A workshop on astrophotography techniques at the Mount has proven popular.

Dozens of people turned up to the free workshop on Sunday evening, hosted by local photographers Amit Kamble and Jack Burden.

'By the time people arrived it was a bit patchy and cloudy, which was a little disappointing,” says Amit.

'But people stuck around and we helped them out with their camera settings, until some of the cloud cleared and they could shoot the night sky.”

The amateur photographers gathered at 6.45pm, braving the cold for an hour and a half before the skies began to cooperate.

'Roughly around 8.15pm it cleared beautifully, and people were very happy taking photographs. For many it was their first time shooting the Milky Way, so it was great to see their response.”

Photo: Chanelle Buchan.

Amit says although they didn't do a count, he estimates around 50-60 people turned up – many of them first-time photographers.

The event was free, but people were encouraged to bring a donation for the Tauranga Foodbank. They ended up raising $400 for the charity.

'We weren't expecting that much, but people started putting in notes. So that was really good. People also brought canned food.”

Amit says the positive response means future astrophotography classes are on the table.

'People loved it. Many of them want to do smaller workshops and one-on-one lessons now.”

Photo: Terry Coles.

Photo: Tineka Kavanagh.

Time lapse of the night sky at the Mount. Video: Amit Kamble Photography/Facebook.