Milky Way Photography Training Course

6 June 2026
Emirates Astronomical Observatory

Join us for a structured and professional Milky Way photography training course at Emirates Astronomical Observatory, designed for photographers who want to capture the galaxy correctly under real dark skies and guided by hands-on expertise.

On the evening of 6 June 2026, the Milky Way will be visible from approximately 9:00 PM, while the Moon rises only at 12:00 AM, creating an ideal dark-sky window for astrophotography. This alignment provides optimal contrast and clarity during the workshop’s practical session.

This course is led by Meshal Almutairi, Owner of Emirates Astronomical Observatory, who will guide participants step-by-step from theory to field execution and introductory processing.

Course Schedule

7:30 PM – Theory Session (Air-Cooled Classroom)
Participants begin with a structured indoor session covering:

• Understanding Milky Way season and positioning
• Equipment selection and lens recommendations
• Camera settings and exposure fundamentals
• Achieving precise focus at night
• Composition and framing principles
• Field workflow and preparation
• Introduction to image processing

9:30 PM – Practical Field Session
Participants move outdoors to apply the theory under real dark-sky conditions.

Live guidance will include:

• Proper setup and stabilization
• Accurate focusing techniques
• Exposure refinement
• Foreground integration
• Reviewing and adjusting images on-site

11:30 PM – Workshop Conclusion
The formal session concludes at approximately 11:30 PM. However, guests are welcome to remain on-site and continue practicing using the observatory facilities.

Moonrise at 12:00 AM ensures a protected dark sky window during the workshop period.

What You Will Learn

This is not a casual photo meetup.
This is a structured training course designed to guide you from A to Z:

• Choosing the correct equipment
• Configuring camera settings properly
• Building strong composition themes
• Managing workflow in low-light environments
• Understanding noise control and exposure balance
• Introductory post-processing techniques

Skill Level

This course is suitable for:

• Beginners entering Milky Way photography
• Intermediate photographers refining technique
• Landscape photographers transitioning into astrophotography

No prior astrophotography experience is required. However, participants must be comfortable operating their camera in manual mode.

The workshop is designed as a focused learning environment.

Requirements

Participants must bring:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Wide and fast lens (f/2.8 or faster recommended)
• Stable tripod
• Fully charged batteries (extra batteries required)
• Memory cards with sufficient storage

Important Notes:

• A 4×4 vehicle is not required but is recommended for convenience when accessing the observatory area.
• No children under the age of 12 are permitted for this course.
• Seats are strictly limited to maintain instructional quality.

Included

• Structured classroom instruction
• Guided practical field session
• Cold drinks
• Classroom and toilet facilities
• Certificate of Attendance issued by Emirates Astronomical Observatory
• Access to observatory grounds after the formal session

Weather & Rescheduling Policy

Astrophotography depends on clear skies.

In the event of unfavorable weather conditions such as cloud cover, high humidity, or poor visibility, Emirates Astronomical Observatory reserves the right to reschedule the workshop to the next suitable dark-sky date.

Participants will be offered one of the following options:

• Transfer to the rescheduled date
• Credit toward a future Milky Way workshop
• Refund upon request if unable to attend the new date

Our priority is ensuring that participants receive the full value of a proper dark-sky Milky Way experience.

Capacity

Limited to 20 participants.

Early booking is strongly recommended.

About Emirates Astronomical Observatory

Emirates Astronomical Observatory operates as an active observational facility contributing to asteroid and exoplanet science under MPC Code M69. Our workshops are conducted within a real observatory environment, combining scientific credibility with practical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to photograph the Milky Way in the UAE?
Milky Way season in the UAE runs from late spring through summer, with optimal visibility during new moon phases between June and September.

Do I need a 4×4 vehicle?
A 4×4 is recommended but not required for accessing the observatory.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners comfortable using manual camera mode are welcome.

What happens if the weather is not clear?
The workshop will be rescheduled or credit/refund options will be offered.