Join local photographer, Mike Pach, owner of 3 Peaks Photography, on an overnight adventure to photograph the night sky and the Milky Way at the Paint Mines in Calhan.

The cost of the workshop includes hands-on instruction in the field, demonstrations of light-painting techniques, tips for editing your photos and a full evening/morning of shooting. The workshops will start before midnight and end just after sunrise (plan to stay up all night).

Schedule for June and July Workshops:

• 10 p.m.: Check in at the main entrance to the park next to the restrooms, check gear, instruction
• 11 p.m. until sunrise: Hike into the park, setup, photograph the night sky and sunrise
• Leave park after sunrise

Schedule for August and September Workshops:

• 9 p.m.: Check in at the main entrance to the park next to the restrooms, check gear, instruction
• 10 p.m. until sunrise: Hike into the park, setup, photograph the night sky and sunrise
• Leave park after sunrise

Workshops will be limited to 6 students and will be lead by Mike Pach with assistance from Don Savage. Keeping groups small will ensure that each participant gets the individual attention they need to learn:

• How to photograph the Milky Way and the stars as points of light
• How to photograph star trails
• Light painting techniques (we will supply the lights needed)
• How to post-process your images in Photoshop and Lightroom

Learning materials will be provided to each participant prior to each workshop.

What to bring:

• Camera Gear:
  • Camera (your camera should be capable of shooting at 3200 or 6400 ISO in order to get photos of the Milky Way and stars as points of light)
  • Camera manual
  • Extra batteries
  • Sturdy tripod!
  • Remote
  • Lenses (lenses in the 14-24mm range will produce good results for the night sky. You will need a lens that opens to f/4.0 or larger (1.2, 1.8, 2.8, etc.) in order to photograph the stars as points of light)
• Other Gear
  • Warm clothes (it’s best to dress in layers with insulating layers close to your body. Windproof jackets and pants are recommended to keep you warm in windy conditions)
  • Gloves and a winter hat (having these items will help keep you comfortable throughout the night)
  • Sturdy boots or hiking shoes (you will be hiking from the main parking lot into the area with the largest hoodoos)
  • Rain gear (a lightweight poncho will do fine as well as a waterproof parka and waterproof pants)
  • Headlamp/Flashlight
  • Water (it’s important to stay hydrated)
  • Snacks (bring enough to keep you going throughout the night)

Breakfast: Those wishing to stick around for the sunrise portion of the workshop can join for breakfast at a location to be determined. Breakfast meals are not included in the price of the workshop.