Ghajn Tuffieha
Astrophotography Adventure with Gilbert Vancell
Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park, Interpretation Centre, il-kamo ta' Ghajn Tuffieha, Ghajn Tuffieha
Workshop
Workshop

During this workshop Gilbert Vancell will take you to ‘Ras il-Waħx’ which has a beautiful landscape of boulders and wild plants that can be photographed against a backdrop of the night sky. This is also the best spot in Majjistral Park to shoot the Milky Way as early as 9pm when astronomical twilight ends. 

You will need to be adventurous! To reach this spot, we have to walk across clay slopes and rocky terrain, which requires some light bouldering. Getting used to hiking trails is an essential part of landscape astrophotography, and why not do it in the company of an experienced hiker!

We will have 2 sessions as follows:

SESSION 1 — Field Session — Friday 30 August

We will leave at 8pm sharp so please be at the centre by 7.30pm for registration.

After a twilight hike through Majjistral Park’s coastal landscape, Gilbert will show you how to set up for landscape astrophotography shots, how to focus at night, ideal exposure times (to avoid trailing) and light painting techniques. The time of 3 hours will be used well to choose your subject/s and practice. At 11pm we will make our way back to the Visitors Centre. 

SESSION 2 — Post Processing — Day and time will be decided during Session 1 

During this session Gilbert will show you how to process Milky Way shots in Adobe Lightroom and PhotoShop with the help of masking and target adjustment layers.Plugins and external software are used for stacking multiple images to increase sky detail. Other techniques will be discussed including creating star trails and how to capture and process them.

______________________________

DETAILS:

*Meeting point for both sessions - Majjistral Park Visitors Centre

*Fee - €50

*Booking - please send an email to [email protected] 

*The maximum number of people will be 10 due to delicate ecosystems in the area

*The workshop requires a basic knowledge of photography

All proceeds from this workshop will be shared equally between Gilbert Vancell and Majjistral Park since the collaboration is an initiative by Gilbert Vancell to support and promote Malta’s National Nature Park.

______________________________

What you need:

• Headlamp with red light*

• Trekking boots- these would be ideal but trainers with a good sole will do

• Long trousers (vegetation can be quite harsh on the legs)

• Trekking poles (not a must but these help with balance when going up or down a slope)

Ideal equipment:

• Tripod

• Wide angle lens – 14 to 35mm – with a maximum aperture of f2.8 or less

• DSLR that can handle ISO3200 with minimal noise

• Remote release or intervalometer

• Speedlight / flash gun or extra torch for light painting

*Red light helps you keep your night vision when changing settings on your camera once your eyes adapt to the low light. This is less stressful to the eye and will not disturb the other participants.

______________________________

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Gilbert Vancell has more than 6 years experience in shooting the Milky Way, taking the Landscape Astrophotography style in Malta to the next level with his collection and ongoing project ‘StarScapes of Malta’. 

One of his favourite images is his astro panorama of the Milky Way over the Azure Window shot back in 2015. 

He is a passionate hiker and traveller, always looking for new landscape and natural wonders to shoot against the night sky. Gilbert started hiking around Malta in 2009 and was amazed by the pristine coastline and valleys that he discovered in his own country. Combining his passion for the outdoors with photography, Gilbert wants to create awareness and respect for our natural heritage by sharing its magic through his vision. He also supports Majjistral Park through the sales of fine art prints of his photographic collections.

Photo Credit: Gilbert Vancell


Dates
30th August 2019 19:30 - 23:30
Upcoming Events
St Julian's
6th July 2025

Concert
Mqabba
6th July 2025

Fest
Victoria, Gozo
6th July - 8th September 2025

Exhibition
Marsalforn, Gozo
7th, 14th, 21st & 28th July, 11th, 18th & 25th August & 1st September 2025

Concert
Valletta
7th - 12th July 2025
Feel the rhythm in the heart of Valletta!

Festival
Ħamrun
9th July 2025
A New Era of Live Music Begins in Ħamrun

Fest
Pieta
9th July 2025

Music
Valletta
9th July 2025

Concert
Valletta
11th July 2025
Travel back in time!

Music
Msida
11th July 2025
Calling all Mini enthusiasts!

Car Show
Kerċem, Gozo
11th July 2025
The 9th edition!

Fireworks Show
Gżira
11th July 2025
A night dedicated to the magic of musical theatre!

Music
Valletta
11th & 13th July 2025

Dance
11th - 13th July 2025

Music
Xewkija, Gozo
11th - 12th July 2025
A celebration of flavours, cultures and community!

Festival
Victoria, Gozo
12th July 2025

Concert
Rabat
12th July 2025

Family Activity
Kerċem, Gozo
12th July 2025

Fireworks Show
Santa Venera
12th July 2025

Family Activity
Valletta
12th July 2025

Workshop
Sliema
12th July 2025
Let yourself be charmed by Malta's beauty!

Tour
Various locations
15th - 20th July 2025

Festival
Għargħur
16th July 2025

Fest
Għaxaq
17th July 2025
Zucchero is once again hitting the stage!

Concert
St Julian's
17th - 20th July 2025
Gin lovers, rejoice!

Fest
Għaxaq
18th July 2025
Get ready to dance the night away to the legends of Latin rhythm!

Concert
Għargħur
18th July 2025

Cultural
Dingli
18th & 29th July, 20th, 22nd & 29th August, 10th, 26th & 27th September 2025
The perfect sunset vibe!

Concert
Attard
18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th July 2025
A stellar cast and the magic of open air surroundings of San Anton Gardens!

Theatre
19th July 2025

Fireworks Show
Salina
19th July 2025
From the 70s till today's hits!

Party
St Julian's
19th July 2025

Classical Music
Sliema
20th July 2025
Ride the waves and explore the beauty of Malta!

Tour
Victoria, Gozo
24th July 2025
Open Air Musical on Big Screen

Musical
Various locations
24th - 27th July 2025
A celebration of dance awaits you!

Festival
Sliema
24th - 27th July 2025

Artisan Market
Valletta
25th July 2025
Calling all ABBA fans!

Concert
Mellieħa
25th, 26th & 27th July & 8th August 2025

Entertainment
St Paul's Bay
26th July 2025
Dancing through the night with Robin Schulz on deck!

Party
Żurrieq
26th July 2025
Fireworks synchronised with music!

Fireworks Show
Marsalforn, Gozo
26th July 2025
A night of music, dancing and unforgettable vibes!

Fest
St Julian's
26th July 2025

Classical Music
Qala, Gozo
26th July 2025
All proceeds in aid of Puttinu Cares!

Fest
Naxxar
27th July 2025
This is not just a market - it is a community experience!

Artisan Market
St Paul's Bay
27th - 28th July 2025

Fest
Victoria, Gozo
28th July 2025

Concert
Valletta
29th July 2025
Celebrate Maltese music like never before!

Festival
Valletta
1st, 2nd & 3rd August 2025
Military History alive in the heart of Valletta!

Exhibition
Valletta
1st - 2nd August 2025
A moving tribute to courage, unity, and victory!

Commemorative Event
Żabbar
2nd August 2025

Fest
Xlendi, Gozo
2nd August 2025
The 12th edition of the Gozo Ceramis Festival!

Festival
Valletta
2nd August 2025

Festival
Xemxija
2nd August 2025
Experience a sunset like never before!

Tour
St Paul's Bay
5th August 2025
Legendary Steve Aoki Live in Malta!

Party
Floriana
6th - 10th August 2025
The Ultimate Culinary Experience Returns!

Fest
Birgu
7th August 2025
A spectacular musical concert!

Concert
Valletta
8th August 2025

Concert
Mosta
8th August 2025

Festival
Valletta
8th - 10th August 2025
The 22nd edition of this much anticipated event of the year!

Festival
Valletta
10th August 2025

Show
Valletta
13th August 2025

Show
Mellieħa
14th - 17th August 2025
Celebrate local talent and creativity at the charming village of Mellieħa!

Artisan Market
15th August 2025

Festival
Valletta
21st, 22nd & 23rd August 2025
Calling all Italian music fans!

Concert
Victoria, Gozo
22nd - 24th August 2025
A weekend of stories brought to life on the big screen!

Film Festival
Buskett
23rd August 2025
In aid of Inspire!

Concert
Mosta
23rd August 2025
Live music, good vibes, and a great cause!

Music
Valletta
23rd August 2025
Level Up Your Day with Non-Stop Gaming Action!

Fest
Rabat
23rd August 2025

Party
Valletta
27th August 2025

Concert
Floriana
29th - 30th August 2025
André Rieu returns to Malta!

Concert
Valletta
6th September 2025

Opera
Rabat, Gozo
9th & 11th September 2025
A free event for everyone supporting local talent!

Festival
Valletta
12th September 2025
A must for 80s music lovers!

Concert
Various locations
12th - 16th September 2025
A Boutique Dance Music Experience!

Party
Birżebbuġa
12th - 13th September 2025
In aid of Hospice Malta!

Festival
Xewkija, Gozo
13th September 2025

Festival
Msida
13th - 14th September 2025
La Voix Annual Show

Show
Floriana
17th September 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Festival
Valletta
19th September 2025
20 Years of (musical madness with) Igudesman & Joo

Music
Mellieħa
21st September 2025
Ending the summer on a high note!

Festival
Victoria, Gozo
25th September 2025

Screening
Valletta
26th September 2025

Concert
Valletta
27th September 2025
A night where the lights of Broadway shine in Malta!

Music
Safi
27th - 28th September 2025
The 28th Edition of the Malta International Airshow is back!

Air Show
Valletta
29th September 2025
A lecture by Dr Robert Farrugia.

Lecture
Sliema
3rd - 4th October 2025

Dance
6th October 2025

Concert
Victoria, Gozo
11th October 2025

Opera
Valletta
18th - 19th October 2025
A mega theatrical production is coming!

Theatre
Valletta
20th October 2025

Concert
Victoria, Gozo
23rd & 25th October 2025

Opera
Various locations
24th & 25th October 2025

Car racing
Valletta
24th, 25th, 26th & 31st October, 1st & 2nd November 2025

Theatre
Birkirkara
31st October & 1st November 2025
Bigger, bolder, and more magical than ever!

Panto
Victoria, Gozo
8th, 9th, 15th & 16th November 2025

Musical
Valletta
17th November 2025

Concert
Valletta
29th & 30th November 2025
Malta's Rock Choir Just Got Bigger!

Show
Valletta
15th December 2025

Concert
Sliema
23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th December 2025, 2nd, 4th & 5th January 2026
Watch out for that apple!

Theatre
Victoria, Gozo
30th May 2026

Opera