Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Announces Beginner Astrophotography Course Led by Charity Grace Mofsen

July 12, 2024

NANTUCKET, MA— The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces an important update to its astrophotography program, led by island photographer and MMA Artist-In-Residence, Charity Grace Mofsen. “Astrophotography for Amateur Photographers” will take place over three sessions held across three days: Friday, July 26th; Saturday, July 27th; and Sunday, July 28th . Each session will be held from 9:00PM to 11:00PM. The location for shooting will be determined closer to the dates of the course. This astrophotography program is geared toward amateur astrophotographers interested in photographing celestial objects. The course consists of three workshop-style classes with field work and live shooting time. The cost of this course is $700; MMA Members will receive a 20% discount.


The first session will focus on an introduction to astrophotography. This will include a presentation of night shots taken around the island and a demonstration of the equipment, settings, and controls used to take such photos. The second session will allow the amateur photographers to gain experience shooting in the field;, focusing on capturing printable photos. The third and final session will be for postprocessing, during which participants will review images captured during the previous session and receive feedback. Additionally, an introduction to the basic editing tools and techniques used for astrophotography will be discussed.


Astrophotography is the use of photography in astronomy—the photographing of celestial objects and phenomena. In addition to capturing details of extended objects like the Moon, it also has the power to image objects not visible to the human eye, such as dim stars, nebulae, and galaxies. The MMA’s beginner's astrophotography workshop intends to give participants the foundations needed to take dramatic pictures of the dark skies above.


Charity Grace Mofsen captures the island of Nantucket in all its glory— “In Light and At Night.” With a particular affinity for astrophotography, she believes there is always Light, if you have eyes to see it. From fine art landscapes to fun portrait sessions and creative product photography, she finds joy sharing her love of Nantucket with the hope that others will also cherish the island’s natural beauty. Recently featured in Framebridge’s “Black Artist Spotlight,” N Magazine’s 2022 “Night Life,” and Nantucket Current’s “This Week in Photos,” her work speaks to [wo]man’s connection to the cosmos. Describing her style as meditative, Charity Grace highlights the beauty of the island’s contrasts—the solitude of the off-season and the joy of summer, the colors of the Light and the wisdom of the Night.


Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please follow the link below:


 https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/Astrophotography-for-Beginners-26Jul2024


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and historyrelated programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.


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For Immediate Release

July 12, 2024

Contact: Allison Lowe

marketinginterns@mariamitchell.org

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