CHASING STARS
Workshops on the Schilthorn
Star photography workshops on the Schilthorn
Management: Markus Eichenberger Photo & Film Productions
Schilthorn Chasing Stars report at DW Euromaxx.Here is the direct link to the publication on DW.
Schilthorn Chasing Stars in the media. Click on the logo and read the report by Urs Tillmanns.
Schilthorn Chasing Stars in the media. Click on the image below and watch Noemi Aeschlimann's audio slideshow.
PROGRAM
The workshops can be booked either as a supplement to a vacation or as a special photography excursion:
3:25 p.m. Arrival from Stechelberg or 3:40 p.m. from Mürren. Participants take the last cable car to the Schilthorn
4:00 p.m. Arrival at the Schilthorn and welcome with a tour
4:30 p.m. Star photography training 1 1/2 hours
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Preparing for the sunset, getting together, laying out your sleeping bag, etc.
7:30 p.m. Take photos of sunsets
8:30 p.m. Preparation to photograph stars
10:00 p.m. Photograph stars, sleep and have a drink
06:00 a.m. Preparing for sunrise
07:00 a.m. Take photos of sunrise
8:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Schilthorn Restaurant
10:00 a.m. Official workshop end
EVENT DESCRIPTION
I have been working with the Schilthornbahnen since 2018 and offering Chasing Stars photography workshops. An overnight stay on the famous Schilthorn, Piz Gloria is included and is a unique experience that is not possible for tourists. The panorama from up there with a direct view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau is absolutely overwhelming. The event includes the train ride to the Schilthorn, a 1 1/2 hour training course on how to photograph stars at night, professional support during the night, dinner, an overnight stay with breakfast (James Bond Brunch) and all training materials.
PARTICIPANTS / COURSE INSTRUCTORS
As always, the number of participants is limited to 10 people (6 photographers and 4 stargazers). This is important to ensure the overview and quality of the workshop. The training is designed to offer something for everyone, from beginners to professionals. The course leader is Markus Eichenberger.
WORKSHOP DATA:
Course dates:
You can either get the course data directly from the Registration take it or from the event calendar here
The period of one week is chosen so that the workshops are organized around the new moon. Since the workshops are weather dependent, it is recommended to register for multiple dates. You can register for up to 5 dates. 5 days before the workshop, participants will be informed whether the workshop will definitely take place. Registration is only valid for 1 day and is non-binding until 2 days before the workshop. Registration is only considered binding if the weather permits and the workshop can be held. If there are more participants than places, a waiting list will be maintained. First come, first served.
If the conditions are not optimal or not enough people register, the workshop will not take place (minimum number is 4 photographers and 2 stargazers).
If you are interested, there is also the option to conduct the workshops in English or Spanish. Please contact me directly at contact@markuseichenberger.com.
WORKSHOP COSTS
The workshop costs CHF 495 for photographers and CHF 295 for stargazers. This includes the train ride to the Schilthorn, training and support during the night, dinner, overnight stay with breakfast, a coffee to go cup and all training documents. Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Photo equipment
To put the stars in the best possible light, a reflex camera or mirrorless camera is an advantage. In order to capture enough light, you should use a fast lens. That is, one that has an open aperture of F4.0 or lower. Ideally F2.8. In order to photograph the landscape, it would be an advantage if the lens has a wide angle of at least 24mm, optimally 15mm. Cameras manufactured in the last 3-5 years have less noise at high ISO. This helps a lot with night photography. A tripod is very important and is mandatory. Please contact me if you have any questions. I can also borrow tripods.
Clothing
It gets cold at almost 3000 meters. This means you should bring a thick jacket and possibly a hat. A flashlight or headlamp is mandatory as the nights up there get very dark when the moon is new. You should also wear good shoes that have a good profile. It is an advantage if you bring your own mat (5 mats can be borrowed). Your own sleeping bag is mandatory.
STAR PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING/ACCOMMODATION
To carry out the training, the infrastructure of theSkyline takeaway used. The workshop leader will give the training using a laptop and connected to a projector. The training includes all the tips and tricks you need to know to photograph stars at night. What has been learned is then put into practice at night, under the supervision of the workshop leader.
The Skyline Take Away is converted into a sleeping bag camp for the night (5 mats can be borrowed). The toilet is one level below the Skyline Take Away. There are also additional charging stations for electronic devices and sockets to recharge the camera batteries.
DIRECTIONS
The journey is the responsibility of the participants. To get to the Schilthorn you have to take the cable car from the Stechelberg valley station. Please allow enough time to reach the top with the second last train (3:25 p.m.).
At the end of the workshop, I will send each photography participant the training documents via email and give them a coffee to go cup.
As a participant in the workshop, you have the opportunity to join the “Swiss Star Chasers” club via Facebook. This deals with everything you want to know about star photography. You can also ask questions at any time, which I will be happy to answer.