Astrophotography Workshop: Galleta Meadows
Join us for an unforgettable night under the truly dark skies of Borrego Springs, an official International Dark Sky Community. This hands-on astrophotography workshop will teach you how to locate and identify the Milky Way, as well as how to capture its celestial beauty through your camera’s lens on a moonless night. Set against the striking backdrop of Borrego Springs’ iconic Galleta Meadows sculptures, this is an experience that will ignite your passion for the stars and the art of astrophotography.
Astrophotography presents unique challenges compared to traditional landscape or night-time long exposure photography. To get the most out of this experience, you’ll need a solid working knowledge of your camera equipment. You’ll leave with a newfound knowledge on how to focus on distant stars to achieve sharp, stunning images. Prepare to be amazed as you capture the brilliance of the cosmos in one of the darkest skies in Southern California!
- Uncover the Milky Way’s Beauty: Capture stunning night skies in the dark serenity of Galleta Meadows, paired with its iconic sculptures.
- Learn from an Expert: Gain hands-on astrophotography skills with guidance from seasoned photographer Kamala Venkatesh.
- Create Lasting Memories: Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, this workshop is designed to deepen your passion for the cosmos and provide the tools to capture its beauty.
- Inspire Your Creativity: Step away from the daily grind and reconnect with the vastness of the universe.
Please bring:
- A DSLR camera (highly recommended), preferably a full frame
- Wide-angle lens in the range of 14-24 mm and an F stop of 4 or less
- Tripod
- External shutter release (highly recommended since pressing the shutter will cause vibrations and distortion of the stars)
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
- Head lamp
REGISTER TODAY!
Date: April 25, 2025
Time: 8:30 p.m.–12 a.m.
Location: Meet at the ABF office at 587 Palm Canyon Dr. Borrego Springs, CA 92004. We’ll then carpool/caravan to the Two Horses statue at Galleta Meadows.
Cost:
ABF Member: $55
Non-Member: $70
Student: $35
Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to [email protected] with a two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.
About the Instructor:
Kamala Venkatesh is an avid photographer based in San Diego. She travels the world with her camera. For the last 7-8 years, she has made astrophotography the main focus and has shot the starry nights in the Southwest USA, all over San Diego County, as well as the Eastern Sierra. She also is a photo-blogger and loves to share her travels and images with others. Additionally, she is very involved with the Dark Sky movement and is on the board of the Julian Dark Sky Network. She will be traveling to Mexico at the end of February to shoot the Milky Way in a small town called Loreto on the Gulf of Mexico. Last April she traveled to Concordia, Mexico to experience and photograph the total solar eclipse.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be received seven days before the event if you wish to receive a refund. ABF may cancel a program due to inclement weather or low attendance, with 24-hour notice if possible. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.
