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Outer Banks Astrophotography & Long Exposure Photography Workshop
Experience the incredible night skies and dramatic coastline of North Carolina's Outer Banks with professional landscape photographer Tommy White. This workshop is designed for photographers who want to master both Astrophotography and creative long-exposure photography while exploring one of the darkest stretches of coastline on the East Coast.
From the iconic lighthouses of Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, and Currituck Beach to weathered fishing piers, rolling dunes, quiet marshes, and endless beaches, we'll photograph the Outer Banks from sunset until well after the stars appear. The combination of dark skies, coastal scenery, and historic landmarks creates endless opportunities for unforgettable images.
You'll learn how to confidently photograph the Milky Way, create stunning star-filled landscapes, and capture beautiful long exposures during blue hour, sunrise, and after dark. Whether you're just getting started with night photography or looking to refine your technique, we'll help you understand the entire process—from planning the shot to the finished image.
This workshop is hands-on from beginning to end. We'll cover camera settings, focusing in complete darkness, exposure techniques, white balance, composition, foreground design, and how to blend natural light with the night sky. We'll also discuss planning your shoots using moon phases, weather, tides, and apps like PhotoPills so you can continue creating incredible images long after the workshop ends.
Overview
Everyone photographs differently, and that's exactly how we like it.
Our goal isn't to have you copy our style or follow a rigid formula. Instead, we'll work alongside you to understand your vision, strengthen your technique, and help you build a workflow that fits the way you see the world. Whether you're new to Astrophotography or have years of experience, we'll meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
We'll spend one afternoon editing images together, covering everything from noise reduction and color balance to bringing out detail in the Milky Way while maintaining a natural look. Feel free to bring older images you've struggled with as well—we're happy to help solve problems and answer questions about your editing process.
For photographers looking to push themselves creatively, we'll explore advanced composition, visual balance, light direction, timing, and using leading lines, foreground elements, and negative space to create images with depth and impact. Great photographs aren't just technically correct—they tell the story of a place and the experience of being there.
During the workshop, we'll photograph some of the Outer Banks' most iconic locations, including historic lighthouses, fishing piers, windswept dunes, quiet beaches, marshes, and other carefully selected locations chosen for both night photography and creative long exposures.
Enrollment is limited to 10 photographers, allowing plenty of one-on-one instruction throughout the workshop. With two instructors, you'll always have someone nearby to answer questions, check compositions, assist with camera settings, or help you master challenging night photography techniques.
Join us for one of our favorite workshops of the year and discover just how incredible the Outer Banks becomes after the sun goes down.
Booking Information
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn in Nags Head. Be sure to mention "Mountains to Sea Workshops" when making your reservation.
A detailed itinerary and equipment list will be emailed approximately one month before the workshop. A sturdy camera backpack is highly recommended, along with a tripod, wide-angle lens, remote shutter release, headlamp with a red-light mode, and extra batteries for nighttime photography.
All shooting locations are weather-dependent to ensure the best possible experience and photographic opportunities.
TERRAIN
Beaches, Sand, Dunes, Woodland Trails. Good sturdy footwear and water shoes are recommended
ACTIVITY
Easy to Moderate trail walking up to a 1 mile
EXPERIENCE
Aspiring to Advanced. Cell Phones are welcome
GROUP SIZE
6-7 Participants
TEMPERATURES
70-95 degrees. Summertime Breathable baselayer and Waterproof/Breathable Outerwear is recommended.
HUMIDITY
70-100 %
NEAREST AIRPORT
Norfolk International Airport, VA
Topics we will cover :
How to research potential shoot locations.
Exploring new locations and finding the right time of day to photograph them.
How to read the weather and show up when the conditions are right.
Using weather systems and anomalies to create more impact in your images.
Learn how to create powerful compositions and bring your artistic vision to life.
How to “see” in the Landscape. Finding and framing your subject and its supporting elements.
How to find and read natural light.
How to select the right lens choices and how to use them.
How to use Lens distortion to create beautiful perspective. When is it too much?
Shutter Speed and why it is the Holy Grail of Landscape Photography.
Selecting the right Angle of View for your image.
How to eliminate distractions in your image and create beautiful flow.
Lens Compression: how to use it and what it can do for your scene.
The use of Neutral Density and ND Graduated filters to enhance and control light.
How to identify and control Balance and Visual Flow.
The use of filters to enhance and control light. How to “see” light.
Histograms: how to read them and why they play an important role.
Macro Photography. Which lenses are best and why?
Focus Stacking for extreme front to back focus.
How to do focal length blending. When and Why?
How to blend multiple exposures to expand the Dynamic Range in an image.
How to create beautiful Long Exposures to unveil a hidden visual world of intrigue and wonder.
Photographing the night sky: Stars, Milky Way, Star Trails and Time Lapse Photography.
Light Painting in the Twilight and Night Landscape.
Image Critique and the Visual Experience.
Choosing the right image for editing.
Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, including third-party software.
Retouching your image for impact and depth.
How to select the right gear for landscape photography.
Phone Apps that are crucial in landscape photography.
What’s Included
Photography instruction with Landscape Photographer Tommy White
Lightroom and Photoshop training
3rd party programs like TK Actions, Luminar, and Nik by DXO
3 Full days of Photography and field Instruction on the Outer Banks of North Carolina
One on One field guidance in framing, settings, and visual flow.
GPS field guidance to track our shoot locations
Drinks and Snacks are provided during Workshop
Identifying important subjects both near and far
Capturing textures, shapes, and patterns
Visual interpretation of the landscape. How to “see” and use the light
Guidance and safety throughout the entire trip
Limited field equipment and accessories
What’s not included
Participants should plan to provide their own transportation. Carpooling will be available at your own discretion
Meals during the trip. I will always have drinks and snacks on hand but plan to travel with your own favorites as well.
Lodging - We will provide information for you on Lodging upon registration.
Park and admission fees. We are fully permitted in State and National Parks, but occasionally there are other fees per individual.
Alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Personal Items
Transportation
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is non refundable on all Seasonal and Group Photography Workshops. If the cancellation is less than 90 days, you will receive a full refund minus the deposit and 15% admin fee, when your spot is filled. If the cancellation is more than 90 days, you will receive a full refund when your spot is filled, or, you may move to another available workshop (minus a 15% admin fee) in the current calendar year. The remaining balance on the new Workshop is due upon transfer.
If you are booked for a Private Workshop and you need to cancel, you may reschedule your workshop one time within the current calendar year during an available time.