CCD Imaging Camp Dates		Sign up now!	M51 image taken at April, 2003 camp with our 20" Ritchey-Chretien
March 10 - 13, 2005 Class is $699	$350 50% deposit*
May 5 - 8, 2005 Class is $699	$350 50% deposit*
August 4 - 7, 2005 Class is $699	$350 50% deposit*
Sep 29 - Oct 2, 2005 Class is $699	$350 50% deposit*
Nov 3 - 6, 2005 Class is $699	$350 50% deposit*

Classes are held at Tzec Maun Observatory near Cloudcroft, New Mexico.

Detailed Information

Accommodations are available at several nearby locations. New Mexico skies is my first recommendation, but especially if you want to image while you are here. The Lodge in Cloudcroft is only two miles from the classroom, and is a treat for those who will not be imaging while they are attending class. There are also several motels in Cloudcroft that provide economical accomodations. Most visitors fly in to El Paso and drive up to Cloudcroft, but you can also fly to Albuquerque and get a shuttle flight to Alamogordo on Westward Airways.  Directions to the observatory.

Classes are open to anyone. You'll find that the facilities, equipment and camaraderie makes for an unbeatable combination.  The entire ridge top is an astronomical enclave and all students should be prepared to respect rules regarding use of lights at night and other astronomical courtesies. There is considerable homework outside of official class time, plus assigned team activities, so be prepared to spend from 4-8 hours per day working on imaging-related activities.

When making travel plans, the first class of the Imaging Camp starts at 1pm on Thursday of each camp. We can delay the start of the first class to as late as 3pm if required because of your travel plans. Please let us know well in advance if you require a delay so that we can inform the other students. The last class is on Sunday, and it is over at about 4pm.

Please call 505 687-4244 to confirm dates or ask questions. You can also fax credit card info to us at 505 687-4344.

If you plan to image or observe while you are here, we recommend that students share time on the equipment. The class schedule is very demanding - we will cover a lot of information, and you should expect to spend 2-4 hours each day practicing your image processing skills. You'll find that about 4 hours a night of imaging is typically workable. You can also make arrangements to do imaging before or after the camp. Contact Ron at 505 687-4244 to make arrangements. 

Classes

Ron Wodaski will be teaching the following image processing classes at the camp:

• Introduction to the Zone System for CCD Imaging Processing
• Hands-on practice with the Zone System
• LRGB Image Processing in Photoshop
• Advanced Topics for CCD Imagers

Classes include a CD-ROM with class materials, practice images, additional related tutorials, etc.

Individual sessions with Ron Wodaski are available. You can use the session to go over your specific image processing or other issues. Sessions are available by request as time permits for $75/hr.

Cost for the class portion of the camp is $699. This does not include accommodations. You can make arrangements with Lynn Rice at New Mexico Skies for private accommodations when they are available. Private rooms are limited and go quickly. Food is not included; plan to shop in Alamogordo at Lowe's grocery or WalMart before you drive up to the camp.
Note: Equipment rental is not included; contact Ron Wodaski for information about renting equpiment. You can also contact New Mexico Skies; they have an extensive selection of equipment available to their guests.

Classes include 2-4 hours of instruction; one or more CDs with practice files, software, or other appropriate materials; class materials and handouts; etc. Enrollment is limited. Students must sign up for all four classes; you cannot sign up for individual classes because they build on each other. You'll need to bring your laptop to the class, with Photoshop and MaxIm DL or CCDSoft loaded and ready to go. Photoshop CS (version 8) or later is needed to work through the classes. Version 8.0 has key features that will make your image processing easier to do. If you prefer not to bring a laptop so equipped, contact me about renting a computer while you are in the camp. Cost is $30/day.

Deposit Requirements

* A 50% deposit is required to hold your space. Balance will be charged 4 weeks prior to class. There will not be any refunds within 6 weeks of the class unless someone else fills your space. You can use your deposit (less a $25 processing fee) to reserve a space in a future workshop. Refunds are for the amount of the deposit less a $25 processing fee to cover our costs.

Equipment

We have a 20" Ritchey-Chretien set up and ready for use by students. Please send email if you are interested in using this instrument. Hourly and nightly rental fees are always discounted for students, and we highly recommend that you take advantage of your visit to work with this incredible instrument under our dark and steady skies.

The following equipment may be available for you to rent at New Mexico Skies - first come, first served and students often share equipment. Contact Lynn Rice for availability. The following domes are set up and ready to go for CCD imaging, including CCD camera, guider, computers, software, etc.

• Dome 1 (14" Celestron SCT  on Paramount, with camera to be determined, usually ST-1001E)
• Dome 2 (16" LX200, with camera to be determined)
• Dome 3 (20" Ritchey-Chretien with ST-10XME or similar; by special arrangement only)
• Dome 4 (6" Takahashi FCT-150 refractor with ST-10XME or similar)

You may also bring and set up your own mount, scope and camera if you wish; nightly charge is $25, first come, first served. You can also reserve visual observing equipment, including large Dobs, at New Mexico Skies. Note: You cannot bring your own cameras or other equipment for domes 1-4. You can bring equipment for my 20" Ritchie if you make arrangements in advance. There is an equipment setup/take-down fee. Contact Ron for details.

Please contact Ron Wodaski at support@newastro.com to sign up. If you have questions, please call 505 687-4244. Most classes fill up quickly; check with us to see what's available.

Copyright © 2000,2001 by Ron Wodaski. All rights reserved. Material may not be used without permission. If you provide a link to these pages, please send me an email message at support@newastro.com about the link, and I will add a reciprocal link to my site.