Astrophotography Workshop

Spring Equinox 2026

$500 deposit to secure your place

Sat 12th Sep - Mon 14th Sep 2026 Workshop Dates

3-day 2-night photo workshop

3 max Participants

$2,250 Total price

Guaranteed departure, regardless of numbers Weekend format, minimal annual leave Parks Tasmania authorised operator

Aurora and Milky Way over The Neck, Bruny Island, Tasmania

Western Fall & Auroras

Spring brings the Milky Way core setting in the west during the early evening, creating dramatic compositions with the landscape beneath. The equinox period can bring increased solar activity, and if the space weather cooperates, we'll switch into aurora mode. Milder overnight temperatures make for comfortable shooting.

Milky Way western fall
Aurora Australis if space weather cooperates
Tasmania's darkest sky locations
Milder night conditions

Spring Equinox + New Moon

What We're Chasing in September in Tasmania

The September equinox is one of two windows each year when aurora becomes more likely from southern Tasmania. There's a quirk in how Earth's tilt lines up with the solar wind around the equinoxes that makes our skies more receptive, even when solar activity is on the modest side.

Pair that with a new moon for the workshop's first night, and you've got the most favourable aurora window of the year in the southern hemisphere. The equinox happens twice a year - you're catching one of them.

The Milky Way is up too, descending toward the western horizon through the small hours. If aurora has a quiet evening, that becomes our late-night fallback. Spring on the coast can also bring bioluminescence if conditions align.

We Chase the Best Conditions for What You Want to Photograph

Every workshop has a seasonal focus, and every guest has subjects they're excited about. We combine that with real-time weather and conditions to put you in the best position to get the shots you're after. Plans can shift right up until we're in the field. Even once we've arrived somewhere, we keep reading the conditions and adjusting.

"The entire state is in play. Why spend three days at Cradle Mountain if it's under cloud and you can't even see the mountain? We stay flexible so we can chase the best conditions for whatever we're trying to capture."

Guaranteed Departure

Book with confidence. Your workshop runs whether you're the only participant or part of a small group.

Small Group, Flexible Options

Maximum 3 participants means personalised instruction and the flexibility to adapt to whatever conditions come our way.

Weekend Format

Saturday to Monday. Fly in Friday, fly out Monday evening. Minimal annual leave required.

Your Input Matters

Shape the Experience, or Leave It to Me

When you book, you'll receive a planning form where you can share what you'd love to photograph, or simply leave it to me. Either way, you're going to visit some of the most beautiful landscapes Tasmania has to offer.

I shoot alongside you the entire time, finding compositions, reading the light, adapting to what's unfolding. You can watch how I work, ask anything, and feed off the energy of shooting together. Consider me an open book and a resource for the entire experience, from the chats in the car to the decisions in the field. I want you to leave feeling inspired and empowered to plan and create your own incredible images.

Share what excites you, or leave it to me. You can't lose either way
Mention specific locations you've always wanted to visit
Where we end up is shaped by the season, the conditions, and what we're chasing

Workshop Planning Form

What landscapes are you most excited to photograph?

Mountains, coastal, waterfalls...

Any specific locations you'd love to visit?

Cradle Mountain, Freycinet...

What skills would you like to develop?

Long exposures, composition...

What time of day do you prefer shooting?

Sunrise, sunset, night...

Tarkine Cradle Mountain Central Highlands Mt Field Southwest

Bay of Fires Freycinet kunanyi / Mt Wellington Tasman Peninsula Bruny Island

Pre-Workshop

Online Briefing

Zoom session to review weather forecasts, discuss shooting locations, and plan accommodation based on conditions.

Day 1

Journey & First Shoot

Pick-up from your accommodation in Hobart from 9am, drive to planned location, check-in, explore in daylight, sunset and night photography.

Day 2

Full Day in the Field

Optional sunrise, explore and photograph based on weather and light, sunset and potential night photography.

Day 3

Final Morning & Return

Optional sunrise, check-out, photograph locations en route, drop-off at your accommodation or the airport.

Date	Sunset	Dark Sky Window	Sunrise	Moon
Sat 12 Sep	5:56pm	7:30pm – 4:43am	6:19am	🌑 0% New Moon
Sun 13 Sep	5:57pm	7:31pm – 4:41am	6:18am	🌑 2% New Moon
Mon 14 Sep	5:58pm	7:32pm – 4:40am	6:16am	🌒 6% Waxing Crescent

Included

2 nights accommodation near optimal locations
Ground transportation including fuel
Parks passes and access permits
3 days in-person tuition
Pre-workshop online planning session
Sony camera/lens loan available (request in advance)

Not Included

Flights and travel to/from Tasmania
Meals and drinks
Accommodation upgrades
Equipment insurance
Special experiences (cruises, scenic flights)
On-demand aurora (nature sometimes has other plans)

Accommodation

I book quality accommodation close to our shooting locations. Everyone gets their own space wherever possible. In rare cases where availability is limited, twin share may be necessary (same gender only).

Meals

We'll eat at local restaurants and cafes. Timing stays flexible around shooting conditions. Dietary requirements accommodated. Photography comes first. Sometimes that means supermarket snacks instead of a sit-down meal.

Skill Levels

All levels welcome. You'll receive pre-workshop tutorials to prepare, and I'll adapt instruction to your experience level in the field. Walks are typically under 20 minutes on easy grades. No serious hiking required.

Your Guide

Luke Tscharke

Tasmanian Astro Photographer

I've spent years exploring every corner of Tasmania in all seasons and conditions. I absolutely love sharing this knowledge with photographers who want to capture it for themselves. Consider me a resource throughout the trip, whether you have questions about technique, locations, or processing. I'll be shooting alongside you, so you can see how I work in the field and I'll be just as motivated to chase the best light as you are.

8+ years experience 150+ photographers guided Quality Tourism Accredited Licensed Parks Operator

Ready to Chase the Light?

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$2,250 total $500 deposit 3 spots max

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