Astrophotography Workshop at Sunglow Ranch near Pearce, AZ

May 5-11, 2005

Don't miss out on this opportunity to produce fine astronomical prints of your favorite objects at America's premier astro-photography destination - Sunglow Ranch.
 

UPDATE April 4, 2004:  We have 15 folks pre-registered for the event.  At this time, the workshop is full.  If you want to go on the waiting list, please email me at jeffball@astrophotography.com .  Thanks.

The astrophotography Yahoo group is at this address:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/astrophotoworkshop/messages

Join other astrophotographers from across the country for a unique photographic experience at one of the darkest sites in the United States.  The workshop has been scheduled during one of the driest months of the year providing the best odds on maximum number of clear nights for imaging. 

• 6 nights of imaging in the beautiful Chiricahua mountains
   
• Daytime workshops on all aspects of astrophotography.  The primary goal of the workshop is to enable each photographer to come away from the trip with the finest results possible.  Emphasis will be on achieving high quality prints for display.  Topics in the workshop will be flexible to meet the needs of the participants.  Examples of workshop topics are: 
   
  • image composition,
     
  • selecting the right imaging sensor,
     
  • maximizing signal to noise,
     
  • accurate polar alignment,
     
  • precise auto-guiding,
     
  • image enhancement techniques,
     
  • and proper computer/printer setup for best output of the final print or monitor display. 
    
    All forms of imaging devices are encouraged to be utilized from film to all forms of digital capture.
     
• Registrants will also participate in a Yahoo forum that will aid in maximizing the imaging experience for participants
   
• If the weather does not cooperate, we will explore the surrounding areas for landscape photography opportunities
   
• Print review of your recent work.  Please bring any prints for review at least 8x10".  Bring digital files for analysis as well-raw and enhanced versions or bring digital files and prints for review of the output of your digital files. 
   
• For film imagers, we will make a couple of trips to a pro-lab < http://www.photographicworks.com/ > in Tucson for film development to check our results.  Richard Payne has offered to bring his Polaroid 120 scanner!  Thanks Richard!
   
• Post workshop assistance will also be available for maximizing your photographic images for final output

There is plenty of power and space for many astrophotography setups at Sunglow.  The 3 concrete pads can hold 2 imaging setups apiece.  All other setups will be on the ground with multiple power outlets available on the pads.  I recommend bringing small concrete blocks for added stability when setting up on the ground around the pads. 
 

Sunglow Ranch is an amazing place.  It really is the ideal astrophotography location.  There is a sense of calm and relaxation that certainly helps the imager become focused on the job at hand-astrophotography.  Each casita is pleasantly adorned in southwest decor.  No phones or TV in the room-you are escaping reality here.  The conference room is near to all of the casitas and can accommodate up to 30 people and does have the only public phone on the premises.  Cell phone service is spotty on the grounds, but connections can be made with some patience.  And then there is the dining...no this is not eating...it is dining.  Imagine the best breakfast and dinner you have had and that is Sunglow dining.  We will have the flexibility to have breakfast for our group at noon if we wish.  Late night snacks will also be provided. 

The charming dining area is a wonderful place for great food and fellowship.

Included in your price is lodging in casita where you may have a queen bed or futon, breakfast, snacks, dinner, and workshop participation.  You will be responsible for transportation to Sunglow and any other meals you have on site.  Each casita has a full kitchen and dining room.  Please check out the Sunglow website for more information on the facility and location.

The cost for the trip is not finalized and will depend on the number of participants.  Expected costs will be around $780 for the 6 nights or $120 - $130 per night.

We will probably pool together groups to rent SUVs for the trip and to carpool to and from the airport and the photo-lab in Tucson.   

I hope you can join us for a great astro-photographic opportunity.  If the event goes well, I hope to put together another event featuring the sky of October for 2006.  Best wishes and thanks for your interest.

Jeff Ball (email)