*Registration Closed*
Spring 2015 -Astrophotography Workshops - Sign Up
***Kern County and San Luis Obispo County Workshops Available - Please choose accordingly (scroll to sign up)
Learn to photograph and edit images of the night sky and the Milky Way in a fun, interactive group setting.
Astrophotography Workshops - Capturing the Night Sky
The first time you see a vivid Milky Way image on the back of your camera on a clear night, it's truly an invigorating experience.
This workshop will cover the basics of capturing the night sky and recommended settings, shooting a panorama of the Milky Way, as well as an introduction to capturing star trails. We will focus on wide-field astrophotography, which can best be described as landscape photography in the dark, with an emphasis on capturing vivid Milky Way images and bright stars, using wide-angle lenses. I am excited to share with you everything I know about photographing the night sky! Click here to see more examples.
Go through the information below and please do not hesitate to email, call, or text with any questions you may have.
Testimonials
".... I can say without doubt it's best photography workshop I ever took. His planning was immaculate and he was constantly in touch with the participants providing weather and location updates until an hour before the workshop. He selected 3 locations for the shoot (from the most to least desirable) and we ended up going to the 3rd location because of the weather. If he hadn't planned, we would have come back with cloudy skies. He spent the first hour explaining camera settings and exposure which was above and beyond any paid workshops (including Nikon) I'd been to. We didn't have worry about the camera settings for the rest of the night. I'd strongly recommend his workshop..."
-Senthil
"...It was excellent, he provided all the information with on the scene instruction as well as thorough notes. The workshop was small and each person got a lot of one-on-one instruction and help. The next day we met in a classroom for post-editing instruction. I enjoyed the workshop and would definitely recommend it..."
-Mimi
"...Brady Cabe presented an excellent astrophotography workshop in June at Carizzo Plain National Monument.! I have been on many outings with different photo leaders and Brady made a great impression on me. Quick response to many questions before the workshop. He scouted sites before the workshop and had backup plans in case the weather didn't cooperate with clear skies. For in the field instruction, he was very thorough instructing us with what we needed to know. He also gave us one-on-one attention for our individual needs. He made arrangements ahead of time for a modern private classroom and taught us many techniques for post-processing astrophotography images. He is very knowledgeable and patient. In addition, he followed up with many notes of the instruction material. And, what's more,he is a super nice guy. I will look forward excitedly to attending future workshops given by Brady Cabe of Cabe Creative. I can hardly wait! I would strongly recommend taking his workshops based on my recent experience..."
-Susan
When?
DATES: scroll down to review options. Please note, there are options for Bakersfield area (Kern County) as well as San Luis Obispo County in June, so please choose your location and book accordingly. Each Saturday we will start in the evening just after sunset, and work our way into the night capturing photos. On each Sunday, there will be an editing and post-processing skills class, as well as a bolt-on second night-time session for those who desire more time in the field (additional fee.)
What do I need to know going into this?
All skill levels are welcome. The more you know about your camera and the editing software, the further ahead you will be than other students at all stages. If we need to talk about photography concepts, such as ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed, at the base level, we can and will do that. We will definitely be talking about these very important concepts and how they relate to photographing the night sky. Any and all questions relating to this will be answered. Don't worry about getting behind!
What gear do I need?
- A digital camera with high ISO capability, at least ISO 3200. Recommendations: Canon 6D, 5D Mark III, Nikon D600/610, D800
- Wide angle lens, widest and fastest (large aperture, i.e. f/2.8 or larger) possible. Recommendations: Rokinon 14mm f/2.8, Canon 16-35mm, Nikon 14-24mm, Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 for panoramas
- Sturdy tripod. Recommendations: Really Right Stuff Series 2 or Series 3 tripod, BH-40 or BH-55 ballhead. I also recommend an L-plate for your camera to easily mount in vertical orientation; useful for Milky Way and panorama shooting.
- Shutter release cable. Recommendations: There are many third-party options available that are worth evaluating. Choose one with many good reviews.
- Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries. Recommendations: Your choice, but any light with a red LED will help preserve your night vision.
- Snacks and water. Recommendations: Some water will be provided. Bring snacks that keep your blood flowing; high protein and lower carb snacks will sustain you better through the evening. Can’t go wrong with mixed nuts and water. There will be no nap time :)
- Laptop with Adobe Lightroom (recommended but not required) and StarStax (available as free download.) If you do not have a laptop, please bring a notepad so you can benefit from the in-class portion of the instruction.
Transportation Information
Please have your own method of transportation to the workshop location. Due to weather or unforeseen events, the workshop location may change during the workshop, so please have access to transportation for the duration of the workshop.
What is the goal of the group session?
The group session is designed to lead you from start to finish; from taking the photo in the field to post-production and editing on your computer, to create a final image. We will go over basic concepts and best practices for shooting. This will be applied in the field, and I will work with each person one-on-one to ensure that you walk away with photographs you can treasure. The next day, we will meet up for a post-processing workflow session using Adobe Lightroom. Those that choose to book Session #2 will meet back up to solidify the concepts we discussed and spend more time on intermediate concepts. When the instruction is complete, you will have final edited photos of the night sky to enjoy, print, and share.
Will we be photographing the Milky Way?
Yes. The Milky Way's position in the sky is moving constantly throughout the year and will be rising above the horizon during our shooting time. We are purposefully starting in-field instruction during the twilight hours, so the basics can be covered before optimal shooting time, and the Milky Way can be successfully photographed as soon as it is dark enough and the Milky Way has risen. Can't wait!
Buy Tickets/Info
- Choose Session #1 to learn how to photograph and edit the night sky. Includes one in-field session and one in-class, editing session.
- Choose Session #1 & 2 for more field time, to help solidify concepts. Session #2 is a more in-depth follow-up, NOT a repeat of the first session.
May 2015 - SLO County DONE!
- San Luis Obispo County - Session #1: $200/person*
- Saturday May 16, 8 PM to Midnight in the field, location TBA (SLO County)
- Sunday May 17, 2 PM to 5 PM, editing/post-production
- Includes 4 hours of in-field instruction, and 3 hours of in-class, editing and post-processing instruction
- San Luis Obispo County - Session #2: $80 (requires booking session #1)*
- Sunday May 17, 9 PM to Midnight in the field location TBA (SLO County)
- Adds 3 hours of in-field instruction
Only 6 spots available.
June 2015 - Kern County - Carrizo Plain (within 1-2 hour driving radius of Bakersfield)
Kern County (within 1-2 hour driving radius of Bakersfield)
- Kern County - June 13/14, 2015 - Session #1: $200/person*
- Saturday June 13, 8 PM to Midnight in the field, location TBA (Kern County)
- Sunday June 14, 2 PM to 5 PM, editing/post-production
- Includes 4 hours of in-field instruction, and 3 hours of in-class, editing and post-processing instruction
- Kern County - June 14, 2015 - Session #2: $80 (requires booking session #1)*
- Sunday June 14, 9 PM to Midnight in the field location TBA (Kern County)
- Adds 3 hours of in-field instruction
Only 6 spots available.
*Cancellation and refund policy: Cancellations must be requested at least 2 months prior to the workshop date. There are no refunds for cancellations within 30 days of a workshop date. Between 30 and 60 days, half of the total paid can be refunded for cancellations.
One-On-One Sessions
One-On-One Sessions, available by appointment; contact for details Spots are only limited by the number of good shooting days available and mid-week sessions are available and encouraged. Sign up for this if you want one-on-one instruction at some of the greatest locales the central coast has to offer. Send me an email to discuss when and where, and I will send you an invoice to pay via credit card or PayPal once we have finalized a time and date. ## How do I find out about future workshops? If you stumbled upon this page and you are not part of my workshop email list, fill out the form below to stay in the loop.
Questions?
Send me an email with any questions you might have and let's sort it out. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Can't make it this time around?
Sign up to receive emails about all future workshops. I promise to never spam or sell your email address.
Thank you!
And finally, thank you! I am so excited to meet some new faces and possibly reunite with some familiar ones in 2015!
