STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Mammoth Cave National Park is inviting visitors to learn how to photograph the Milky Way during a free night sky workshop on Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Mammoth Cave Amphitheater.
The program is designed for anyone with a modern smartphone or a DSLR or mirrorless camera who wants to capture the beauty of the night sky, the park posted online. The workshop focuses on landscape astrophotography and will be held under the skies of Kentucky’s only International Dark Sky Park.
During the classroom-style portion of the evening, instructors plan to cover camera and smartphone settings for night photography, how to choose compositions and plan a shot, and how to focus in the dark. Park staff also say they will demonstrate basic image processing techniques to reduce noise and bring out detail in night sky photos.
After the lesson at the amphitheater, the group will move to the Visitor Center Bus Loop for a hands-on session. Staff members are expected to be on hand to answer questions and assist participants with setting up their equipment.
Organizers say the practice session will focus on photographing two of the summer sky’s showpiece targets. Those include the bright Milky Way core in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius and the rich star fields surrounding the star Sadr in the constellation Cygnus.
Participants are encouraged to bring a smartphone with a night mode or a DSLR or mirrorless camera, along with a sturdy tripod. A wide-angle lens is recommended for those using dedicated cameras.
Other suggested items include a remote shutter release or intervalometer, a red flashlight to preserve night vision, and a chair and water for comfort during the evening.
Park staff emphasize that no previous astrophotography experience is necessary to take part. They say the goal is to give both beginners and more experienced shooters the tools and techniques to create stronger night sky images under Mammoth Cave’s internationally recognized dark skies.
The program is free and open to the public, and officials say they hope to welcome a wide range of visitors who want to experience the park after dark in a new way.
Key Facts
– Free night sky photography workshop at Mammoth Cave National Park
– Event set for Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Mammoth Cave Amphitheater
– Open to users of modern smartphones and DSLR or mirrorless cameras
– Instruction covers camera settings, composition, focusing and image processing
– Hands-on practice session at the Visitor Center Bus Loop
– Participants will photograph the Milky Way core and star fields near Sadr in Cygnus
– Recommended gear includes tripod, wide-angle lens and remote shutter release
– No astrophotography experience required; free and open to the public
