Under the Stars: OM SYSTEM Night Sky Masterclass Virtual Workshop - July, 2025

Four Virtual Zoom Sessions: 

July 15, 17, 28, & August 8, 2025

PLUS Self Guided Shooting Week July 21 - 27
Under the Stars: OM SYSTEM Night Sky Masterclass Virtual Workshop - July, 2025

Under the Stars: OM SYSTEM Night Sky Masterclass Virtual Workshop - July, 2025

Four Virtual Zoom Sessions: 

July 15, 17, 28, and August 8, 2025 

PLUS Self Guided Shooting Week July 21 - 27

$297

$247 

Registration is Open!

Quantity:

Kindly Note:
Like many small businesses we have had to start adding a 3.5% surcharge to credit card payments for workshops. The total amounts in the shopping cart have the 3.5% surcharge added.
Workshop registration is first-come first-serve.
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DATES:

Tuesday, July 15: 6pm to 8pm ET, LIVE on Zoom

 

Thursday, July 17: 6pm to 8pm ET, LIVE on Zoom

 

Self-Guided Shooting Week – New Moon Phase (July 21–27) - Get Out and Practice What You've Learned

 

Monday, July 28: 6pm to 8pm ET, LIVE on Zoom

 

Friday, August 8: 6pm to 8pm ET, LIVE on Zoom

 

All times are listed as Eastern Time Zone.

 

If you can not attend live, the recording will be available by the next day.
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Questions about this online virtual workshop?

Simply fill out the form below. Be sure to let me know which workshop you are asking questions about!
Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Under the Stars: OM SYSTEM Night Sky Masterclass
Virtual Workshop - July, 2025

With OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Epic Night Sky Photos.

 

This event is designed for OM SYSTEM (Olympus) photographers. 

 

If you use cameras from other manufacturers, let me know and I'll consider doing another virtual workshop that isn't OM SYSTEM specific!

Online Virtual Workshop Overview

Unlock the Secrets of the Night Sky – From Capture to Edit – With Your OM SYSTEM Camera

 

Join award-winning photographer and OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess for a captivating virtual workshop designed exclusively for OM SYSTEM photographers. Over four dynamic Zoom sessions, you’ll learn how to master the art of night sky photography—including the Milky Way, star trails, and even the elusive Aurora Borealis.

 

Have you ever looked up at a clear night sky and wished you knew how to capture its breathtaking beauty with your camera? This virtual workshop is your chance to finally do just that—guided step-by-step by OM SYSTEM Ambassador and professional photographer Matt Suess. Designed exclusively for OM SYSTEM users, this live 4-session online experience will show you how to photograph the Milky Way, create mesmerizing star trails, and even chase down aurora shots—no travel required.

 

Over the course of four interactive Zoom sessions, Matt will share the exact methods he uses in the field, including how to get the most out of powerful OM SYSTEM features like Starry Sky AF and Live Composite. You’ll not only learn how to plan and shoot incredible night sky images, but you’ll also discover the editing techniques that bring those photos to life using programs like Lightroom, Photoshop, and more. Everything is tailored specifically for OM SYSTEM cameras.

 

The workshop is perfectly timed around the new moon in late June, so you’ll have the ideal dark skies to practice what you learn right in the middle of this virtual workshop. After two instruction-filled sessions on July 15 & 17, you’ll have a week to go out and shoot on your own—then return for two follow-up sessions, including a full editing walkthrough on July 28, and a final image critique and Q&A on August 8. It’s the perfect balance of learning, doing, and refining—with personal feedback every step of the way.

 

Enrollment is just $297 $247 for the entire experience, including all four live sessions, access to the replays, and direct critique from Matt himself. 

 

Whether you're new to night photography or looking to elevate your skills using the tools your OM SYSTEM camera was made for, this workshop will inspire, educate, and deliver results you’ll be proud to print and share. 

 

But space is limited—so don’t wait too long to claim your spot under the stars.

 

Highlights:

 

🌌 Milky Way, Star Trails, Aurora Photography, Time-Lapse, Using a Star Tracker

📷 OM SYSTEM-specific features: Starry Sky AF, Live Composite, Interval Shooting

💻 Lightroom & Photoshop editing in addition to some other programs

🧠 Live image critique and Q&A

🎥 Replays included - access for 1 year

💬 Private WhatsApp group for questions and image share

 

 

🗓️ Live Zoom Dates:

 

Session 1 – Tuesday, July 15: 6pm to 8pm ET: Gear Setup & Settings, Planning, Milky Way Techniques

Session 2 – Thursday, July 17: 6pm to 8pm ET: Star Trails, Star Tracker, Time-Lapse, Aurora Photography

Self-Guided Shooting Week – New Moon Phase (July 21–27) - Get Out and Practice What You've Learned

Session 3 – Monday, July 28: 6pm to 8pm ET: Post-Processing in Lightroom, Photoshop & More

Session 4 – Friday, August 8: 6pm to 8pm ET: Image Review + Q&A

 

 

🌠 What You’ll Learn:

 

✅ How to plan and shoot the Milky Way, star trails, and aurora with your OM SYSTEM camera

✅ OM SYSTEM tools like Starry Sky AF, Live Composite, and Noise Reduction techniques

✅ Best lenses and camera settings for night photography

✅ How to post-process and enhance your images for gallery-quality results

✅ Personalized critique and feedback on your final images

 

 

🎓 Perfect For:

 

💪 OM SYSTEM photographers ready to take full advantage of their gear at night

💪 Beginners to intermediate night sky shooters who want guided instruction

💪 Anyone craving a front-row seat to the magic of the cosmos—without leaving home

 

 

🌠 What’s Included – $247 Total:

 

✅ 4 Live Zoom Sessions (8+ hours total instruction)
✅ OM SYSTEM-specific techniques: Starry Sky AF, Live Composite, and more
✅ Planning tips with various phone apps

✅ Camera setup walkthroughs
✅ Post-processing instruction (Lightroom, Photoshop, other software)
✅ Personalized feedback on selected images from the group
✅ Session replays for all registrants - access for 1 year

 

 

💬 From Matt:

 

“If you’ve ever stood under a clear sky and wanted to capture its magic—this is your chance. I’ll walk you through how I plan, shoot, and edit my own award-winning night photos using OM SYSTEM’s best tools. No fluff. Just results.”

 

ITINERARY

Session 1 - Tuesday, July 15: 6pm to 8pm ET

Gear Setup & Settings, Planning, Milky Way Techniques

 

We will get your cameras set up for photographing the night sky, talk about safety and non-camera gear you'll want to consider, apps on your phone to plan your shot, and I'll talk about different techniques for photographing the Milky Way including single exposures, blue hour and long exposure blends for foreground detail, numerous shots for noise reduction, light painting, and more.
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Session 2 – Thursday, July 17: 6pm to 8pm ET

Star Trails, Star Tracker, Time-Lapse, Aurora Photography

 

Tonight we discuss Star Trails with Live Comp, photographing time lapses, and how to predict and photograph the Aurora
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Self-Guided Shooting Week – New Moon Phase (July 21–27) 

New Moon Phase (July 21–27) - Get Out and Practice What You've Learned

 

You will have an entire week plus to go out and photograph the night sky from what you learned. The best evenings when there is little to no moon will be July 21 - 27
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Session 3 - Monday, July 28: 6pm to 8pm ET

Post-Processing in Lightroom, Photoshop & More

 

Tonight I'll show you how I edit my Milky Way, Star Trail, and Aurora photos using Lightroom, Photoshop, Nik Collection, and more.
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Session 4 – Friday, August 8: 6pm to 8pm ET

Image Review + Q&A

 

After a week of being able to edit your photos and upload them to our workshop gallery, I'll pick a number of the shots to do a live critique and to answer any remaining questions.

The above photo is a combination of 2 separate photos, one for the foreground (long exposure) and the other for the sky (using the Move Shoot Move Nomad star tracker). I'll show you how to achieve similar results during the workshop.

Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Virtual Workshop

There are no cancellations for this virtual workshop. If you can not attend live, recordings will be available for you by the next day for you to watch.

Matt Suess

Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador

Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.

For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.

In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.

I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.

I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.

I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
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Poster

Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess

Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us your question by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.
Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email *

Question *

Is this an in-person or online workshop?

All instruction is done online during 4 Live Zoom calls. There is also an opportunity for you to photograph on your own in the middle of this virtual online workshop to practice what you have been learning.

What if I miss any of the live sessions?

Each session will be recorded and the recording will be uploaded into our private virtual workshop portal by the next day the latest so you can watch on your own.

How long do I have access to the recordings and any other content?

You have access for a period of 1 year from the workshop dates.

Can I download the videos?

Videos are for streaming only.

Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding My Photo Workshops & Tours in General

What sets your workshops apart from other workshops?

I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience, am detail orientated, and always put the needs of my clients first.

 

I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.

 

My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.

 

With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!

Why should I attend one of your workshops?

I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.

 

I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience teaching the concepts of photography, leading photo workshops/tours since 2012.

 

I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.

 

Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Do you photograph during field workshops?

Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.

 

When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.

 

Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my clients get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.

What level of photography experience do I have to have in order to attend one of your workshops?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

Do you provide travel insurance for your workshop participants?

I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.

What’s included in my tuition? Rooms, transportation, meals?

Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your photos during any classroom sessions.

 

Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.

What should I bring with me to one of your workshops?

You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.

What happens in bad weather?

Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.

 

Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.

 

If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.

Do you provide transportation?

I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.

What is your cancellation policy?

Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Harley M.
"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."
2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Winnie A.
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Jill E.
"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don't. You are a top-notch instructor."
2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.

He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.

Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!

The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).

I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."

Emily L.

2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Visit Matt's Sponsors, Partners & Friends

Cameras & Photo Gear

OM SYSTEM / Olympus
Cameras & Lenses

I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.

I am an Official Fotopro Tripods Reseller and you can order your Fotopro tripods direct from me here.

Get the best iPhone lenses out there - and the ones I always use - from REEFLEX here.

Save 10% with code: MATTSUESS10
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Photo Software & Websites

Radiant Photo - an excellent and unique photo editor. Save 10% with coupon code: mattsuess

ON1 Photo RAW 
Save with code: mattsuess20

Luminar NEO
Save with code: mattsuess10

Mylio Photos is a really awesome photo management cataloging program. Check out a Free Trial with special savings.

DxO makes some of my favorite photo processing software such as: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, & the NIK Collection.

Topaz Labs makes popular plugins like: Sharpen Al, Denoise Al, Photo Al, and Gigapixel Al.

SlickPic is an Amazing photo website builder to make impressive Portfolio and/or Gallery Websites that run my Portfolio & Workshop Galleries. Build it yourself or let them do it. Save up to 25% with my special link here.
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Photo Software & Websites

I am a brand ambassador for Ororo Heated Clothes and highly recommend their heated gloves, vests, and more!

Systeme is a great platform to sell your courses, digital. downloads, workshops, products, and more and I used it successfully for a few years! Start your free trial here today.

I use Shopify for sales of my online courses, presets, camera filters, and tripods. Bring your ideas to life on Shopify for just $1/month here.
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