Reflecting on a Year of Astrophotography Adventures
2024 has been a remarkable year for my astrophotography workshops, filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable nights under the stars. I had the privilege of running two incredible workshops: one at the breathtaking Lake Tyrrell pink salt lake in June and another at the mysterious Lake Toolondo and Grampians National Park in September. Both workshops were an immense success, not just because of the perfect conditions we had, but also because of the sense of community and passion that grew among the participants and me.
Our first workshop took place at Lake Tyrrell, one of Victoria’s most otherworldly landscapes. Known for its vast salt flats that turn pink at certain times of the year, the lake provided a surreal backdrop for our astrophotography. With calm winds and clear skies, the reflections of the Milky Way on the saltwater were nothing short of magical. We covered a range of techniques during this workshop, including time-lapses, focus stacking, and panoramic shots, ensuring everyone could capture the night sky in all its glory. The pink salt lake at night offered something truly unique for every photographer, and it was exciting to see participants push their creative boundaries.
In September, we ventured to Lake Toolondo and Grampians National Park—a place that feels steeped in mystery and rugged beauty. The dead trees in Lake Toolondo provided a hauntingly beautiful foreground for our Milky Way shots, while the towering peaks of the Grampians gave us diverse compositional opportunities. We even found some vibrant canola fields to practice taking sweeping panoramas. The weather could not have been more perfect, and to our surprise, the Aurora Australis made an appearance, painting the skies in brilliant red hues. Witnessing the aurora in such a remote location was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it elevated the workshop to something extraordinary.
Throughout the workshops, we delved into advanced astrophotography techniques. We worked on perfecting star trails, image stacking, and post-processing, and even got out the star tracker for some long-exposure shots at Lake Toolondo. Participants had the chance to experiment with different tools and techniques, pushing their skills further with each night under the stars.
Between these workshops, I embarked on a personal journey to the USA, where I had the incredible opportunity to explore the night skies over New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Experiencing the vast, star-filled skies of the American Southwest was awe-inspiring. I also made new connections with photographers and astronomy enthusiasts, which helped expand my vision for future workshops. The red rocks of Utah and the sweeping desert landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico were the perfect canvas for the cosmos, and I can't wait to bring some of what I learned there into future workshops.
As I look back on 2024, I feel incredibly grateful for everyone who joined me on these astrophotography adventures. Each workshop created not only amazing images but also lasting friendships. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all the participants who trusted me to guide them through these experiences. It was a privilege to share my knowledge, and I’m so proud of what we accomplished together.
Looking forward to 2025, I’m excited to announce a fresh lineup of workshops that will include some of my favorite locations—like Tasmania, Flinders Ranges, South Australia, and returns to Lake Tyrrell and Lake Toolondo/Grampians National Park. These workshops will continue to explore the art of astrophotography under some of the darkest, clearest skies in the world, and I can’t wait to help more people discover the magic of the night sky.
If you’re passionate about photographing the stars or eager to start your astrophotography journey, I’d love to connect with you. Together, we’ll explore the cosmos and capture the beauty of the night skies. Here’s to more adventures in 2025—I’ll see you under the stars!
