Night Sky Photography with Mark Gee

Part of the Light and Dark Season at Carter Observatory

Tuesday 3 & 17 Sept 6pm until 8:30pm

On the heels of Jo Elliott’s Scared Geometry exhibition, Carter Observatory has invited world-renowned photographer Mark Gee to give two practical workshops, offering insider tips and tricks on how to take beautiful night sky photos.

Mark Gee is a freelance photographer and digital visual effects artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. He has worked on many high profile, Oscar award winning feature films. His love of surfing the ocean is a big part of the inspiration for his photography. While his images portray a wide variety of subjects, in the past few years astrophotography in particular has captured Mark’s imagination and interest.

“Astrophotography is a spectacular form of photography that has captured my imagination and interest. I often venture out to the darkest, most remote skies all around the country, enjoying the challenge of combining New Zealand’s striking landscapes with the ethereal beauty of the night sky in new, creative ways.” Mark Gee – Astrophotographer, photographer and digital effects artist

This has led to international success with Mark being a finalist in the 2012 Astronomy Photographer of the Year and the 2012 World Open of Photography, as well as having images published in various books and magazines. Mark currently has two images short listed in the 2013 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, with the winners announced on the 18th September this year.

Marks recent short film, 'Full Moon Silhouettes' has gained him international acclaim after going viral online, and has been broadcast all over the world by the likes of CNN, The BBC, NASA and various other main stream media.

“Carter Observatory have been enjoying and sharing Mark Gee’s beautiful Southern sky images for the past two years. Our growing relationship and the increasing interest in astrophotography in Wellington culminate in this wonderful opportunity for him to share his passion with the public.”

John Field – Astronomer, Programs and Learning Manager at Carter Observatory

Working with – or despite – light pollution is a phenomenon that, Mark Gee has first hand experience with and is a big part of the reason why Mark shares American astronomer, writer and well-known podcaster, Pamela Gay’s views on protecting our night sky.

“With more home, street, and advertising lighting being installed in just over a generation there are people who have never seen the Milky Way, or enjoyed the experience of seeing the true night sky. Not only does this affect our enjoyment of the heavens, it has been proven to affect our well being.” Pamela Gay – Astronomer, writer, podcaster

Through her weekly podcast, Astronomy Cast (http://www.astronomycast.com/) Pamela takes listeners on a facts-based journey through our Cosmos, exploring not only what we know, but how we know it. Now you can meet this famous astronomer in person. Pamela’s talk, Protecting the Night is taking place September 11, 6:30pm at Carter Observatory focuses on the preservation and protection of the night the sky for us and future generations.

Carter’s Light and Dark Season will also include the launch of our first Photography Competition Light and Dark, 1 September. As well as taking Photography workshops, Mark Gee will also feature as a judge.

Also, don’t miss Telescopes on the Lawn 29 September, 11am until 3pm. We have the wonderful Wellington Astronomical Society to share and use their telescopes on our Carter front lawn where we will be safely observing the Sun to celebrate the beginning of Spring!

Spaces are limited to our Photography Workshops and Protecting the Night. Prepaid bookings are essential info@carterobservatory.org or t: 04 910 3140. See website for details www.carterobservatory.org

ENDS

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