Astrophotography Workshop: How To Photograph the Night Sky with Jeff Sagar
Photograph the Night Sky With Confidence
Join Jeff Sagar for an immersive Astrophotography Workshop designed for intermediate photographers ready to capture stunning images of the Milky Way, star trails, and deep-sky scenes.
This workshop combines a focused classroom session with a guided field experience under dark-sky conditions near Delaware Lake/Dam. You’ll learn how to plan, set up, shoot, and begin processing night sky images, then put those skills into practice in the field.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is designed for photographers with intermediate experience who are comfortable operating their camera in Manual mode.
Participants should already understand:
• Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO • Manual mode operation • White balance adjustments • Live view usage • Long exposure noise reduction • Mirror lock-up (DSLR users)
Prior night photography experience is helpful but not required.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
• Confidently operate your camera in the dark • Plan night shoots using PhotoPills and The Photographer’s Ephemeris • Accurately focus in low-light conditions • Capture Milky Way and star trail images • Understand multiple exposures and stacking basics • Apply foundational post-processing techniques
Workshop Format
Part 1 – Classroom Session (60–90 minutes) Held at Midwest Photo Learning Studio on May 12th
Topics include:
• Working safely and efficiently in the dark • Essential gear and setup • Planning tools and apps • Camera settings for Milky Way vs. star trails • Focusing techniques in low light • Multiple exposure techniques • Post-processing fundamentals
Part 2 – Field Session (Approximately 3 hours)
Location: Delaware Lake/Dam 3920 US Hwy 23 N Delaware, OH 43105
Participants will meet at the designated parking lot (exact details provided prior to the event). Under dark sky conditions, you’ll apply what you learned in class and photograph the night sky with guided instruction.
Scheduling & Weather Policy
The classroom session will be held on May 12.
The field session will take place during the May new moon window (May 12–20), either the evening of May 12 or the next clear night within that timeframe. If held on the evening of May 12th, dinner will be provided during the class.
Because astrophotography requires clear skies, the field portion is weather-dependent. If the weather prevents shooting during the window, a makeup session will be scheduled.
Participants will be notified 24–48 hours in advance regarding field session timing.
Required Gear
• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera • Wide-angle lens (14mm–35mm recommended, f/2.8–f/4 preferred) • Tripod with ballhead or flexible head • L-bracket or camera plate • Red-light headlamp • Extra batteries (camera + headlamp) • External intervalometer (if the camera does not have a built-in timer)
Recommended (Optional) Gear
• Dew heater strip + power pack • Comfortable bag chair • Weather-appropriate clothing • Photography apps (PhotoPills, The Photographer’s Ephemeris)
Important Notes
• Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the field location (approximately 40 minutes from Midwest Photo). • Outdoor nighttime conditions require appropriate footwear and clothing. • By registering, participants acknowledge that this workshop includes outdoor instruction in low-light conditions.
Why Take This Workshop?
Astrophotography is one of the most rewarding and technically challenging forms of photography. With proper instruction and guided field experience, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create powerful night sky imagery on your own.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot early!
Jeff Sagar discovered a passion for photography at the age of 12, inspired by an encouraging uncle and fueled by a summer of lawn mowing jobs that led to the purchase of a first 35mm camera. That early enthusiasm blossomed in high school, where he joined the yearbook staff and began capturing sports, student life, and school events. His curiosity extended into the darkroom, learning to develop black and white film and print photographs—skills he even practiced at home in a makeshift bathroom darkroom.
After a 40-year career in Information Technology, Jeff is now retired and fully immersed in photography. His work spans fine art landscapes and nature, as well as real estate, couples, families, children, high school seniors, and sports. He also teaches photography classes, sharing both technical knowledge and artistic insight.
For Jeff, photography is a journey—an ever-evolving blend of technical precision and creative exploration. Whether experimenting with new gear or discovering new locations, He finds joy in learning and connecting with others through the lens.
Meet your Instructor!
Jeff Sagar discovered a passion for photography at the age of 12, inspired by an encouraging uncle and fueled by a summer of lawn mowing jobs that led to the purchase of a first 35mm camera. That early enthusiasm blossomed in high school, where he joined the yearbook staff and began capturing sports, student life, and school events. His curiosity extended into the darkroom, learning to develop black and white film and print photographs—skills he even practiced at home in a makeshift bathroom darkroom.
After a 40-year career in Information Technology, Jeff is now retired and fully immersed in photography. His work spans fine art landscapes and nature, as well as real estate, couples, families, children, high school seniors, and sports. He also teaches photography classes, sharing both technical knowledge and artistic insight.
For Jeff, photography is a journey—an ever-evolving blend of technical precision and creative exploration. Whether experimenting with new gear or discovering new locations, He finds joy in learning and connecting with others through the lens.