Stunning Private Lodge, Expert Tuition, Personal Chef Experience, Wine Tasting, Night Sky Tour, + More
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WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
If you think space is absolutely incredible, and that learning to photograph it would be really cool, this is the workshop for you. Whether you've never used a camera before, or if you've been photographing the night sky for a few years, this workshop will be easy-going and fun, allowing you to learn the secrets to capturing beautiful space images in a stunning location. We've scheduled this over a weekend to allow you to take minimal time off work.
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WHAT ARE WE PHOTOGRAPHING?
We'll provide you with your very own Telescope to capture The Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and more. Each evening we'll enjoy stunning starfilled skies, and each day we'll process our data so you go home with 1-3 stunning images and the experience to do it all again when you get back out there by yourself.
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WHERE IS SHOW LOW, ARIZONA
Show Low is in east central Arizona. It can be accessed from Tucson and Phoenix Airports, both take around 3 - 3.5 hours drive.
There is also a Regional Airport in Show Low too. We'll host a meeting with all the participants 1 month prior, to coordinate transport and carpooling.
-- NOTE -- Accessing the darkest skies takes a bit of a drive - but we promise it's worth it.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔️Deep Space Astro Photography Classes, individual tuition, and group demonstrations with Ian Lauer & Cathrin Machin
✔️3 nights of Accommodation in a stunning log cabin with private, exclusive use of the entire 250 acre ranch. + Option to extend an extra night
✔️Telescope & Star Tracker are provided - just bring your mirrorless or DSLR camera and a tripod, we'll bring the rest.
✔️Stunning Dark Skies Enjoy a breath-taking star-scape in some of the darkest skies in the USA.
✔️ Stargazing & Night Sky Tour with amazing tales from ancient civilizations around the world.
✔️24-hour snack bar with delicious cakes, cookies, fruit, vegetables, coffee, and tea.
✔️Wine Service with every evening meal.
✔️Personal Chef Dining Experience includes brunch & dinner, prepared by a talented personal chef. We can cater meals that fit your specific dietary needs and preferences, just let us know in the application. We've got you covered!
✔️ Morning Coffee Service, ready to greet you for the perfect start every day.
✔️Spa water and filtered tap water available at all times throughout the workshop.
✔️ Pre and Post Workshop Zoom Classes - get a head start on the workshop and join our follow-up with the instructors to re-cap the painting methods.
NOT INCLUDED
✖️ Airfare or travel to and from the event location
✖️ Travel insurance
✖️ Tips for the staff
✖️ DSLR/ Mirrorless Camera & Tripod (We can provide recommendations if you don't yet have a camera)
✖️ Laptop (We will provide specifications upon selection)
✖️ Extra costs you might incur on your own
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Welcome Welcome, My name is Cathrin (feel free to call me Cat) and my husband, Ian Lauer. We've been involved in the Astronomy world for over a decade.
Ian, is an incredibly talented deep space photographer, but most of all, he's amazing at making the process of learning, simple and easy to master. He's spent many years as a telescope industry insider and received an Astrophysics Degree from Cal Poly Humboldt.
My name is Cat, I'm a full-time space artist and deep space photographer. I've been lucky enough to create work for space agencies and have incredible clients all over the world.
Our whole mission is to help you have the most incredible experience and to show you the stars like never before.
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PRIVATE LODGE
Located in the dark skies of Norther Arizona, each person gets their own private room in a large lodge that for 4 days and 3 nights, will be your home away from home.
From fluffy towels to devine shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, & lotions we've got you covered. We've picked the best to make sure you feel comfortable, letting you focus on learning.
For those bringing a friend or partner, we've set up a significant discount too. We've taken care of making sure you feel comfortable, so you can focus on learning.
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PERSONAL CHEF
Enjoy mouth watering and decedent meals by our personal chef. They'll able to cater to all your dietary needs, you let us know when you require and we'll make it happen!
Both brunch and dinner will be provided. Feel free to explore the local town and enjoy many of the amazing restaurants for lunch.
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WINE TASTING & SNACK BAR
Savoir the incredible hand-picked wines and mocktails in our tasting experience and enjoy daily wine service with evening meal. And not to forget, the snack bar is open 24 hours - we've got your snacks covered!
Fresh Fruit, Cookies, Spa Water, Tea and Coffee will be available around the clock whenever you need. We take care of it all so you can focus on learning and having fun.
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DAY 1
We kick the event off at 4pm. We'll start with introductions, get you settled into your room, have our welcome party, and evening meal. Then we'll jump right in to the first group training session on the camera settings and how to use the trackers. We'll then head outside for our first night of capturing the universe.
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DAY 2
We always start with a lazy morning. You'll be greeted with fresh coffee and a delicious brunch, then we'll head into our morning editing session, reviewing the data we took from our previous night. There's then time to relax and have a nap followed by a group dinner, then do our group training session and head out and shoot again.
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DAY 3
We'll be doing all the wonderful usual events during the day, but in the evening we'll be hosting a Starlit Picnic and Night Sky Tour!
Beneath the milky way, while our cameras are capturing the universe, we'll lay under the stars, enjoy smores, delicious desserts, Hot Cocoa & stories from ancient civilizations
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DAY 4
After a relaxing morning, you'll wake up to coffee, and we'll be hosting a special goodbye breakfast. Then we'll have time to pack up, and finish off with a graduation party and group photoshoot. We wrap up around 1pm to give you time to travel home if you're due to start work the next day.
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OPTIONAL EXTRA DAY
(OPTIONAL) We give you the option to arrive a day early. Whilst this day doesn't cover any food or tuition. You are free to relax, adventure to the Petrified Forrest National Park or Metior Crater that are 1.5h away. Or adventure out on the stunning local horseback riding trails.
SELECTION PROCESS
Since there are only 8 spaces and we typically receive more applications than we can cater for, the application portal will only be open for a few weeks.
If you'd like to come on this incredible adventure, we recommend you fill out the application ASAP. If we can't fit you into this workshop, we'll place you as first pick for future workshops where possible.
We'll organize a quick chat prior to selection to make sure this workshop is right for you and to learn more so we can make this an incredible experience for you both.
You'll get to ask any questions you need before making any commitments. And you can then choose to pay in full or as a deposit with payment plan, after we chat.
ROOMS & PRICING
The Room price includes personal chef cooked brunch & dinner, expert tuition, night sky tour, and so much more.
Prices are for the entire workshop (not per day) and payment plans are available, plus significant discounts if you share a room with a friend or partner.
You may choose to extend your stay an extra night for 140 USD, whilst no training or chef will be on this day, it will allow you time to visit the local sites such as Meteor Crater or the Petrified Forest National Park, and catch an early flight the following day.
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Twin Singles Room
2x Twin Beds
Room Capacity: 👤👤
(1 room left)
1 guest - $2,950 per person
2 guests - $2,150 per person -
Double Room
Double Bed with Shared Bath
Room Capacity: 👤👤
(2 rooms left)
1 guest - $2,950 per person
2 guests - $2,150 per person -
Queen Room
Queen Bed with Shared Bath
Room Capacity: 👤👤
(2 rooms left)
1 guest - $3,250 per person
2 guests - $2,450 per person -
King With Private Bath
King Bed with Ensuite Bathroom
Room Capacity: 👤👤
(1 rooms left)
1 guest - $3,550 per person
2 guests - $2,750 per person -
King Suite With Private Bath
King Bed Suite, private bath with jet tub & shower, study area, and private balcony
Room Capacity: 👤👤
(1 room left)
1 guest - $3,850 per person
2 guests - $3,050 per person
Testimonial
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Lloyd D
TOGETHER UNDER THE STARS 2025
"Cathrin and Ian are delightful hosts who are dedicated to providing a meaningful, engaging, and educational workshop. Their choices surrounding meals, experiences, and interactions with the other couples at the event were exquisite and thoughtful. The attention to every detail culminated in a much needed break from all of the unrelenting craziness of life and a truly memorable journey, where we made new friends for life."
