Photography Workshops with Tom Rae
Learn the art of Astrophotography with me. Explore the universe from some of Earth’s darkest skies and most spectacular landscapes. Learn how to capture it with clarity, creativity, and purpose. Through my teaching workshops, I aim to equip you with the skills needed to create the images in my own portfolio, and develop your own creativity to lead your work forward.
I currently offer group workshops, and private 1-1 workshop experiences, depending on your specific personal and astrophotography goals. To contact me regarding your desired experience, please email the link below.
Past Workshop Testimonials:
John Wensley - Mackenzie Country Milky Way Core Workshop:
Tom Rae’s Milky Way Core Workshop was a phenomenal experience from start to finish. He provided personalised recommendations during pre trip planning based on my equipment options. He shared his award winning expertise and in depth knowledge of the quickly changing New Zealand weather patterns in the field to find the best opportunities for us to capture our images. Tom guided us through the post processing steps, exhibiting patience with a group who had a variety of skill levels. Tom’s skills as a teacher were only surpassed by his genuine enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge. I left the workshop eager to learn more and grateful for the opportunity to learn from a master.
Krista — Summer Hiking & Milky Way Workshop 2025:
I met Tom on an astrophotography retreat hosted by another photographer. His deep knowledge of astronomy, patience with the technical aspects of shooting in challenging conditions, and ability to simplify complex camera settings made the experience transformative. Beyond teaching, his mastery of Photoshop and Lightroom produces images that are truly world class. Tom reminds me of the rare “boy-genius” hires I’ve seen in tech, his talent and output far exceed his years.
Jay — 2025 online post processing and editing theory workshop:
“Tom is in a league of his own, with one of the best artistic eyes I’ve seen in the astrophotography community. His teaching is clear, insightful, and perfectly paced, and he makes sure that all my questions are answered. Tom was friendly, approachable, and incredibly knowledgeable. He’s living proof that you don’t need expensive software or tools to produce breathtaking images. If you want to create images that strike the perfect balance between artistic beauty and realism, there’s no one better to learn from than Tom.”
Darren — 2025 Mackenzie Country Milky Way Core Workshop:
I recently joined a four-day astrophotography workshop in the Mackenzie Country and it was amazing. Tom Rae, our host, is a passionate astrophotographer with the perfect mix of technical skill and creative vision. He turned what could have been a simple photo trip into something genuinely inspiring. From the first night we were out chasing the Milky Way under crystal-clear skies. Tom walked us through everything from camera settings and composition to post-processing, and my shots improved straight away. During the day he shared heaps of editing tips and explained everything with patience and enthusiasm. What I loved most was the personal attention. Whether you were new to astrophotography or already experienced, Tom tailored his help to everyone. The small group meant plenty of one-on-one time, and the friendships formed over late nights and morning editing sessions made it even better. I left with photos I’m really proud of and the confidence to keep going. If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the night sky in one of the best stargazing spots on Earth, this workshop is absolutely worth it.
Highly recommend, just be ready to lose a little sleep and gain a lot of awe.
Priyanka — Summer Hiking & Milky Way Workshop 2025:
Tom is an incredible teacher. He is patient, clear, and deeply knowledgeable. He has a gift for breaking down complex techniques into simple, actionable steps. Whether it was capturing the night sky through astrophotography, experimenting with light flares, or refining images in Photoshop, every moment spent learning from him felt purposeful and inspiring. His approach helped me not only understand the how, but also the why behind each technique. If you want to elevate your photography and learn with intention, I can’t recommend Tom enough.
Nandita — Summer Hiking & Milky Way workshop 2025:
“Tom operates in a class of his own making. His approach to astrophotography blends deep technical mastery with a clear, teachable framework; from location scouting and camera settings to expert-level post-processing. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your craft, Tom's guidance is accessible, methodical, and reproducible. He doesn’t just take great shots, he empowers others to do the same. Watching Tom work is like watching someone paint with starlight. He’s built a method that turns the chaos of night shooting into a clear, repeatable craft; from finding the perfect foreground to finessing the final edit in photoshop. One evening with him shifted everything I thought I knew. If you want to capture the night sky with purpose and precision, Tom’s the one to learn from.”