For One Hour Only – Can You Capture the Milky Way in Just 60 Minutes?

SERYDDA Astrophotography Workshop | Cwm Elan, Cymru | Friday 17th July

Astrophotographers are often told that patience is everything. Long nights, endless hours under the stars, and waiting for the perfect conditions are all part of the craft. But what if you only had one hour of true darkness?

That is the question behind SERYDDA's newest astrophotography challenge:

For One Hour Only

On the morning of Friday 17th July, darkness will arrive at 00:30 and depart again at 01:30. Just sixty precious minutes separate twilight from dawn in one of Wales' most spectacular dark sky landscapes.

The challenge is simple:

Can you create an amazing astrophotograph with only one hour of darkness available?

Why Cwm Elan?

Few locations in Wales are better suited to the challenge than Cwm Elan. Famous for its dramatic Victorian dams, sweeping reservoirs, rolling hills and exceptionally dark skies, it provides a stunning foreground for night photography.

During this brief window of darkness, the Milky Way Galaxy will be visible, offering photographers an opportunity to capture one of nature's most breathtaking sights. The combination of dark skies, iconic architecture and the galactic core could make for truly memorable images.

A Different Kind of Workshop

This is not a workshop built around spending an entire night outdoors. Instead, it is designed around making the most of a very limited opportunity.

Participants will learn:

• How to prepare for a short astrophotography session.

• Camera settings for Milky Way photography.

• Fast and efficient composition techniques.

• How to balance foreground and sky exposures.

• Planning and timing when darkness is limited.

• Maximising image quality in a narrow shooting window.

• 
  

The workshop is suitable for photographers who have a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a tripod, whether they are new to astrophotography or looking to refine their skills.

Workshop Details

Date: Friday 17th July

Darkness: 00:30 – 01:30

Location: Cwm Elan, Cymru (final location to be confirmed)

Group Size: Maximum 6 participants

Cost: £30 per person

Keeping numbers small allows everyone to receive individual guidance and plenty of opportunities to ask questions throughout the session.

Staying Local

Because the workshop takes place during the early hours of the morning, SERYDDA recommends that participants book accommodation locally. There are a number of excellent hotels, guest houses and self-catering options in and around the Elan Valley and Rhayader area.

Making a night of it allows photographers to arrive relaxed, enjoy the landscape and be ready when darkness finally arrives.

The Real Question

Will one hour be enough?

There are no guarantees in astrophotography. Weather, cloud cover and atmospheric conditions always have the final say. Yet one thing is certain:

There is a great chance to photograph our Milky Way Galaxy during this unique one-hour window.

Sometimes the most rewarding images come from working within limitations. This workshop is an opportunity to test your skills, embrace the challenge and discover just how much can be achieved in sixty minutes beneath the stars.

Book Your Place

Places are strictly limited to six participants.

To reserve your place, email serydda@gmail.com

Join SERYDDA this July and discover whether one hour of darkness is all you need to capture something extraordinary.