Capturing the Night Sky — Aurora Photography Workshop Inspires Bass Coast Locals
Earlier this month, I hosted a sold-out Aurora Australis Photography Workshop at the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre, welcoming photography enthusiasts from across the Bass Coast and Melbourne.
Over the course of the evening, we explored how to plan and capture the southern lights — from reading solar activity forecasts to mastering long-exposure techniques under starlight. The weather was perfect, and a few lucky participants even managed to capture their first faint aurora displays over the coast.
I always keep my workshops small to make sure everyone gets plenty of hands-on guidance and one-on-one support. As I like to say, “Small groups, simplified approaches, memorable learning — that’s how a photography workshop should be.”
The session also touched on my passion for eco photography and the importance of photographing responsibly at night — respecting wildlife, leaving no trace, and appreciating the natural world that inspires our art.
This event was part of my ongoing eco-education series, which combines photography, science, and environmental awareness. I’m already planning future sessions on seascape composition, ethical wildlife photography, and citizen-science whale tracking in partnership with RAW Conservation.
If you’d like to hear about upcoming workshops, exhibitions, and photography adventures, you can subscribe to my mailing list or get in touch at peter@peterfogartyphotography.com.au.
— Peter Fogarty
