Star Trails, Astro and Light Painting Photography
Intro to Astrophotography
with Kyle Hoffman
Astrophotography blends science, art, and patience — and in this intro-level class, you’ll learn how to capture stunning images of the night sky, even from your own backyard. Whether you’re curious about photographing the Milky Way or creating dreamy star trail images, this class will give you the knowledge and tools to get started.
In this three-hour classroom session, Kyle will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a successful night shoot:
-
Planning your shoot around moon phases and light pollution
-
Camera settings for both Milky Way shots and star trails
-
How to focus at night and what gear makes the job easier
-
Tips on star stacking and an intro to free software like StarStaX
-
A brief look at post-processing workflows to help you bring out the most in your images
This is a hands-on, interactive class designed to demystify night photography. While we won’t be heading out into the field, Kyle will show examples of real-world scenarios and walk students through their own gear setups. You’ll leave class feeling confident and ready to head out during the next new moon to capture the stars.
What You’ll Need:
-
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
-
A tripod (a must!)
-
A remote shutter or intervalometer (helpful, but not required)
-
A basic understanding of manual camera settings is helpful, but not required
Who It’s For:
This class is perfect for beginners or intermediate photographers who want to get into night sky photography. Whether you’re planning a trip to a dark sky park, or just want to shoot from the suburbs during the next clear night, this class will give you a solid foundation.
About the Instructor
Kyle Hoffman is a travel and adventure photographer with a passion for capturing the night sky. His astrophotography journey began under the dark skies of the Pacific Northwest and has taken him from remote mountains in South America to volcanoes in Indonesia. His work has been featured in galleries and exhibitions, including a print displayed at the Seattle Art Museum — the largest art museum in Washington state.
Kyle’s teaching style is hands-on and approachable — he loves helping students understand their specific gear and encourages plenty of questions. His goal is to make astrophotography accessible, inspiring, and fun for anyone who wants to give it a shot.
Topics Covered
- Night Sky Orientation - what you will see 2
- What are Star trails? 3
- How star trails are made - Single exposure vs Stacking 4
- Finding + Focusing a Scene 5
- Exposure Settings for Star Trails 6
- Assembling stacked star trails 7
- The basics of light painting (why & how) 8
- Different type light sources and their uses 9
- Controlling light color 10
- Determining proper exposure 11
- Basics of stacking multiple light painted frames 12
- Dealing with nighttime difficulties: focusing and framing 13
Tier 1: Standard Classes
If you register for a tier 1 class and do not show up, your payment will be forfeited. You can reschedule a class only if notice is given 24 hours before the start time of the class. Unless otherwise stated, class refunds are only issued to customers that provide notice to the store that they would like a refund 48 hours before the class. Refunds will not be issued to customers who sign up for a class but fail to attend.
Tier 2: Special Events and One-Time Classes
You have up until seven days before a scheduled Mock Wedding, Flash Fest, Portraits in Depth Series, Photo Campouts (including Spring and Fall Photo Camping Extravaganza), special events and one-time classes to cancel and receive a full refund or to reschedule. If you do not show up for a tier 2 class your registration will be forfeited and you will not be permitted a refund or to reschedule. Cancellations made within 7 days of the class will receive a 50% refund.
Tier 3: Excursions
Full refunds (less a $75 fee) will be issued to students who cancel at least 30 days prior to an excursion. Refunds will not be issued to cancellation requests made within 30 days of the start of an excursion unless the spot can be filled. If your spot is filled you will receive a full refund (less a $75 fee). If you do not show up for an excursion, your registration will be forfeited and you will not be permitted a refund of any amount or to reschedule.
How to Reschedule or Cancel a Class
Please contact the store at 512-467-7676 or email classes@precision-camera.com to cancel a class. Class cancellations or requests to be rescheduled that are sent through other channels, such as Facebook or Meetup.com messages, will not be honored.
Minimum Enrollment
Each class needs a minimum number of students to enroll before the class can “make.” If the minimum enrollment has not been met two business days before the class begins, the class will be cancelled. All students who enrolled in the class will be notified by telephone or email, and may transfer to a different class or be issued a refund (see refund procedure). We encourage all students to enroll as soon as registration begins. Please check your phone and email messages, including your SPAM.
Free Basic Digital Photography Class
If you sign up for the Basic Digital Photography class with a coupon code and do not show up for the class, your class will be forfeited and you will not be permitted to reschedule.