Spend an evening photographing the lunar eclipse, star trails, milky way, and more!

Buffalo Rock State Park (1.5 hours from Chicago)
March 13 - 14, 2025

This tour is your chance to experience a one-of-a-kind astronomical event - the lunar eclipse during a full moon.

You'll spend the evening and early morning in Buffalo Rock State Park along the Illinois River photographing the stars and a blood red moon.

No photography experience needed! I'll help you upgrade your photography skills and get a shot of the lunar eclipse.

It's a phenomena that only happens once every few years. Plus, you get to experience the quiet beauty of the outdoors at night.

I've photographed lunar and solar eclipses, spent over 5 years chasing dark sky phenomena, and led multiple guided trips. I love helping people like you experience these rare events.

$300 per person

What's included:

• Transportation from Chicago and during the trip
• Snacks and water
  
• Park admission and parking fees
  
• 1 hour editing session after the trip
• Photography coaching on shooting the eclipse, milky way, and star trails

What's not included:

• Transportation to the meeting location (Des Plaines Metra, Willow Springs Metra, or Buffalo Rock State Park)
• Parking fees at the meeting locations
• Camera and gear (You can rent from me for extra)

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes completely through the earth's shadow. Instead of disappearing, the moon dims and takes on a deep shade of red.

What Will We Do?

My top priority is to help you see the lunar eclipse. I also want to help you upgrade your photo skills. While we wait for the moon to darken, I will show you how to photograph the stars and capture star trails.

Based on weather conditions, the moon or stars may not be visible.

4:00pm (Des Plaines Metra) or 4:45pm (Willow Springs Metra): Group meets

4:00pm to 6:30pm: Drive to Buffalo Rock State Park
6:30pm to 7:15pm: Scouting & Sunset
8pm to 10:57pm: Astrophotography (Star Trails and Stars)
10:57pm to 5:00am: Lunar Eclipse
5:00am to 7:00am: Return drive
6:15am (Willow Springs Metra) or 7:00am (Des Plaines Metra) return

What else do you need to know?

The eclipse isn't guaranteed
Total cloud cover can mask the eclipse.

What happens if its too cloudy for the stars or the moon?
If the cloud forecast changes between when you purchase the trip and the start of the trip, the trip will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

The trip will run if predicted cloud cover is below 60% at 9 a.m. March 13, 2025.

How big will the group be?
I have room for 10 other nature enthusiasts, plus myself.

If there are less than 4 people on the tour, the trip will be cancelled.

How will we get around?
I’m renting a sprinter van (depending on how many people come). It's big enough to hold gear and ourselves for a day trip.

There may be up to 2 miles of walking.

How strenuous is the hiking?
The walk in will broken up and flat. Plan for easy difficulty.

What will the weather be like?
It's early spring! It could be below freezing, or up to the 60s. We'll be outside during the night, so it will likely be chilly. There's always a chance for rain as well.

Do I have to have a nice camera or be a good photographer?
All skill levels and cameras are welcome. Seeing the eclipse with your eyes is magical, and stargazing peaceful.

However, this trip is designed for those with a mirrorless or DSLR camera. Having a lens with a focal length of at least 200mm is recommended to photograph the eclipse.

Only one camera is necessary, but having a 2nd camera will give you more options for shots.

A tripod is also required for astrophotography.

What food options are there?
I will have water and light snacks, but if there is anything specific you'd like, you're more than welcome to bring anything non-alcoholic.

Where should I stay?
If you aren't local to the Chicago area, staying in a hotel near O'Hare or Midway will place you within 20 minutes of the meeting locations.

Is there parking at the meeting location?
Both metra stations have paid parking options for a few dollars.

What happens if you need to cancel?
Once booked, the trip is non-refundable.

As stated above, if cloud cover is predicted to be above 60% at 9am March 13, I will cancel the trip and give you a full refund.