Join me and learn how to shoot the Aurora Borealis in the middle of England!

Planet Earth is experiencing the effects of going through the Solar Maximum whereby the Sun has reached a peak of activity, with an impressive number of sunspots on its surface and is ejecting a continuous series of Coronal Mass Ejections, radiation and solar flares. This means the sun is spitting energy outwards and if any are aimed towards the Earth, that energy is causing the Aurora Borealis, normally found at the top of the planet, to spread further around the Earth and can be seen in much more unusual locations much further south than before!

We never know when the Aurora will appear and whether it will be strong enough to reach the midlands but over the next three years, we’ll be going through the Solar Maximum and expect to experience another estimated 12 magic shows alike the recent displays in May and October of 2024.

This workshop will be completed within three separate stages, with the first one being completed asap to give you as many opportunities to join me for a night of shooting the Northern Lights

In order to get you prepared for shooting the aurora, there will be a technical session organised for you at the earliest convenience, so that you can learn how to handle your camera in the dark and get the technicalities right, so that when the time comes to drop everything and head out for an Aurora show, you’ll be ready!

How will the Aurora Borealis workshop work?

The three stages of this workshop will consist of the following:

Stage 1: The Technical Session - 4 hours - TBA

Stage 1 will be organised once you have booked and will be held at a convenient time for you.

Meeting at my studio in Burbage, I’ll teach you how to set up your camera, what settings to use and how to shoot the Aurora.
Then we’ll head outside to practice at night and in the dark and potentially with a starry night sky.

I’ll show you how to get your camera focused and how to design a composition with limited vision.

This stage of the workshop will give you all the technical know how, so you’re ready for stage 2 - shooting the Aurora Borealis.

Stage 2: Shooting The Aurora Borealis - TBA

Once advanced notice has been given, we will meet at my studio, and then head out to Beacon Hill in Leicestershire.

Transport will be provided.

We’ll then walk over uneven ground to seek the best location to see the Aurora and begin designing compositions.

The idea will be to stay out for approximately 6 hours or dependant upon the Aurora scientific predictions .

You’ll need to bring a drink and food if required.

Warm clothing and suitable footwear is also important.

On the workshop I will teach you the following:

• How to find the best location

• How to design the perfect composition in the dark

• How to focus your camera

• How to see, read and measure the light with your onboard light meter

• How to adapt to the changing lighting conditions

• How to get creative with the environment, merging the foreground, middle and background

Ultimately on this workshop, regardless of the level of Aurora, you will create an incredible work of art.

Stage 3: Post production using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop if necessary - TBA.

This stage will be organised following stage 2 because it’s difficult to predict when this will occur and several sessions will be available to choose from.
The post production stage will last for approximately 2-3 hours.

This is where I will teach you how to bring your photographs to life and show you how I professionally edit my work.

Here you will also receive constructive criticism on your photography and learn an incredible amount about the whole process.

The complete workshop will come together at this point and help you to create stunning works of art.

I guarantee an improvement in your photography and a more exciting night out than the standard!

The price of the incredible workshop is £750 and the value is incredible and there’s only one place for one or two people max!