Adventure Based Astro, Milky Way and Wreck of the SS Speke 

Adventure - Discover - Learn

Here’s our first workshop in several months and it’s gonna be a ripper. 

This workshop will have limited capacity due to the treacherous conditions around the SS Speke especially at night. Access to the wreck is via a steep track that is prone to get wet and slippery at night. This workshop is not recommended with anyone with mobility issues or moving around confidently in the dark.

This workshop focuses on shooting the starry night sky and Milky Way with the wreck of the SS Speke in the foreground. Participants will learn how to focus on dark nights, use a tripod, remote release and appropriate camera settings for catching the stars and star trails. We’ll also discuss how to plan a perfect astro shoot and how to photograph the elusive Southern Aurora.

Participants will also learn about the native animals and environment unique to the island to better understand what they are shooting. All workshop facilitators are island locals and professional photographers who have an intimate understanding of the environment, seasonal fluctuations, animals and conditions on the island.

The workshop lasts between 2-3 hours and participants need a moderate level of fitness. 

Meeting Point and Workshop Location

We will meet at car park at Kitty Miller Bay

Prerequisites

Participants need to know how to manually change aperture, shutter speed and ISO on their cameras.

What to Bring

Participants need to bring their camera and all lenses, fully charged battery, empty memory card, good shoes, jumper or jacket, flashlight, remote release (if you have one) and a small bottle of water. A tripod is necessary for this workshop.

Safety

The Phillip Island coast can be a rugged and unforgiving place. Coastal areas are prone to rogue waves and cliff tops are unstable. The island has a very sensitive ecosystem and we will require all participants to remain on the clearly marked paths at all times for their own safety and the safety of our local flora and fauna. Photo Rangers is not responsible for any loss or injury that may occur on the workshop.

How To Reserve Your Place

Prepayment

To reserve your place in the workshop we require prepayment. Payment can be made either by PayPal to info@photorangers.com.au or by direct deposit to our account - contact us for account details. When you prepay, please contact us and we’ll ensure your place is reserved. We will require your mobile number and email so we can keep you updated if there are any changes to the schedule or if weather forces a cancellation. 

Cancellations and Refunds

You may cancel and get a full refund if you notify us 24 hours or more before the workshop. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice you can apply the workshop fee to a future Photo Rangers workshop.

Weather

Our Adventure Based Workshops will generally go ahead in light rain. Typically the rain on the island will not last long and afterwards we get some of the best conditions for photography. Make sure you bring a raincoat and plastic bag (to shield your camera) just in case of rain.

If the weather is severe or lightening is present, we will cancel the workshop. We will attempt to make a call on workshop cancellation 2 hours before the workshop if possible. 

The Astro workshops will go ahead on cloudy evenings and we will concentrate on light painting, fire spinning, using a Pixel Stick, strobes and El Wire as conditions allow. The Astro workshops will not go ahead in rain. 

Cancellation of workshop

If a workshop is cancelled we will offer you a full refund or the option of applying the fee to a future Photo Rangers workshop.

Acknowledgement of Country

Photo Rangers pay our respects to the traditional people of Phillip Island, the Boonwurrong People and pay our respects to their ancestors, elders and any who attend our workshops.