Galaxy & Nebula Photography Lessons, Gorgeous Private Lodge, Personal Chef Experience, Spa Pampering Gifts, Wine & Mocktail Tasting, Stargazing Tour, + More

4 days 3 nights (over a weekend), 8 guests, We Provide Telescopes, Suitable for Beginner (I've never used a camera), to Intermediate Photographers, Age 21+ Event, $2150 - $3850 per person

APPLY HERE

This October, join astrophotographers Ian Lauer, Cathrin Machin, and 7 other star sisters on a life-changing adventure. Experience breathtaking star-filled skies as you learn how to photograph galaxies and nebulae all by yourself!

This is a fun and laid-back retreat set amongst the peaceful Arizona wilderness. The best part - no prior experience or complicated gear required! We provide telescopes, trackers, and easy-to-follow techniques.

You'll be leaving the retreat with an amazing collection of deep space photos, lifelong friends, and the skills and confidence to go out there to continue capturing the cosmos.

Located in the high desert of Arizona, you’ll settle into your comfy private room in a spacious lodge, with delicious meals prepared and customized just for you by your own personal chef. Expect epic stargazing tours, campfires, and starlit wine (or mocktail) tastings.

Designed for beginners and casual stargazers. We will cover how to plan, shoot, and process images of outer space. With one-on-one and group instruction. you’ll leave not only with stunning images of the night sky but also with shared memories and new friends we hope will last a lifetime.

  • WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

    Do you think space is bad ass? ... And would love to learn how to photograph it? ... You're in the right place.

    Even if you've never taken a photo with a full camera before, or if you've been photographing the night sky for a few years. This workshop is designed to be fun, easy to follow, and is customized to your skill level.

  • WHAT ARE WE PHOTOGRAPHING?

    We'll be using Telescopes and DSLR or Mirrorless cameras to capture the Andromeda Galaxy, the Orion Nebula, and more.

    Each evening, we'll enjoy stunning star-filled 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.

  • WHERE IS SHOW LOW, ARIZONA

    NEAREST AIRPORT:

    Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) ~175 miles (~3h drive)

    Show Low Regional Airport (SOW) ~18 miles (20min drive)

    Accessing the darkest skies takes a bit of a drive - but we promise it's worth it.

    We'll host a meeting with all the participants to help coordinate transport and carpooling.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✔️Deep Space Astro Photography Classes, individual tuition, and group demonstrations with Ian Lauer & Cathrin Machin
✔️Telescope & Star Tracker you bring a mirrorless or DSLR camera and a tripod, we'll bring the rest.
✔️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
✔️Stunning Dark Skies Enjoy a breath-taking star-scape in some of the darkest skies in the USA.
✔️ Star Tour Evening with amazing tales from ancient civilizations around the world.
✔️24-hour snack bar with delicious cakes, cookies, fruit, vegetables, coffee, and tea.

✔️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!
✔️Wine Service with every evening meal.
✔️ 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 what you've learned.

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, and can loan cameras out in the case of emergencies)
✖️ 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.

  • PRIVATE LODGE

    Located in a gorgeous dark sky location, your comfy accommodation awaits. You'll arrive to a freshly made room set in a 5500sq ft log cabin that for 4 days and 3 nights, will be your home away from home.

    Choose to have a private room or share with a friend or partner for a significant discount. We've taken care of making sure you feel comfortable, so you can focus on learning.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • DAY 2

    We always start with a lazy morning. You'll be greeted with your personalized 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, drink tasting, then the evening we do our group training session and head out and shoot again.

  • DAY 3

    We'll be doing all the wonderful usual events during the day, but in the evening we'll be hosting a Night Sky Tour with hot cocoa and smores!

    Beneath the milky way, while our cameras are capturing the universe, we'll lay under the stars, enjoy delicious desserts & listen to stories from ancient civilizations.

  • DAY 4

    After a relaxing morning, you'll wake up to coffee, and we'll be hosting a special goodbye breakfast and group photoshoot.

    Then we'll have time to complete all the data transfer, and make sure you're all up to date with the workbooks before we say our final goodbyes.

  • DAY 5 - EXTRA DAY

    (OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Want to stay over an extra night after the workshop? No worries. Whilst this day doesn't cover any food or tuition, use the telescopes for an extra night of shooting. During the day, feel free to adventure to the stunning local golf courses, fishing spots, and national parks to unwind. This costs $160 per room for the night with a checkout by 6pm.

  • DOUBLE WORKSHOP

    We host several workshops sequentially. If you'd like to stay on and join the next workshop, Just let us know. We will gift you the two in-between days for free. Allowing you consistent comfortable accommodation all the way through.

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, please 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.

Once the applications close, 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.

You'll get to ask any questions you need before making any commitments. After, you can choose to pay in full or as a deposit, with a payment plan over time.

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 160 USD, whilst no training or chef will be on this day, it will allow you extra time to use the telescopes, hit a few golf balls, drop in a line in a picturesque lake, or hike the national parks.

  • 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 Bed Suite, private bath with jet tub & shower, study, and private balcony
    Room Capacity: 👤👤
    (1 room left)
    1 guest - $3,850 per person
    2 guests - $3,050 per person