Guided Night Photography Tours
Any skill level is welcome!
Tour locations tailored to your interests (but I can surprise you too!)
I'll pick you up! Door to door, on-Cape transportation included for towns between Falmouth and Eastham!
Printed course material provided!
Taught by a local photographer with over 300 completed night photography tours and 100 group workshops on the Cape! There is no one with more experience.
"What an amazing night of learning and sky watching with Tim! Totally recommend. Tim is very pleasant to converse with and knows his stuff of both photography and astronomy. Might even do it again in the future!" -HH via Tripadvisor.
"Cannot recommend this experience enough! Tim was so knowledgable about the various locations and history of the cape. We learned many tips and tricks on nighttime photography. Our pictures turned out so well!" -Lauren via Airbnb
Thank you for your interest in a Guided Night Photography Tour!
There are two primary types of night photography tours that I offer, each with its own style and experience.
The first is “long exposure” photography using ambient moonlight and artificial lighting (light painting) to illuminate the landscape and subjects.
The second is “short exposure/high ISO” photography on moonless nights in which you are seeking to photograph the Milky Way stretching across the landscape.
There are several locations that work well for each type that I am happy to make part of a route or, we can work together to incorporate specific places that interest you. Based on the type of night photography you are seeking, we'll look at the moon phase to ensure the skies set the appropriate backdrop.
A good resource for checking the moon phase during your visit is Moon Giant's website.
Sessions last for approximately 4 hours and start just after twilight. In most cases, I can provide the transportation to the night’s locations in an SUV that can easily take up to three people and gear. You’ll also receive printed material so you don’t have to worry about remembering everything we talk about as well as a matted print of one of the locations we’ll be visiting.
What Should I Bring?
Besides your DSLR or mirrorless camera, you should plan on bringing a sturdy tripod, a shutter release cable and flashlights. You may also want to bring some bug spray and some snacks. Your tripod should be something that is easy to operate and beyond the quality of what you'd typically find at a chain store or what you may have gotten free with your camera. When a tripod breaks, the shoot is over. If you do not have something sturdy, I have a spare that you are welcome to use.
Your shutter release cable should allow your camera to take exposures lasting beyond your camera's default of 30 seconds. Often times, this is not the free wireless selfie trigger you may have gotten with your camera. Please check with me to ensure you've got the right cable.
Do you want to light paint? Me too. Bring colored flashlights, strobes or whatever you want with which to light up the night. Also bring a standard flashlight for walking around and seeing the back of your camera.
My spouse/significant other/friend/family member isn't a photographer but wants to join us. Is that okay?
Yep! I get it - sometimes your friends and family worry when you tell them you are going to lurk around in the dark with a stranger. Non shooting tag-alongs are welcome at no additional fee. Remember, the max group size is always three so keep that in mind when considering your travel plans. For larger groups, please inquiry for rates and options.
What happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Short of driving rain, or extreme weather events such as severe thunderstorms or winds in excess of 30mph, a night photography tour will happen as scheduled. Locations may be adjusted depending on weather conditions to ensure you still have the opportunity to learn the concepts of night photography. However, if you are flexible around your booked date, we can aim for another evening during your trip based on tour availability where ever possible.
"I would recommend this experience to anyone. A once in a lifetime adventure. Tim was so knowledgeable in photography and astronomy that it made the entire night interesting. I learned more than I had anticipated. A must for any level photographer." Susan via Airbnb
What are the rates and how do I book?
Private tours are for one to three people who know each other. I do not book strangers together. Pricing varies based on season and amount of people in the group. Please see below.
March 1 - April 30 (Spring Season)
Rates for one photographer is $375 per session, two photographers is $500 ($250 per photographer), three photographers for $600 ($180 per photographer.)
May 1 - September 30 (Peak Season / Summer)
Rates for one photographer is $425 per session, two photographers is $550 ($275 per photographer), three photographers for $690 ($230 per photographer.)
October 1 - October 31 (Fall Season)
Rates for one photographer is $375 per session, two photographers is $500 ($250 per photographer), three photographers for $600 ($200 per photographer.)
Season ends October 31st but winter sessions will be considered on a case by case basis.
A deposit of 50% is required to secure a date with the balance due on the night of the shoot.
If your travel plans change, or the weather does not cooperate for the date booked, the deposit can be transferred to another date.
Deposits are transferrable but not refundable as your booking has prohibited other photographers from reserving the evening. Review this policy here.
Please note that guided tours are not currently offered on the islands.
Please review our cancellation policy prior to moving forward here.
To make your reservation, please click the button below. You'll be brought to our booking system where you can choose your date, answer a few brief questions about your interests, and make the reservation deposit. If the date is not listed, it is not available.
If you have questions not answered via this page, please use the contact form below.
For gift certificates, please click the button to initiate an email request. Please be sure to include a phone number.