Night Sky Photography with Mark Gee
Part of the Light and Dark Season at Carter Observatory
Tuesday 3 & 17 Sept 6pm until 8:30pm
On the heels of Jo Elliott’s Scared Geometry exhibition, Carter Observatory has invited world-renowned photographer Mark
Gee to give two practical workshops, offering insider tips and tricks on how to take beautiful night sky photos.
Mark Gee is a freelance photographer and digital visual effects artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. He has worked
on many high profile, Oscar award winning feature films. His love of surfing the ocean is a big part of the inspiration
for his photography. While his images portray a wide variety of subjects, in the past few years astrophotography in particular has captured Mark’s imagination and interest.
“Astrophotography is a spectacular form of photography that has captured my imagination and interest. I often venture out to the darkest,
most remote skies all around the country, enjoying the challenge of combining New Zealand’s striking landscapes with the
ethereal beauty of the night sky in new, creative ways.” Mark Gee – Astrophotographer, photographer and digital effects artist
This has led to international success with Mark being a finalist in the 2012 Astronomy Photographer of the Year and the
2012 World Open of Photography, as well as having images published in various books and magazines. Mark currently has
two images short listed in the 2013 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, with the winners announced on the
18th September this year.
Marks recent short film, 'Full Moon Silhouettes' has gained him international acclaim after going viral online, and has
been broadcast all over the world by the likes of CNN, The BBC, NASA and various other main stream media.
“Carter Observatory have been enjoying and sharing Mark Gee’s beautiful Southern sky images for the past two years. Our
growing relationship and the increasing interest in astrophotography in Wellington culminate in this wonderful
opportunity for him to share his passion with the public.”
John Field – Astronomer, Programs and Learning Manager at Carter Observatory
Working with – or despite – light pollution is a phenomenon that, Mark Gee has first hand experience with and is a big part of the reason why Mark shares American astronomer, writer and
well-known podcaster, Pamela Gay’s views on protecting our night sky.
“With more home, street, and advertising lighting being installed in just over a generation there are people who have
never seen the Milky Way, or enjoyed the experience of seeing the true night sky. Not only does this affect our
enjoyment of the heavens, it has been proven to affect our well being.” Pamela Gay – Astronomer, writer, podcaster
Through her weekly podcast, Astronomy Cast (http://www.astronomycast.com/) Pamela takes listeners on a facts-based journey through our Cosmos, exploring not only what we know, but how we know
it. Now you can meet this famous astronomer in person. Pamela’s talk, Protecting the Night is taking place September 11, 6:30pm at Carter Observatory focuses on the preservation and protection of the night the sky for us and future generations.
Carter’s Light and Dark Season will also include the launch of our first Photography Competition Light and Dark, 1 September. As well as taking Photography workshops, Mark Gee will also feature as a judge.
Also, don’t miss Telescopes on the Lawn 29 September, 11am until 3pm. We have the wonderful Wellington Astronomical Society to share and use their telescopes on our Carter front lawn where
we will be safely observing the Sun to celebrate the beginning of Spring!
Spaces are limited to our Photography Workshops and Protecting the Night. Prepaid bookings are essential info@carterobservatory.org or t: 04 910 3140. See website for details www.carterobservatory.org
ENDS