Astrophotography Workshop - thoughts?

As a split off from another thread, how do folks feel about running an astrophotography workshop?

It seems to me that we have many folks here now getting into astrophotography. Those that have been doing it for a while just seem to be getting better and better by the day.

Like anything else, there is only so far you can go on your own and its always encouraging to get tips, tricks, hints and help from others - especially to further your own techniques and take yourself to the next level. You could of course post here but you can't beat that hands-on training and pratical demonstration.

So, what do you think about an astrophotogrpahy workshop? I'd appreciate any and all thoughts on content, duration, location and perhaps even what folks would be prepared to stump up (cash) in support of such an event (assuming it would need to be paid for).

Dave

I'm for it.

I'd love an opportunity to exchange best practices.

There are several in our forum who are clearly comfortable with their methods - I think it would be great to be able to disseminate this knowledge.

I know bog-all but would be willing to stand up and discuss what I do know (I don't think that what I know is of value but I'm buying into the concept). I think it is a great idea.

Cash contribution - lets see what interest is expressed - but I'm not adverse to paying something for this.

Mark

Great idea...I'm all for it

Absolutely!

Sounds like a great idea!

But would you have a few different classes/workshops?

DSLR's

Beginner CCD/Neximage/Webcam stuff

Advanced CCD

If it was over a few weeks it would be good, first week could be intro to equipment and settings and for homework you would have to take some of your own pics/avi's for processing the next weeks, people could swap their work with others in case someone couldnt take any media or no clear skies!

But then not all have laptops...or do they?

I would be game-on for a course all the same!

I would be on for this. But Graham makes a good point you would need more than one day.

The Workshop could be about

1, equipment, example what Telescope is best for the job in hand . DLSR cameras ,webcams, CCD cameras, Barlow's, color filters the list goes on.

2, Planetary imaging, From beginning to end result.with a Registax & PhotoShop tutorial.

3 Solar imaging,

4, How to get the best results from your DSLR Camera

5, CCD imaging From beginning to end result.

6,Astronomical Sketches.

7, Tracking NEO's

The list can go on and on.. There is more than enough people on here to get the job done without the expense of bringing people over from the UK.

The other thing is where.when, the sooner the better.

Thoughts Please??????.

Carl.

Somewhere with parking preferably!

Nothing worse then trying to get in to trinity in the evening with computers+equip let alone trying to get home after!

I wouldnt mind paying to do a course like that! I have seen some of the images posted here and there is absolutely no need to get someone from abroad unless there was to be a 'master class' add-on to the program.

Hotel conference rooms with wi-fi and projectors are cheapish but they charge a FORTUNE for tea's and coffee's and dont let you bring your own!

Only a suggestion but what if it was over a weekend at a dark spot? Daytime lessons and night-time practice, if it were outside the pale we could get some of the westies travelling over?
Weather could C**K it up so organisers would have to have some raw footage to play with...

Idealy it would be nice to learn programs that were Free software, like Registax, Amcap, Gimp....