Experience the Catskills after dark and discover the magic of nighttime photography with local photographer Julian Diamond.
Date: August 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Location: Thorn Preserve
Ticket Cost: $15
During this hands-on evening program at Thorn Preserve, you'll explore the many photographic opportunities that emerge after sunset, from the Milky Way and star trails to creative light painting and, if conditions allow, the incredible firefly displays that make the Catskills one of the country's premier destinations for summer night photography.
Julian will guide participants through the fundamentals of photographing low-light landscapes, including camera settings, composing images in the dark, and techniques for capturing the night sky. He will also discuss basics of post-processing, including image stacking and compositing, a technique that has broad applications for capturing star trails, meteor showers, and deep-sky targets.
Whether you're just getting started with night photography or looking to improve your skills, this program offers a unique opportunity to learn in one of the Catskills' dark and most beautiful landscapes.
Participants should bring:
A tripod
A camera with interchangeable lenses that you're comfortable using
A headlamp with a red-light setting
Long sleeves and long pants
Sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain
Please avoid wearing insect repellent, as it can disturb fireflies and other nocturnal wildlife.
Advance registration is required, a $15 fee applies.
About Julian Diamond:
Julian is a self-taught landscape photographer with a background in meteorology, born and raised in the Hudson Valley and spending much of his time working in the Catskills. Julian has been capturing nighttime scenes for more than a decade, with much of that time being spent researching and documenting the region's annual firefly season. He is also an advocate for preserving dark skies and raising awareness of light pollution that affects both ecosystems and quality of life for residents.