AstroPhotography Workshop

[gbeal]

Hi to all the Ockers.
there is a move underfoot to get an astro photo workshop going, and the likely time frame is early (new moon) May. Likely place is Taupo, which is in the centre of the North Island.
There are some excellent imagers in this part of the country, and Taupo is central. (as well as highish, and cold!!!!)
It is envisaged that the time be spent imaging, and processing, with the emphasis on information sharing.
Those that are members of the Yahoo NZ Astronomers will already have seen this, but those who are not may like to at least consider it.
I realise it is a long way to go, just to take pictures, and process them, but................................ .............
Kind regards,
Gary BEAL,
New Zealand

[[1ponders]]

Thanks for the invite Gary. How many days will it run for? Guest speakers ? Etc? Is there a website to get more info?

Is your son busy at that time and would he would like a holiday in Aus :D

[gbeal]

Hi Paul,
throw sticks at him like I have, I can't seem to get him to leave home. I put it down to his mother doing his washing, making his bead, cooking him grub etc. So, no he is here to stay for a while anyway.
Not sure of the format, and it WILL be informal. There will be a raft of knowledgeable folk there, I will keep you informed etc, as it unfolds.
Gary

[iceman]

Sounds great Gary, I won't be able to make it but I'll be interested in seeing the resulting images :)

If you'd like, I can list it under the "upcoming events" page on the IceInSpace site.. I can copy what you've written above, or you can formalise it a little more if you'd like..

Let me know..

[gbeal]

Mike,
your call.
It was more a diplomatic "headsup" anyway.
Rob Beck and I have tossed this about for ages, and John Drummond (another prolific Kiwi imager) finally went public with it on NZ Astronomers.
Whether it gets off the ground, and whether it is worth coming that far is a difficult question, but it has the potential to be worthwhile, and a heap of fun.
Those Ozzies that come across will have to get into training for the full strength beer we drink all the time over here though.

Sorry Mike, the thrust of this posting was, yes shift it at will. I will update if there are any developments.
Gary

[iceman]

I won't move it from here, i'll just list it under "Upcoming Events" on the website as well.

[Robby]

Hi,
It's likely to be a weekend thing. 2-3 nignts max, with most only there for Fri/Sat night.
If the interest is high enough John Drummond and I will probably put together a couple of presentations, but emphasis will be on informal workshops etc.
We have yet to confirm anything concrete, but any interest will keep the momentum going.
What a great way for you aussies to see some of Godzone. May is probably too early for snow skiing, but I may be able to organise some water skiing on Lake Taupo, but you'll need a 10mm think wetsuit!...

[[1ponders]]

Gary

You can send his mother as well. I don't do well in that cooking, cleaning department. Just ask my kids. We have regular MYO here (make your own :P )

I like that "diplomatic" bit :D . When have Kiwis and Aussies ever been diplomatic with each other :lol2:

I'd love to come over, just depends on how the pennies hold out. Oh and there's that 4 lettered thing called work (now be honest: Who thought I was gong to say "wife")

But please keep us informed as it progresses

Cheers

[rumples riot]

Gary let me know if you plan on having one around October or december next year. I would love to make arrangments to come visit and drag the beast over.

[gbeal]

Paul(s) done.
Perhaps also clock into the NZ Astronomers Yahoo group as well. Mostly yhe discussion happens there. BUT, Rob is at the forefront with organising this so between us we should be able to keep you all up to speed.
I wouldn't drag a scope across the ditch anyway. There is/will be plenty there.
One thing to consider for later in the year is the annual (well three times this year) Waharau Dark Sky Weekend, organised by the Auckland Astronomical Society. A great get away, with lots of scopes, and equally varied folk. A good social as well as beneficial weekend.
Regards,
Gary
P.S. "Diplomatic" is my middle name. I would not have told you about the necessity for a wetsuit on Lake Taupo.

[rumples riot]

Yeah Diplomatic. Right!! full strength beer, funny Gary. how about that cricket though. hehehehe.

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[gbeal]

Touche

[iceman]

Gary this has been added to the Upcoming Events (http://www.iceinspace.com/?club_events) page. Let us know any updates or additional info if you wish.

[gbeal]

Thanks Ice.
It is still in limbo, and really will possibly "just happen" as so many of these things do. It is looking more like early March, and at Taupo (central North Island).
I (or Robby) will keep you posted, you can be assured.
Gary

[rumples riot]

Gary, can you give me a months notice, so that if i decide to come over for the weekend that I have enough time to book.

[gbeal]

Hi Paul,
you bettcha. I would think that soon it will be cast in stone, and we/you can start working from there. If you fly from the land of smoke, them maybe something like Freedom Air, (I think they do one way for NZ$129) flies to Palmerston North, or Hamilton, as well as many other NZ towns. Rob Beck is in Palmerston North, and I am in Hamilton. We can work something out, for sure.
Gary

[Robby]

Hi Paul,
We will be setting a concrete date as soon as we finalise the venue. Should be within the month. Will keep you posted. As Gary said, there are plenty of transport options where ever you fly to.

[rumples riot]

Next question, do I need a passport to enter New Zealand or is it do I need a visa? I think I heard that you don't need a visa to enter the country. Is this true? I would think that I need a passport as a minimum.

[ving]

a passport is rquired to visit queensland too :P

[[1ponders]]

And so it should be. Can't have just anyone wandering in here. There's hardly enough space for those of us here as it is:P:D

Yep you do need a passport for NZ but no Visa. I go there every year/ 18 months or so

[[1ponders]]

Hey Gary/Rob, any further word as to dates for your event. I've got about 3 million inlaws coming over at about that time (everyone except the astronomy group by the sounds of it) so it seems like a good time to leave the country:)

[Robby]

Hi Paul,
Date will most likely be May 6-8. Nothing else confirmed as yet. Still sorting out a venue. It's likely to be pretty low key.
I'll keep you posted...
Cheers

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Robby. I'd certainly like to come and if we need the bed space at my place then it could be quite likely :P

[[1ponders]]

Gary, how soon do you think that the date will be confirmed. I'd like to book my tickets and there are some cheap ones going at the moment

[gbeal]

Paul,
I am as much in the dark as you, with Robby, and another over here seemingly sorting it out.
I would think that if I was you I would sit tight a little longer, as if it does go ahead the dates are going to have to be set in concrete, and soon.
As Rob stated though, I am sure it will be low key.
Gary

[[1ponders]]

Not if the Aussies are coming Gary :D I'm keen!

[gbeal]

Yep, I agree, it "should" be good, and if nothing else I can almost assure you that you will learn something.
If the sorts of folk I envisage being there, are there, then it will be an all round learning environment.
The only snag is the low key look, and this makes it difficult to sell, and buy. Hang in there.

[Robby]

Hi Paul,
I'll get my a into g and see if we can't firm up a few things. As I said I have a couple of venues in mind, but need a trip up there to suss them out a bit further. Weekends just seem to be so full at the moment.
I'll keep you posted...
Cheers

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Rob, I don't know what my wife is planning but she seems awefully keen for me to go. Maybe she just loves me :D