Milky Way Photography Experience
Scotland has one of the lowest numbers in Europe for people per square kilometre, and less people equals less light pollution. Set half-way between Oban and Lochgilphead, in amongst 17 acres of gardens and beach on the romantic coast of Argyll, Loch Melfort Hotel is the perfect setting for dark skies photography. We are delighted to have teamed up with Argyll Dark Sky Photography Ltd. who will guide you through two 5-hour (approx) workshops of learning and practical stargazing activities, including the basics of night-time photography and the best ways to capture the beauty of the Milky Way.
Your Milky Way Experience
You will begin with dinner in our fine dining restaurant or casual bistro, with ingredients sourced fresh from local Argyll suppliers. After your meal, enjoy coffee and an informative local astronomy talk by a member of the team from Argyll Dark Sky Photography Ltd. followed by a walk to the best star gazing spots. Here you will set up your equipment and take some incredible photos of the night sky. If you are lucky, as well as seeing the Milky Way, you might also catch shooting stars, the ISS, the Perseids Meteor Shower (August dates only) or even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). After photographing the night sky you’ll return to the hotel for hot drinks and a discussion about the night with a brief tutorial on post-processing your photographs.
On day two, enjoy waking up to a full cooked breakfast, before taking the day to explore our grounds and the surrounding area. Your second evening will offer you the opportunity to head out for another night with our Argyll Dark Sky Photography Ltd. expert to put your new star gazing skills to the test.
Your third night is free for you to roam our grounds and practice everything you have learned during your stay – or simply relax in our lounge and enjoy the breath-taking views and great food.
Should you experience cloudy skies during your experience then alternative activities will be provided including wire wool spinning and light painting with LED’s.
Our Milky Way Photography Experience is priced £580 per person and includes:
- 3-nights en-suite accommodation
- £40 per person allowance towards dinner is included each night in either the fine dining restaurant or casual bistro.
- Full Scottish breakfast each morning
- 2 5-hour (approx) dark skies workshops with Argyll Dark Sky Photography Ltd. including practical activities
- Snacks and warm drinks for when you return from your star gazing sessions
- Head torches, hand warmers and midge nets will be provided
What you need to bring: (kits can be hired for an additional cost of £70 per session)
- Warms clothes and sensible footwear
- DSLR camera
- Wide angle lens (ideally 12-24mm)
- Tripod
- Remote shutter release
- Spare Batteries
Dates Available:
TBC
Don’t need accommodation?
If you live locally but would still like to take part in the Milky Way Photography Experience you can join us for dinner and a workshop – £135 per person per night.
How to Book
This package is only available by booking directly with the hotel. Please contact the team:
T: +44 1852 200 233
reception@lochmelfort.co.uk
Terms and Conditions
Rates quoted above are based on single occupancy. Rates are available for double occupancy on request. Children over the age of 12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The start time of workshops will vary due to the time of the year and the weather. This will be communicated to you during your stay. Should you experience a cloudy evening on the first or second night then a workshop may take place on the third night as an alternative. Star gazing is subject to the weather and we do not guarantee what you will be able to see on any given night. In the unlikely event that you have cloudy skies during your entire stay alternative activities will be provided including wire wool spinning and light painting with LEDs. The Milky Way Photography Experience is subject to availability.