Photographing the Lunar Eclipse Workshop

Capture the beauty of the September 8 total lunar eclipse with expert astrophotographer Joe Cali, whose work has been featured in Sky & Telescope and Australian Geographic!

This hands-on workshop kicks off with a 2-hour online session where Joe will guide you through eclipse facts, equipment, camera settings, and planning tips tailored to your gear. You’ll also receive notes on exposure levels and shooting techniques.

Then join Joe on the night of the eclipse to shoot the event as a group. You’ll have the chance to try your own gear on a tracking mount or take photos through Joe’s telescope. We’ll stay flexible and mobile, chasing clear skies to make the most of this rare celestial event.

Be ready for an all-nighter — the eclipse begins in the early hours of Monday 8 September, so plan for a late one (and maybe take the Monday off).

Program

Session 1, Introduction and Plan: Thursday 28 August, 6-8pm on Zoom

• Understanding total lunar eclipses: what, how and when
• How to read and interpret eclipse data and timing charts
• Overview of different photographic approaches
• Choosing and preparing your gear: cameras, lenses, tripods, and tracking mounts
• Planning your eclipse shoot: location, weather apps, mobility, and safety
• Exposure settings and shot planning: notes provided
• Troubleshooting common issues (focus, motion blur, light pollution)

Session 2, Field Night: Sunday 7 September to Monday 8 September, 7pm to 7am, location TBC based on weather forecasts

• Group meet-up and site setup
• Real-time support from Joe throughout the eclipse
• Hands-on shooting: from partial eclipse through to totality and after
• Optional: Use of Joe’s telescope and tracking mount, adaptors are available are available for mounting Canon EOS, Nikon, Sony E, Pentax K, Olympus E-PL8, E-PL9, E-M10, & Panasonic GH5 cameras to Joe’s telescopes.
• Guided experimentation with time-lapse, bracketed exposures, and long lenses
• Flexible travel to optimise for clear skies (carpooling encouraged)

Details

To give participants the best chance of clear skies, we are not committing to a single fixed location for the eclipse shoot.

• The final shoot location will be determined closer to the date based on up-to-date cloud forecast models.
• Some road travel may be required, and participants must be prepared to be mobile on the night.
• You may need to arrange accommodation or plan to camp overnight near the chosen location — this is at your own cost and responsibility.
• Details on possible locations and logistics will be discussed in the Zoom session.
• Carpooling may be arranged informally between participants where possible.

Please note:
There are no reschedules for this event. The eclipse occurs at a fixed time and date, and we’ll do everything possible to get you under clear skies to make the most of it.

If the field night goes ahead and is clouded out due to inaccurate forecasts, no refund can be given. In case of a major weather system and an obvious complete cloud out, the field night will be cancelled. No do over is possible. In that case, participants will receive a full refund.

What to bring

• Camera
• Lenses
• Fully charged batteries
• Clear memory card(s)
• Tripod
• Remote release or intervalometer
• Hot hands hand warmer packs (available at most chemists)
• Sock
• Elastic bands
• Snacks
• Very, very, very warm clothing

What's provided

• Comprehensive PDF notes
• Zoom access and recording of session
• Field support and expert guidance, with the possibility of utilising Joe’s telescopes and tracking mount