Photographing the Milky Way
Beginning Class
Classroom via Zoom June 10th 7:00
Field trip for actual practice June 11th 9pm
Each session is $35.00 (+tax+paypal fee)
This is a significant discount from other classes which charge over $200.
Field site is in Williamson County*
Contact RADykstra.photo@gmail.com or 858-485-8199
Reserve Now! Limited number of photographers will be accepted.
If there is enough interest I may repeat this in July

This class will teach you how to plan, locate and then photograph night time photos of the Milky Way. You will get instructions on how to determine where the Milky Way will appear in the sky; The best times to find it. How to determine good locations, How to set up your camera for night-time photos; Learn how to focus your camera at night; Set up your tripods; Learn how to minimize blur in your photo; Learn how to light paint foreground elements. Then we will add tips on processing the photos when you return home. Additionally , you will receive FREE a set of Lightroom presets to help you process your photos. Due to social distancing, we will present all of this via a Zoom meeting a couple days prior to a field trip. Then on site we will demonstrate all the concepts and allow you to practice. At all times we will stress maintaining 6 foot separation and face masks are encouraged.


This class is applicable for all levels of photographers, from beginners to pros. We'll teach you the basics of astro photography. Planning aspects will be discussed and we will help explain the camera settings you will need to use, and provide assistance if requested during the photo sessions.


Equipment needed.
Camera*** (able to shoot at a 30 sec interval and set ISO to minimum of 3200)
Empty memory storage card and full battery
Sturdy Tripod
Wide angle lens (35mm or less)
(faster the better... IE Max Aperture number low as possible f/4, f/2.8, f/1.8 etc)
Recommended Equipment
Remote shutter release/Timer for your camera also called Intervalometer
Flashlight or headlamp with a Red filter or light.
More equipment that can help but not necessary
PhotoPills app or Photographers Ephemerius app
***It is best if students have a camera that has Bulb mode or can set shutter speed to 30 secs. Also, have a remote shutter release/timer for their camera ( You can buy one on Ebay for $12-15 *)


Cost for each session is $35(+tax+Paypal fee) Must attend classroom to attend field site
Use PayPal buttons below Zoom Class (+tax+Paypal fee) Thurs June 10th 7pm
(refund policy at bottom) Field Trip (+Paypal fee) Fri June 11th 9pm
Field Site Location is in Williamson county
*Exact location will be provided to all photographers who are reserved to this event.
Date: June 11th. Weather date June 12th.
(If cloudy weather we will adjust field trip to best weather day) .
Start time: Zoom meeting 7pm. Approx 60-90min
Field Trip 9pm Approx 2 hours


Zoom Class


Field Trip
If you would like to eliminate Paypal fees, I also accept Zelle, via your banking app. (contact me for proper total amount) Use my email address radykstra.photo@gmail.com to identify my account


Contact me to sign up for this trip.

We only accept PAYPAL or check/cash.
Refund Policy: 100% refund# (#minus any PayPal/credit card charges) is available up to 1 week prior to event. 50% of cost# is available up to 5 days prior. Within 5 days - no refund is available. You can sell your spot to another person as long as you have not received the class materials. Please inform RADykstra Photography (here-forth indicated as RAD) of the change. RAD reserves the right to cancel any event or activity due to insufficient registration or any unforeseen circumstances. you will be notified within 48 of the event. RAD will offer refunds (minus any credit card charges, typically $.50) if RAD has to cancel the event. No other costs such as transportation or other reservations are covered. Note: Since this is a weather and Sky position dependent event. Postponement date could be any date within 1 week of the event. If you cannot attend the postponement date no refunds are available (but you may attend a future class of the same subject) If photo shoot portion is not able to be scheduled within 1 week, a credit for a future class will be issued when conditions are favorable.
