This summer we have three night sky photography workshops planned at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge as part of our stargazing activities. These workshops are to teach night-sky and photography enthusiasts how to take high-quality pictures of the dark sky.

Our second night sky photography workshop was held this past Friday, during the month’s new moon on July 9, 2021. We met in the Lodge’s conference center, as the workshop started with a classroom session discussing topics such as: camera settings, camera equipment, and locations around the Keweenaw that have clear viewing points. Other night sky photography topics that were discussed were: Northern Lights, Moon, Lightning, Meteors/Fireballs/Shooting stars etc. The classroom session was about an hour long.

To be able to see the stars at night, good weather is needed. We had wonderful weather. So after finishing up the indoor lecture portion of the workshop, we stepped outside with our cameras.

The group split into two, with one group going to one of the prime locations on the property to view the Milky Way (hole 9 green), while the other group headed to the top of Brockway Mountain.

Instructor, Pam Dyl, was able to show the group on hole 9 green how she works with the settings on her camera. For example, here are two photos she took during the outdoor session of the Milky Way. In the second photo, you can see the flag stick on hole 9 green, with the Milky Way above the treeline.  As a bonus, there are 5 shooting stars in that picture.

The second group headed to Brockway Mountain, where Scott Ochodnicky, from Copper Harbor Observatory, showed how the Stellina telescope can highlight. Lodge team member, Chris Guibert, was part of the group on Brockway Mountain with Scott was able to take some pictures of the Milky Way on Brockway Mountain and Scott’s Stellina telescope. 

There will be one more workshop this summer, August 8, 2021. Reserve your spot by emailing outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com or by calling 906-289-4403 ext 4

This summer we have three night sky photography workshops planned at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge as part of our stargazing activities. These workshops are to teach night-sky and photography enthusiasts how to take high-quality pictures of the dark sky.

Our first night sky photography workshop was held earlier this month, during the month’s new moon on June 10, 2021. The workshop started with a classroom session discussing topics such as: camera settings, camera equipment, locations around the Keweenaw that have clear viewing points, other night sky photography topics that were discussed were: Northern Lights, Moon, Lightning, Meteors/Fireballs/Shooting stars etc. The classroom session was about an hour and fifteen minutes long, next was the hands-on part of the workshop.

To be able to see the stars at night, good weather is needed. After finishing up the indoor lecture portion of the workshop in the Outdoor Activity Center, we stepped outside with our cameras to find the weather being cloudy and foggy. We were hoping the weather would break during the classroom session but we were not that fortunate.

That did not deter the enthusiasm of the group. We decided to go on an adventure and headed up to Brockway Mountain in hopes of being able to see some stars. It was eerily foggy on the drive up to the mountain, and we regrouped at the top. We hung out and chatted and patiently waited for the stars to come out. The stars did break through the clouds every little while.

Just as we were all getting ready to call it a night, one of the group’s participants, Misael, got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, Jessica. She of course, said YES!!

What a great way to end the evening. Congratulations Miseal & Jessica!!

There will be two more workshops this summer, July 9 and August 8, 2021. Reserve your spot by emailing outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com or by calling 906-289-4403 ext 4