a DSLR, using tripod and a range of lenses. Control of the camera, choice of ISO, shutter speed, lens, etc.
• Driven exposures, eg piggybacking, use of driven platforms such as AstroTrac, Star Adventurer etc.
• Attaching a DSLR to a telescope, including a mention of afocal imaging for those with compacts and phone cameras. Increasing the focal length for planetary imaging (Moon and planets)
• Planetary and lunar imaging through a telescope using a webcam – capturing and processing images. Choice of cameras, increasing the image scale, tips and tricks
• Long-exposure imaging through the telescope – comparison of DSLR and dedicated cameras. Choice between single-shot colour and mono cameras. Autoguiding
• RGB imaging, choice of filters, and basic image processing using Photoshop.
• Computer control of the camera and the telescope using manufacturer’s remote capture software and proprietary software such as APT. Control of the telescope using software such as SkyMap etc.

About the speakers:

Mary McIntyre is a noted astrophotographer who has organised previous courses on astrophotography

Prof Ian Morison is the SPA’s Instrument and Astroimaging adviser and has written several books on astroimaging

Robin Scagell is Vice President of the SPA and has many years of experience in imaging using all forms of camera.

Venue

Humfrey Rooms, Castilian Terrace, Northampton NN1 1LD

Booking Information

Please book via the SPA’s shop. £10 for BAA & SPA members, £12 non-members.

Refreshments (tea/coffee will be available on the day for a small extra charge but participants should bring their own lunch to the meeting. Note that there will be only a short lunch break, so there will be no time to go off to the shops and buy something on the day!

Because space is limited, it will not be possible to pay at the door.