CHASING STARS
Workshops on Mount Bettmerhorn
Night Photography Workshops on Mount Bettmerhorn
with an overnight stay at the Restaurant Bettmerhorn
Markus Eichenberger Photo & Film Productions
contact@markuseichenberger.com
SCHEDULE
15:30 Take the cable car up to the Bettmerhorn
16:00 Greeting of all the participants in the Restaurant Bettmerhorn by Markus, start of the workshop
16:15 Information tour of the facilities
16:30 Preparation for sunset photography
Enjoy the amazing views and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the place, it is possible to drink something warm
17:15 Enjoy sunset and take photos
17:45 1 1/2 hour star photography course in the restaurant
7:30 p.m. Dinner with Cheese Fondue (alternative meal available)
20:30 Preparation star photography
9:00 p.m. Enjoying the starry sky and the mountains. Taking photos (including further help and instructions by Markus if needed), sleeping and having a rest with the option to drink and eat something during the night (self-service)
07:00 Preparation for sunrise photo shooting
08:00 Enjoy the sunrise and take photos
08:30 Enjoy the views and the atmosphere while having breakfast at the Restaurant Bettmerhorn (optional)
10:00 Official end of the workshop
WORKSHOP DATES:
The workshops will be held in August 2020. You can see the exact dates when you book the workshop.
All workshops are organized one week before and after the new moon to assure dark nights and bright stars. Feel free to make a reservation for more than one event at a time. However, 5 days before the event, the participants will be informed if the workshop will take place (it depends heavily on the weather conditions). By the time of the confirmation it is also your obligation to attend the workshop or to cancel it so that another person has the opportunity to join. In case of more reservations than places available, a waiting list will be made. As always, first comes first serves.
If the workshops are held depends mainly on the weather conditions. The event will only take place when the weather conditions are very good (clear night skies) and there are enough participants (minimum 4 photographers and 2 star gazers).
In case of interest it is also possible to hold the course in German and Spanish. Please contact me directly for further informationcontact@markuseichenberger.com.
WORKSHOP COSTS
The workshop costs 400.— CHF for photographers (it includes the star photography course and documents) and 250.— CHF for stargazers (without photography course). Included for everyone is dinner (cheese fondue or alternative meal), accommodation (mattress with blanket). Tripods and headlights can be borrowed for photography participants if needed. Costs for transportation are not included. Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
PARTICIPANTS / WORKSHOP LEADER
The number of participants is limited to 10 people (6 photographers and 4 stargazers) to ensure a high quality of the workshop. The photography course is made in a way that all levels of photographers, from beginners to professionals, can participate. The workshop leader is Markus Eichenberger.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
Photography gear
To be able to take high quality photos of the stars, it is recommended to use a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. To allow enough light to fall onto the camera sensor, a lens with a large aperture provides better results. The aperture should be bigger than F 4.0, ideally on an F2.8 lens. To get most of the scenery, it is also recommended to use a wide angle lens of 24mm to 15mm. Most cameras that have been made in the last 3-5 years are very good in noise reduction at high ISOs and therefore very suitable for night photography. A tripod is a must for night photography. If not available I can lend you one. Please let me know in advance if you need one or if you have any additional questions about the workshop.
Clothing/Sleeping bag
It will be very cold at 2600 meters above sea level. It means that warm ski clothing, a hat and gloves are very important. A headlight or torch is recommended as we will be outside during new moon, where there is not much light available. Good shoes that protect against the cold and which have a good profile are also essential. If available, please bring your own sleeping bag. Otherwise a mattress and blanket will be provided. Please let me know in advance.
ACCOMMODATION / SLEEPING
We have the unique opportunity to stay overnight inside the Restaurant Bettmerhorn. There, we will also enjoy having dinner, attending the photography course and to sleep. Mattresses and blankets will be provided for the participants that do not have any. The restaurant has been freshly renovated and has central heating. There is the opportunity to have hot drinks and snacks during the night. There are also new, modern toilets available. During the information tour, I will explain all the details about the facilities.
HOW TO GET THERE
Ski Tourist Participants: It is possible to ski and take the cable car directly to the top of the Bettmerhorn. The skis can be stored there during the night. Important: please make sure that you take another pair of shoes with you. Ski shoes are not suitable nor comfortable for the night stay and the workshop.It is not allowed to ski down to Bettmeralp during the night as the slopes are prepared. It's dangerous.
Photography Participants: The cable car runs from the Betten station with a change at Bettmeralp (walk of 15 minutes required) to the Bettmerhorn.
For all participants:Please make sure that you calculate enough time to get to the Bettmerhorn before the last cable car ride.
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
Transportation costs have to be paid by the participants. Beds - Bettmerhorn costs 42 CHF return (half-fare card 21 CHF). The GA is valid up to the Bettmeralp! From there the ticket costs 50% of the standard fare. Most likely the cable car rides are also included in the ski pass for all the ski tourists that will join. However, please make sure you double check before hand.
COURSE DOCUMENTS
At the end of the workshop, all photography participants will receive a coffee to go cup and all the workshop documents will be provided via email (PDF).
As a participant of the workshop you have the possibility to join the Facebook Group “Swiss Star Chasers”. This group is made for everyone who has a passion for star photography. It is a place to ask questions or to share information about anything related to night photography.
BOOKING OF THE WORKSHOPS
IMPRESSIONS SUMMER WORKSHOPS BETTMERHORN