About Me
I didn't start with expensive gear or formal training. I started with a phone propped against a stationary bike because the stars stopped me in my tracks and I needed to capture what I was seeing. That single moment of being genuinely awestruck by the night sky set off ten years of obsession. A DSLR came next, then a tripod, then mirrorless, then better lenses, then travel — chasing the Milky Way across deserts, mountains, and dark skies wherever I could find them. Over the years I moved into image stacking, tracked mounts, deep sky objects, and telescope astrophotography. I've gone from a phone on a bike to a setup that can pull nebulae out of the dark. Every step of that journey taught me something, and Hour Zero exists because I want to hand those lessons directly to you.
About us
What We Do
Hour Zero Astrophotography offers small group night sky photography workshops in the dark skies of Northern Nevada. Our sessions are built around one promise — you leave with a real Milky Way photograph that you took yourself. No experience necessary. If your camera has a manual mode and you can follow instruction, we'll take care of the rest.
What to Expect
Your session runs approximately 3.5 hours and covers everything from the ground up. We start with camera settings — ISO, aperture, and shutter speed explained in plain language with your camera in your hands. From there we move into composition, focusing in the dark, and reading the sky. You'll take your shots alongside the instructor, get real-time feedback, and before the night is over you'll edit your image on-site so you leave with a finished photograph, not a file to figure out later. Groups are capped at 8 participants so every person gets individual attention.
What to Bring
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure control. A tripod — or rent one from us for $20. Dress in layers, the desert night gets cold regardless of the season. Bring water and anything you need to be comfortable outside for several hours. Your enthusiasm is the only other requirement.
What You'll Walk Away With
A finished, edited Milky Way photograph taken by you, on your camera, on your first night out. An understanding of the core settings behind every night sky image you'll ever take. The confidence to go back out on your own. And if we're being honest — a very hard time going to bed before looking up first.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
7753383989