Astrophotography Workshops
Astrophotography Workshops: Tips and Techniques
Astrophotography workshops bring together a love of the night sky and the art of photography. Do you enjoy the sweep of the Milky Way, or the fine detail of nebulae and star clusters? Learning with a professional photographer like Jonny Gios can take your astrophotography to the next level.
Jonny’s training services cover:
What makes astrophotography unique
How workshops speed up your progress
Why editing, equipment, and knowledge all matter.
What is astrophotography?
Astrophotography captures the night sky in all its beauty. It demands patience, planning, and an understanding of light that’s very different from daytime photography. From wide-field Milky Way images to deep-sky photography of galaxies and nebulae, it challenges both skill and creativity.
This genre is constantly changing. Weather shifts without warning. Darkness tests focus and composition. The sky itself moves, requiring precise timing. Astrophotographers learn to adapt. They use long exposures, tracking mounts, and careful editing to reveal details our eyes can’t see.
Learning through astrophotography workshops
Workshops are one of the best ways to improve. With expert guidance, photographers practice planning, camera setup, and editing. You can book one-to-one or join a small group — learning alongside others sparks creativity and builds confidence.
Meet Jonny Gios: professional photographer and workshop leader
Jonny Gios is a professional photographer known for landscapes, creative astrophotography, and teaching. His approach is clear, encouraging, and grounded in real experience. He shares not only photography techniques but also the thought process behind each image. Jonny’s workshops welcome every level, from beginner to advanced.
Improving skills and knowledge: from wide-field to deep-sky
Workshops often take place at dark-sky sites. Here, photographers capture both wide landscapes under the stars and detailed sections of the Milky Way. Wide-field images give space to explore composition and storytelling. Deep-sky work challenges timing, tracking, and post-processing. Both approaches strengthen technique and confidence.
Creative astrophotography techniques: thinking beyond the obvious
Astrophotography is not just about stars. It’s about finding atmosphere, scale, and story. Jonny encourages participants to include foreground elements — trees, lakes, silhouettes — to anchor the night sky. Creativity often comes from overlooked details: reflections, clouds drifting through, or the subtle glow of airglow on the horizon.
Practical photography workshops with Jonny Gios
Jonny’s astrophotography workshops are fully hands-on. Participants shoot, review, and improve in real time. This cycle builds confidence and lasting skills. Each session balances theory with practice. Photographers leave with new techniques and stronger portfolios.
Essential equipment for astrophotography
The right equipment makes a difference. A sturdy tripod, wide-angle fast lenses, and a camera with good low-light performance help capture the Milky Way. For deep-sky targets, star trackers and longer lenses reveal more detail. Editing software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or dedicated stacking programs complete the toolkit.
Jonny teaches photographers how to get the most from their camera, whatever the brand or model. Jonny currently takes astro photos of the milky way and aurora on his Sony A7R5 which has a 61mp sensor - paired with the Sony 14m GM lens. To keep it all sturdy and balanced, Jonny uses at Leofoto 365c with a ball head. As Jonny is a Think Tank ambassador he loves to us the Backlight 36L which can hold all astro gear and more…
Editing for astrophotographers: Lightroom and Photoshop mastery
Editing is essential for astrophotography. Long exposures can introduce noise, light pollution, or color casts. Software like Lightroom and Photoshop, along with stacking programs, helps overcome these challenges. Jonny’s editing sessions teach step-by-step methods: noise reduction, star control, foreground blending, and subtle color work. The goal is to enhance photos while keeping them natural and personal.
A guide to astrophotography for camera clubs
Camera clubs often invite Jonny to deliver talks and workshops. These sessions share practical tips and inspire members to try night-sky photography. Clubs benefit from structured learning, and members leave with new ideas to explore.
Upcoming astrophotography opportunities
Summer and autumn are peak seasons for astrophotography in the UK. The Milky Way is at its brightest, and clear nights bring ideal conditions. These are perfect chances to practice techniques and build confidence with long exposures, foreground composition, and star tracking.
How to improve astrophotography with expert advice
Improvement comes through practice and feedback. Jonny’s workshops and editing sessions give photographers a clear path to progress. Learning from a professional photographer provides insights that books and online tutorials can’t match.
The world of astrophotography
Astrophotography is global. From the Lake District’s dark skies to international destinations, opportunities are everywhere. Photographers who build both technical and creative skills gain the confidence to capture the beauty of the night sky.
Conclusion: capture the night with astrophotography
The Milky Way, deep-sky nebulae, or creative nightscapes — astrophotography offers it all. Jonny Gios gives photographers the tools to succeed. Through workshops, editing sessions, and expert advice, participants learn skills that last a lifetime.
FAQs for photographers joining Lake District workshops
Do I need a special camera for astrophotography?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings works best. Wide, fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster) help capture more light.
Are astrophotography workshops suitable for beginners?
Yes. Workshops welcome all levels. Beginners learn the basics, while advanced photographers refine their techniques.
What makes astrophotography difficult?
It relies on weather, darkness, and precise settings. Long exposures, noise, and focus can all be challenging.
Can I use editing software as a beginner?
Yes. Simple edits in Lightroom can improve images quickly. Workshops teach how to build editing skills step by step.
Where can I practice astrophotography?
Start with local dark-sky locations. Training workshops include guided sessions at some of the UK’s best dark-sky sites, such as the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP?
Booking Jonny is simple. Whether you’d like an early morning sunrise shoot or a late night astro fix, Jonny will tailor the photography to your project. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and arrange a session that fits your schedule. Jonny uses Bloom a first class booking system with access to your photographs once edited.
