When Weather, Stars, and Community Come Together: A Perfect End to the Year
As the year draws to a close, I wrapped up my final workshop of the season at Lake Toolondo and the Grampians, and what a way to finish! We had five nights based at the Best Westlander in Horsham, which continues to be the perfect home base. With all our shooting locations just 30 minutes to an hour away, it made for easy access while still giving us plenty of time to rest, recharge, and share stories over meals.
The weather gave us a bit of everything, clear skies, fog, and a few cloudy stretches, but that’s all part of the adventure. With a little flexibility and some on-the-fly adjustments, we made the most of every moment. From beautiful hikes in the Grampians to exploring waterfalls and landscapes, and of course several clear nights under the stars, it was a week filled with variety, creativity, and connection. The group was fantastic, and it was such a privilege to see everyone grow, experiment, and capture their own vision of the night sky.
Our first nights were spent at Lake Toolondo, a place that always leaves me in awe. With its hauntingly beautiful dead trees scattered across the shoreline, it has a moody yet serene atmosphere that makes it one of my favorite astrophotography locations. We focused on stacking, star trails, time-lapse photography, and composition, all while chasing the perfect light. The first night, we shot until close to midnight before a thick fog rolled in, swallowing everything in sight. Luckily, I had scouted and mapped the area beforehand, so I was able to guide everyone safely back to the van, about a kilometre away. Even with the fog, the night was full of laughter, learning, and some truly magical images before the sky disappeared.
Afternoons were spent diving into editing sessions where I shared a mix of techniques, including some I had never shown before. I’ve always believed that teaching helps you grow, and with astrophotography being such a constant learning process, I walk away from every workshop having gained something new myself. After more than seven years, I’m still experimenting, still discovering, and still inspired by the creativity of others. Watching participants put their own spin on scenes, finding their own styles beyond the guidance I gave, was one of the real highlights.
I was also grateful to have my good friend and fellow veteran, Mike Simmons, join us during the workshop. Mike is a talented photographer in his own right, and he brought a huge amount of value to the group with his skills and perspective. What made it even more special was that he got to photograph the Milky Way in Australia for the very first time. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he saw the core stretched horizontally across the sky. “It’s like you can reach out and touch it,” he kept saying, and he was right. We’re truly fortunate to have some of the darkest skies in the world only a few hours away.
The final days brought less-than-perfect weather, but we didn’t let that stop us. We hiked up Hollow Mountain, explored a stunning waterfall in the Grampians, and kept our spirits high all the way through. On the last day, we devoted ourselves to editing, sharing our favorite shots, and reflecting on what we’d learned. That evening, we gathered for a farewell dinner in the hotel’s conference room, a perfect way to close out an unforgettable week.
Looking back, I’m reminded once again why I love teaching photography. It’s about more than just settings and techniques. It’s about the experiences we share, the challenges we overcome, and the joy of creating something meaningful under the stars. Ending the year with this group, in such an inspiring place, was truly a gift.
Here’s to another year of discovery, creativity, and restoration.
Discover – Restore – Create
