Shooting Stars: A Nike Missile Site Nighttime Photography Workshop

Join us and see the historic Nike Missile Site in a new, unique light. “The Everglades in general is a land of subtleties… What this landscape lacks in grandiosity, it makes up for with understated beauty and rarity like none other in North America. The Everglades is a land of endangered plants and animals, a land where alligators and crocodiles coexist, a land that does not reveal itself to just anyone. where the patient and mindful are rewarded with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, birds beyond compare, and drama that can only be found inthe Everglades.” But it doesn’t end there. There is majesty and mystery after dark. -Robert L. Chaplan, The Invitation, Everglades National Park” A Photographic Destination. Get your copy here. 

Join your instructor, Robert L. Chaplin, as he takes us on a journey into the Everglades After Dark and learn his approach to photographing this mystical and magical landscape. Starting with equipment, clothing, and insect solutions, Robert will share his techniques for meteor showers, moonrise, and moon sets, thunderstorms, and lunar eclipses.

He will also discuss composition in this visual journey, including his camera settings and why.

He hopes you leave this talk inspired to experience the Everglades After Dark and photograph this World Heritage Site in a new light.

Program Schedule:

6:00 PM Meet at Ernest Coe Visitor Center, where there will be an introductory presentation in the auditorium.

7:00 PM Assemble equipment in the Ernest Coe Visitor Center parking lot.

8:30 PM Caravan to Nike Missile Site, approximately a 20 minute drive.

11:00 PM Wrap up the formal workshop and close the Nike Site. Participants may wish to explore elsewhere in the Everglades and continue to shoot the stars and moon throughout the night.

What To Bring:

Participants must wear sturdy closed-toe lace-up shoes and long pants for added comfort and safety. Don’t forget your water bottle for hydration. It’s also wise to pack a long-sleeved shirt, insect repellent, a flashlight, a chair, and snacks to enhance your experience. Be prepared for insect encounters, and we highly recommend wearing bug jackets to shield yourself from mosquitoes throughout the night.

This is an intermediate-level photography program that will expand on the basics of night photography. Participants should bring a camera capable of using a shutter release and being mounted on a tripod. No Cell Phones or Basic Point and Shoot Cameras. An internal camera or cable type intervalometer is required.

About Your Instructor:

Robert L. Chaplin considers the Everglades his photographic playground, and his passion for the Everglades is infectious. More than a fine art photographer, he teaches photography and has led photographic workshops. He is a founding director of the South Florida National Parks Camera Club and a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida National Parks Association.

Robert also co-authored and published the one-of-a-kind photographic guide Everglades National Park: A Photographic Destination. His photo, Florida Bay Fishermen, is a Florida vehicle specialty plate that supports Everglades National Park. Find out more at www.floridabayforever.com.

Park Entrance Fees:

Please note that the park entrance fee is not included in this program. If you do not possess an Annual National Parks Pass, we ask that you obtain a Park Entrance pass to gain access to the park on the day of the workshop. The Park Entrance fee grants you access to the park for 7 consecutive days. Please be aware that the entrance gate may be closed at the start of the program, so it is essential to purchase your Park Entrance pass in advance. You can conveniently purchase your pass through the NPS Website. When acquiring your pass, ensure that the dates selected encompass April 26th within the 7-day window. Failure to do so will necessitate purchasing another Park Entrance pass for April 26th.