Question 1

What cameras are ok?

Accepted Answer

Most digital cameras with interchangeable lenses and manual controls (M mode on the mode dial) and manual focus made in the last 10 years are great!    Please let us know what model of camera you have, as some older cameras are not suitable due to lack of manual controls and live view.

Question 2

Do  I need to bring my own camera?

Accepted Answer

We can hire out, at additional expense to you, complete night photography kits including a camera, lens, tripod, headlight, spare batteries, and backpack to store these items in.   Please bring your own empty SD card.

Question 3

What camera equipment should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Please bring camera, at least two freshly charged spare batteries, 2 spare memory cards, wide angle lens (the lower the focal length the better - if you're not sure about the lens, an 18-55mm is fine), sturdy tripod and red light capable head light. Bring a torch and spare charged batteries for them

Question 4

I've got a lot of camera gear, and I'm still not sure what to bring!

Accepted Answer

Just bring what you have and we can evaluate and advise what will work best for you.

Question 5

Should I bring a laptop or a computer along?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  It may be useful in the theory component of the class. If you wish to pay for extra editing lessons after the photoshoot, it will be essential.   Also if sky conditions aren't great we have some files for you to practise editing on whilst waiting on the sky to clear.

Question 6

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

IT WILL BE COLD! So rug up more than you think you will need to.   You can take layers off, but if you don't bring enough warm clothing you can't put more on!

Question 7

Can you be more specific about clothing please?

Accepted Answer

Casual, sturdy attire. Bring 2 beanies, 2 scarves, if you have thermals  wear them, wear a jumper, bring at least 2 warm jackets, fingerless gloves and I find trackpants under sturdy pants keeps me warmer and protected. Wear enclosed sturdy leather boots or similar and I recommend 2 pairs of socks.

Question 8

What is your footwear policy?

Accepted Answer

If your shoes aren't enclosed and sturdy, then you will not be joining us for the practical photos of the stars off-site, as it can be potentially dangerous.

Question 9

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at 10 Graman Road, Graman NSW, 2360 in the old church, just  200 metres north of the Graman Hotel.   There's a sign on the fence saying "Nirvana".   Please park in the front yard or off the side of the road, just beware of the culvert. Please do not park across access for RFS

Question 10

How do we get there?

Accepted Answer

We are 43 km north-west of Inverell, 26km south-west of Ashford and 25km north-east of Delungra.   There is no public transport here.   There is also minimal mobile phone coverage, however we can join you to our wifi when you arrive. There is no public transport, so you must drive private vehicles.

Question 11

Do you have wheelchair access?

Accepted Answer

The studio has wheelchair access.   Although the access to the toilet is flat, it is not wheelchair accessible.   Please contact us prior to the event so that we can arrange a subject to photograph that is wheelchair accessible.

Question 12

What toilet facilities do you have?

Accepted Answer

We have toilets at the studio, but there are none at the farms where we take photographs for two hours.   If this poses a problem for you, please contact us prior to the event and we can arrange to take photos at the studio, I just find it's a less interesting foreground at the studio.

Question 13

What if the weather closes in after we start?

Accepted Answer

Once the event goes ahead, theory instruction will go ahead regardless, and for practical we can practise using our cameras and apps for settings, focusing and light painting

If the event is cancelled due to rain, your ticket is transferable to another available night, or you can get a full refund.

Question 14

What happens if there are no stars after we start?

Accepted Answer

Course fee is 50% theory and 50% practical.   If stars are not visible after theory then you can have a 50% refund or come back another night and have a full class.

Question 15

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancel more than one month out for a full refund minus booking fee.
Cancel more than 2 weeks out for 75% refund minus booking fee.
Cancel more than 1 week out for 50% refund  minus booking fee.
Cancel less than one week no refunds.

Tickets are transferable to other people.

Question 16

What is your bad weather policy?

Accepted Answer

Event will go ahead unless rain is forecast for the entirety of the evening. This will be communicated to you on the day unless a major rain event is forecast, in which case you will be advised prior to the day. We will allow a 90 minute extra time window if the sky comes over cloudy with no stars.

Learn to photograph Milky Way Nightscapes