We will travel to the clear skies no matter where in Scotland. Driving around Scotland only takes a few hours so we can reach anywhere on the mainland within daylight hours. We will stay in private self catering accommodation. On our travels we will stop off at iconic Scotland photography areas for some day time photography.

We will try our best to get to the clear skies, as somewhere in Scotland will most likely have a clear spell depending on wind direction. If no clear skies can be found then we will still do daytime, sunrise and sunset photography at iconic Scottish locations. Plus Andrew will present an Astrophotography presentation in the accommodation and help clients with editing night sky images. If severe weather we may cancel the tour and deposits can either be put towards a future tour or refunded.

Andrew is a well experienced astrophotographer and has photographed Scotland’s night sky for a decade. He knows where to find the darkest skies at the easiest convenience; use astrophotography equipment such as Star Trackers (Ioptron and MSM NOMAD), Star Glow Filers and Light Pollution Reduction Filters. This will help you test out such items before investing in them yourself. Andrew has good experience with Scotland’s weather and can find clear skies most of the time by reading different weather channels.

A normal level of fitness will be sufficient as there may be times we have to walk over a boggy ground or climb over small rocks or walls etc. If everyone on the tour is very fit then we could hike a small hill, but most of the time we will be near the car for some warmth.

You’ll learn how to successfully photograph the night sky with your camera. You will understand how to plan night sky photography, where constellations are and how to benefit from the night sky at any time of year. Also pick Andrews brain on understanding handy things like forecasting Northern Lights, Finding Clear Skies, Night Sky Knowledge and anything Low Light Photography Related.

All you’ll need is overnight supplies, warm clothing as we will be out most of the night, strong footwear, a good camera (DSLR/Mirrorless) with preferably wide angles lenses with low apertures such as F1.4 - F2.8, Tripods and Intervalometers should be brought as well. It would be good to take your laptop to help edit your night sky images during the tour, with Lightroom and Photoshop being used for learning how to edit night sky images.

Our accommodation will be self catering and we will make plenty of stops at nearby supermarkets for supplies. Everyone is responsible for their own food across the days.