Join us for a four-part journey into astrophotography, centered around one of the most stunning celestial events of the year: the Geminids Meteor Shower (December 13, 2025). Together, we’ll prepare, practice, capture, and finally showcase your best night-sky images.
This workshop is beginner friendly. Whether you have a professional camera or just a smartphone, you’ll learn how to make the most of your equipment. Participation is limited to 14 people to keep the experience personal and engaging.
Program Outline
Part 1: Setting the Stage (Virtual Session; 11AM on Oct 25, 2025)
An online session to kick things off. We’ll cover equipment options (anything from advanced cameras to smartphones can work) and get everyone ready for the exciting nights ahead. A recording will be available if you can’t attend live.
Fee allocation: $50
Part 2: Practice Under the Stars (In-Person; Nov 14, 2025. Time TBD)
A guided night of astrophotography at a dark-sky site within a few hours of Ottawa. This practice session will give you the chance to test your setup and refine your technique before the meteor shower. Transportation to and from the site is included. (Rain dates will be provided.)
Fee allocation: $100
Part 3: The Geminids Experience (Main Event; Dec 13, 2025. Time TBD)
Travel with us to a carefully chosen dark-sky location to photograph the Geminids at their peak. With expert guidance and plenty of shooting time, you’ll capture one of the most breathtaking meteor showers of the year. Transportation to and from the site is included.
Fee allocation: $100
Part 4: Sharing the Sky (Exhibition; March 2026. Time TBD)
Come together in a community exhibition to showcase your work. Each participant can display up to three of their best photographs, an opportunity to celebrate, share, and even sell your creations. Note: We are flexible with the time and date for this part and will finalize it closer to Part 3. Participation in this part is optional. If you choose not to join the exhibition, this portion of the fee will be waived.
Fee allocation: $75 (for exhibition participants only)
Participation Details
Total Fee: $325 per participant (covers all four parts, travel to locations, and expert guidance).
Not included: Equipment, printing, processing, and framing of exhibition photographs.
Payment: You may pay in two installments of $200 and $125. If you’d like to use the installment option, please complete the inquiry form below.
Capacity: Maximum 14 participants.
Commitment: This workshop is a complete journey: from preparation and practice, to capturing the Geminids, to celebrating your work in the final exhibition. To fully experience it and take part in the exhibition, attendance in Parts 1, 2, and 3 is required; Part 4 is optional, and if you choose not to participate, the $75 fee for that session will be waived. We understand that unexpected situations may arise, but please note that if you need to withdraw after registering, a $200 cancellation fee will apply ($125 will be refunded).
Part 3 Contingency: If the night of December 13th is cloudy, we will try to either drive to a location with clearer skies or, if possible, reschedule the session to another night based on weather predictions (as some Geminids may still be visible a few days after the peak). If neither option is feasible, we will issue a 100 refund for part 3 and 4 ($100 + $75).
From your first frame to your final exhibition print, this workshop is designed to be an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Cancellations & Refunds
Participant cancellations:
A portion of your registration ($200) is considered a non-refundable deposit to cover planning, transportation, and preparation costs.
If you cancel after registering, you will receive a refund of $125.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable). Refunds will be processed within 14 business days.
Organizer cancellations:
If the organizer must cancel the workshop in full (for reasons other than weather), all participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid.
If a single part of the program is canceled and cannot be rescheduled, you will receive a refund for that portion of the fee.
Weather contingency (Part 3: The Geminids Experience):
If the night of December 13, 2025 is cloudy, we will first attempt to travel to a location with clearer skies.
If this is not possible, we will attempt to reschedule within a few days while the meteor shower is still active.
If neither option is feasible, participants will receive a refund of $100 for Part 3 and $75 for Part 4 (Exhibition).
Force majeure (events beyond our control):
In the event of unforeseen circumstances outside our control (such as severe weather, natural disasters, or government restrictions) that prevent delivery of the program, we will make every reasonable effort to reschedule.
If rescheduling is not possible, participants will be refunded the portion of fees corresponding to the canceled session(s).
Eligibility Requirements
We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding experience. Please take a moment to review the following before registering:
Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older. (Minors are welcome if accompanied by a parent/guardian who is also registered.)
Experience Level: No prior astrophotography experience needed. This workshop is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.
Equipment: Any camera will do, from DSLRs to smartphones. Tripods are strongly recommended for best results.
Mobility & Safety: Sessions take place outdoors at night in dark-sky locations, sometimes on uneven ground. Please ensure you’re comfortable with this setting. To keep you cozy, we’ll provide hand and foot warmers, along with light refreshments, during in-person events.
If you have additional inquiries, simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Inquiry Form