By: Lim Min Jun

PENANG: The HCUC Photography Club hosted the highly anticipated ASTRAL Astrophotography Workshop, offering participants a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in capturing the night sky. The event was held at the 911 Production Studio and the picturesque Gertak Sanggul, Penang. 

The workshop kicked off with a registration session, followed by an introduction to basic camera knowledge. Then, participants learnt the fundamentals of camera operation, setting a strong foundation for the evening.

Next was a detailed session on understanding camera settings. Attendees learned crucial techniques such as switching between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF), utilizing MF focus peaking, magnifying for precision, setting RAW file formats, configuring intervals, and setting timers. This session, lasting until 8:00 PM, equipped participants with essential skills for astrophotography.

The next segment focused on basic Lightroom editing for landscape photography. The participants were taught on how to enhance their Milky Way shots using Adobe Lightroom.

“I learned many new skills and techniques, including Lightroom and basic color grading. The content was easy to absorb. Although there were shortcomings, I gained a lot and look forward to future astrophotography sessions,” shared Chai Bing Hen, a Year 1 Semester 3 student from Diploma in Multimedia Design & Communication. 

(Photo credits to Chai Bing Hen, edited by Ong Yuan Heng.)

Ong Yuan Heng, a Year 1 Semester 3 Diploma in Multimedia Design & Communication student revealed that he gained a lot of practical knowledge and met many photography enthusiasts. The workshop helped him understand more about camera settings and provided a great experience with a fun atmosphere.

The speakers for the event included Ken Lim and Law Ji Zhou, both club alumni, and Mr. Loy Jia Shin, a lecturer from SACAD.

“Initially, I thought of organizing a simple sharing session within the Photography Club. Then my boss, Mr. Yew, owner of 911 Production Studio, offered to sponsor the venue, turning it into a collaborative workshop. The main goal was to deliver knowledge to my juniors. I’ve noticed their interest in astrophotography but they lacked proper guidance, hence this workshop. I want to thank the HCUC Photography Club, especially Wei Feng, for their assistance in organizing, and the participants for their patience despite the weather. I hope more people join us for future astrophotography hunts,” said Ken Lim.

Following a short break, the practical session commenced at Gertak Sanggul. Under the clear night sky, participants began their hands-on Milky Way photoshoot, applying the techniques learned earlier. However, halfway through the practical session, unexpected rain forced an early dismissal.

Despite the abrupt end to the practical component, the workshop was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and better equipped for future astrophotography endeavors. The HCUC Photography Club extends its gratitude to the speakers and participants for their enthusiastic involvement and looks forward to more such enriching events in the future.

“I’m very proud of this successful and independent collaboration. Big thanks to Ken and Mr. Yew from 911 Production Studio for their support. Despite the weather, I hope participants learned a lot and that there will be more collaborations in the future. This is my last project before graduation, and I’m happy with what we’ve achieved. I have high hopes for the next committee,” said ASTRAL Workshop Committee and HCUC Photography Club President, Ooi Wei Feng, a Year 2 Semester 3 student from Diploma in Multimedia Design & Communication.