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.