FIREFLIES, MILKY WAY, AND STAR TRAILS
WORKSHOP & PHOTO TOUR
June 26-28 and June 28-30, 2024
LOCATION: Kevin’s home in Waynesville, North Carolina
LEADERS: Kevin Adams
LIMITED TO: 6 participants
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
PRICE: $895
Terms like “unique” and “one of a kind” can rarely be honestly applied to photo tours and workshops. Let’s face it, when it comes to photographing in the outdoor world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find new frontiers. Admittedly, photographing fireflies is hardly unique, but I don’t know of any other workshop where you get to be a kid again by catching fireflies and photographing them in jars with the Milky Way as the backdrop.
In addition to that, you’ll shoot them flying over fields with the Milky Way and star trails in the background. And for a special treat (or not!), you’ll have home-cooked dinners prepared by your workshop leader.
Look at the photos on this page. I shot all of them at my house, where this workshop will take place. Come for a visit and I’ll help you create your own images just like this!
HIGHLIGHTS
Dancing around the yard catching fireflies in nets (you do not have to participate)
Photographing fireflies in jars and flying under the night sky
Learning all about photographing the night sky
Learning general night photography and light painting techniques
Living on the edge by eating Kevin’s cooking
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Detailed instruction on photographing fireflies and the night sky
Heavy refreshments, including beer and wine
Dinner prepared by Kevin
LensMuffs for preventing dew will be provided for use during the workshop
GelGrips and gel filters for light painting will be provided for use during the workshop
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Lodging
Transportation
Breakfast and lunch
SKILL LEVEL
Attendees should have a firm understanding of how to change the exposure settings on their camera and be able to switch between manual and autofocus. And they should be able to do all this in the dark, without using a light. I’ll take it from there.
GENERAL ITINERARY
We will meet early afternoon on Day 1. There will be a classroom session until dinner, during which you will learn about photographing fireflies and general night photography. We will have dinner together and then go out in the field for shooting.
On Day 2, we’ll meet again in early afternoon for more classroom instruction on night photography. I’ll demonstrate processing techniques using photos you shot the night before. After dinner, we’ll go back in the field for another long photo session.
On Day 3, we’ll meet around mid-morning for a final wrap-up classroom session.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
You will not be doing anything strenuous during this workshop beyond dancing around the field with a net. (You do not have to participate in the firefly catching.) All the field work will occur in my yard, so there will be no hiking involved.
We must be very careful not to harm the fireflies and we must let them go soon after we capture them. You will be expected to follow the procedures I outline for this.
LODGING & TRANSPORTATION
Lodging and transportation are not included. The Trip Planning info you receive after registration will provide lodging suggestions. Waynesville is a 10-minute drive from my house.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT INFO
Full payment is required at the time of registration. You can register online by clicking the “Register Now” buttons on this page.