Deeply engaging astrophotography retreat set in the vast landscapes of Australia, offering time, space, and expert guidance under some of Earths darkest skies.
Guided Night Sky Shoots
Daily Editing Workshops
Personalised Guidance
Small Group Experience
Capture the Night Sky
Experience several nights of hands-on astrophotography under some of Australia’s darkest skies. Evenings are spent on fully guided shoots, exploring different ways to capture the Milky Way and the night sky. Mornings focus on learning editing techniques to enhance, combine, and bring out the finest details. This cycle of shooting, learning, and refining lets you experiment, make real progress, and leave the retreat with images you’re proud of.
Panoramic Milky Way Arch
Learn how to capture multiple images and stitch them together to create wide, sweeping views of the night sky. This technique is perfect for showcasing the classic Milky Way arch and capturing expansive landscapes in a single, breathtaking frame.
Single Exposure
Astrophotography
Learn how to capture the night sky in a single exposure, including camera settings, focus techniques, and composition, so you can bring out the Milky Way, stars, and foreground details in one beautiful image.
Star Trails
Capture the motion of the stars by shooting a sequence of images over several hours and stacking them into one breathtaking trail.
Stacking Multiple Images
Capture multiple exposures and combine them to reduce noise, boost detail, and reveal the Milky Way in all its glory.
Timelapse
Astrophotography
Capture the motion of the stars by shooting a sequence of images over several hours and stacking them into one breathtaking trail.
Suzy Jones
Starbright Wonderland Photography
Suzy Jones is an award-winning astrophotographer and geologist with a reputation for creating unforgettable night sky experiences. She has led workshops across Western Australia, helping photographers of all levels — from beginners capturing their first Milky Way to more experienced shooters refining their skills — achieve stunning results.
Known for her hands-on, supportive teaching style, Suzy makes complex techniques accessible while inspiring creativity and confidence. With her guidance, you’ll not only improve your astrophotography, but also experience the Pilbara under some of Australia’s darkest, most breathtaking skies.
Choose your Astro Retreat experience
Cheela Plains Astro RetreatThu, Oct 08Cheela Plains Station Stay
You will need to bring:
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Camera with memory cards
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Tripod
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Laptop with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop installed
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Warm clothing
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Suitable footwear
If your camera does not have an inbuilt interval timer you may need to purchase a remote shutter release. Feel free to email Suzy to see if your camera is suitable.
A full checklist will be sent prior to the event
Spaces are limited for this small-group retreat. Secure your spot under the Pilbara skies now!
Not ready for a full retreat yet? Try a one night workshop instead...
If a multi night retreat feels like a big step right now, you are very welcome to start with one of my one night astrophotography workshops. These are a great way to experience learning under the stars, get comfortable with your camera at night, and see if astrophotography is something you would love to explore more deeply.
I regularly run evening workshops around Western Australia. They are relaxed, supportive and designed to give you practical skills you can use straight away. Many people who join my retreats have first come along to a one night workshop.
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FAQ's
Do I need prior astrophotography experience?
No. These retreats are suitable for beginners through to intermediate photographers. If you are new to astrophotography, you will be guided through camera settings, planning your shots and simple techniques to capture the night sky. If you have some experience, you will be supported to refine your skills, composition and creative approach.
What camera gear do I need?
You will need a camera that allows full manual control. This means you need to be able to manually set the shutter speed, ISO and aperture. A tripod is essential.
For lenses, a wide angle lens is ideal. This generally means around 30mm or wider (lower numbers are wider). A lens with a low aperture is best for astrophotography, ideally f2.8 or lower. That said, you do not need the most expensive gear to take part, and we can work with what you have.
If you are unsure whether your camera or lens is suitable, you are very welcome to email before booking and I can help you check your setup.
What if the weather is cloudy?
Astrophotography is weather dependent, and while these locations are chosen for their dark skies, clouds can still happen. If conditions are not suitable for shooting, we will use the time for learning, planning, editing sessions, image reviews and creative discussions. I also have prepared datasets ready to use so you can still practise all the key techniques, even if the sky does not fully cooperate.
We can also work creatively with the conditions we encounter. This might include low light nightscape images, moody cloud cover or even stormy scenes. These skills translate directly to astrophotography when clear skies return, so you will still leave with practical experience, confidence and tools you can use on your own future shoots.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
The retreat is designed to be accessible and gentle paced. There may be some short walks to shooting locations and uneven ground at times, but no long hikes. Many of the sites we drive to. I encourage you to bring a camp chair for comfort when shooting longer exposures. If you have any mobility concerns, feel free to email before booking.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many people attend solo. These retreats are designed to feel safe, welcoming and supportive, with a small group format that makes it easy to connect with others without any pressure.
Will I get one on one help?
Yes. These retreats are intentionally small group so you can receive personalised guidance on your camera settings, composition, creative ideas and editing workflow.
What happens during the day?
We come together for morning editing sessions from 9am, running for around two hours, where you can work through your images with guidance and support.
Afternoons are free to explore the local area, enjoy your accommodation, or simply slow down and rest. In the evenings, we enjoy dinner together before heading out to shoot under the night sky.
Can partners attend if they are not doing astrophotography?
Partners are welcome to stay at the accommodation, however each person participating in the astrophotography retreat must purchase their own ticket. This ensures everyone in the learning sessions is fully supported.
How do I get there?
Guests will need to make their own way to the retreat location. Detailed travel information will be provided after booking, including directions and any local tips to help you plan your journey.
What should I bring?
You will receive a full packing list after booking, but this includes warm layers for night shoots, enclosed shoes, your camera gear, spare batteries, memory cards and a laptop with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop installed.
Can I use different editing software?
There are many great photo editing programs available, at a range of price points. For this retreat, all editing sessions and demonstrations will be run using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop, so you please make sure you have these installed prior to arriving.
It is also important that you are comfortable using your own computer, including basic tasks such as transferring files from your SD card to your computer, organising folders and so on. This allows our group time together to be focused on photography and editing techniques.