Learn how to create stunning images under some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states with astrophotographer Nate Liles! This class will cover pre-trip planning, camera settings and ideal equipment, composition, panorama creation, and post-processing techniques. Participants will meet at the Sun Valley Museum of Art's Hailey Classroom on Fri, Sep 15 at 4:30pm to make a pre-trip plan and review camera basics. Carpools will depart for the shooting location at Craters of the Moon by 6pm. Students will photograph the sunset (7:50pm), discuss camera settings and composition, and shoot a bit during blue hour (twilight) before astronomical twilight (fully dark sky). Once the sky fully darkens (9pm), participants will practice creating long-exposure night sky compositions before heading back to Hailey around 10:30pm. If the sky is cloudy at the chosen site, arrangements will be made to find an alternate site with clear skies. On Saturday, students will discuss post-processing techniques, including light noise reduction, panorama stitching, lens corrections, and image retouching. Age and ability: 17+ years old and basic knowledge of how to operate your camera in manual mode; advanced photography skills not required.

Learn how to create stunning images under some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states with astrophotographer Nate Liles! This class will cover pre-trip planning, camera settings and ideal equipment, composition, panorama creation, and post-processing techniques. Participants will meet at the Sun Valley Museum of Art's Hailey Classroom on Fri, Sep 15 at 4:30pm to make a pre-trip plan and review camera basics. Carpools will depart for the shooting location at Craters of the Moon by 6pm. Students will photograph the sunset (7:50pm), discuss camera settings and composition, and shoot a bit during blue hour (twilight) before astronomical twilight (fully dark sky). Once the sky fully darkens (9pm), participants will practice creating long-exposure night sky compositions before heading back to Hailey around 10:30pm. If the sky is cloudy at the chosen site, arrangements will be made to find an alternate site with clear skies. On Saturday, students will discuss post-processing techniques, including light noise reduction, panorama stitching, lens corrections, and image retouching. Age and ability: 17+ years old and basic knowledge of how to operate your camera in manual mode; advanced photography skills not required.