Small Group Telescope & Tracker Workshop - January 2025

Overview

This is a small group (max 3 photographers) workshops specifically focusing on using telescopes and/or star trackers for astrophotography. Participants must either bring their own telescope/startracker, or contact me to organise using my provided workshop telescopes and trackers ahead of the workshop.

As a small group Roger will address individuals questions while also having the benefit that group collaboration brings to light shared experiences, questions and solutions.

The workshops are a fun and casual evening in the comfortable surrounds of Perth Observatory, with a dedication to results for the participants.

Group Size

These workshops are tailored to the small number of individuals in the group.

• Minimum group size: 1 photographer
• Maximum group size: 3 photographers

The workshop will proceed with only one booking.

Telescopes & Trackers

This telescope & trackers workshop focuses specifically on the use of telescopes and star trackers for astrophotography. The type of person/situation this workshop suits is:

• Someone wanting to try astrophotography through a telescope using my provided workshop telescope
• Someone wanting to try using a star tracker using my provided star trackers
• someone who has their own telescope or star tracker but is looking for assistance to set it up, polar align it, and take astrophotography using it.
• Those who are confused about polar alignment and want to learn how to polar align their own star tracker or telescope.

For participants who do not have their own telescope or tracker, I have a range of ultra portable start trackers, and a specifically configured workshop-ready telescope for participants to put their DSLR or Mirrorless camera on, or to use my provided camera.

Location

Located on the grounds of the Perth Observatory (337 Walnut Rd Bickley WA 6076), in the hills to the east of Perth. This is a convenient location 45 minute drive from the Perth CBD but dark enough to practice your astrophotography skills.

Ablutions available onsite. Shop with limited drinks and merchandise available at the start of the tour. BYO other supplies you may need.

Specific information regarding meeting at the observatory will be sent to participants ahead of the workshop.

Schedule

The evening will run from 7pm until 10pm.

• Arrive at Perth Observatory from 6:45pm
• 7pm Meet at the front steps/foya
• 7pm-10pm Workshop content on the hilltop among he observatory domes from
• Participants may depart at any time suitable to them including before 10pm.
• At Roger's discretion participants may continue their own photography past 10pm.

Content

Content will be tailored to the participants needs. Roger Groom will make contact with participants prior to the night to assess their needs and form an appropriate program of content.

Typically most sessions will focus on a combination of:

• Wide-field nightscape practical how-to information
• Tracker and mount use including polar alignment
• Astrophotography through a participants telescope

Cloudy Scenario

A decision will be made regarding weather when the 48 hour forecast is available and this decision will be communicated to all registered participants via the email address used in booking.

It is at the discretion of Roger Groom the organiser of this event to decide if the event will proceed or be cancelled due to weather. By booking you accept this.

For small group workshops Roger ensures the best possible outcome for participants, discussing the weather conditions predicted and whether rescheduling is appropriate.

Guidelines for go/no-go based on weather:

• If the forecast for cloud is 70% or less cloud cover and no rain is forecast the event will proceed. Some cloud makes for fantastic nightscape photographs and does not detract from the workshop experience.
• If the forecast for cloud is above 70% cloud cover or rain is forecast with greater than 40% chance for the whole period of the event window the event will be cancelled.
• If a severe weather warning is issued for the time and place of the event, the event will be cancelled.

In the case of cloud the event will be rescheduled or cancelled dependent on participant availability. Initially an attempt will be made to reschedule the event to a nearby evening which suits the most participants, availability of Perth observatory and Roger Groom. If no rescheduled evening is suitable participants can be transferred to a future event or refunds will be made.