Capture the Atlas Academy - Master Photography & Editing

Capture the Atlas
Academy

Start getting the high-quality images you've always dreamed of

Milky Way Course
Benro Polaris Course
1-on-1 Sessions

Capture the Milky Way

Capture the Milky Way is a comprehensive course designed for photographers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the three modules of this course cover everything from planning and shooting techniques to advanced post-processing.

With step-by-step lessons, real-life examples, and unlimited support, you’ll learn how to capture stunning, noise-free images of the Milky Way and master techniques like star-tracking and blending. Join a passionate community of photographers and unlock your full astrophotography potential!

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Capture the Milky Way Basic Course

21 Lessons | 8 hrs 30 min

$197

Curso básico fotografía la Vía Láctea
  • Milky Way Planning
  • Camera Gear
  • Camera Settings
  • Composition
  • Basic Post-Processing
More details

Capture the Milky Way Advanced Course

22 Lessons | 6 hrs 30 min

$297

Curso avanzado Captura la Vía Láctea
  • Stacking
  • Panoramas
  • Blending
  • Star Reduction
  • Advanced Post-Processing
More details

Capture the Milky Way Pro Tracking Course

19 Lessons | 7 hrs 30 min

$397

Curso Pro Captura la Vía Láctea
  • Star Tracking
  • Polar Alignment & Setup
  • Tracked Panoramas
  • Tracking Settings
  • Pro Post-Processing
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Bring your Milky Way Images to life

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Cómo fotografiar la Vía Láctea Cómo fotografiar la Vía Láctea
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Take advantage of our Milky Way Bundle
  • Capture the Milky Way Basic Module
  • Capture the Milky Way Advanced Module
  • Capture the Milky Way Pro Tracking Module
$899
$399
JOIN NOW ➔

Benro Polaris course

New Benro Polaris Masterclass

15 Lessons | 4 hrs 30 min

$194

  • App & Camera Connections
  • Interface & Hidden Settings
  • Step-by-Step Setup
  • Stacking & Panorama Modes
  • Advanced Multirow Panoramas
More details
Benro Polaris Masterclass

Dust Off Your Benro Polaris and Unlock Its Full Potential!

100% of Your Course Fees Go to Your Next Photo Tour!

At Capture the Atlas, we reward your dedication to learning by offering an instant credit equal to the full amount spent on any of our courses toward our photography tours. This means every dollar you invest enhances your skills and allows you to apply your education in real-world settings. Join us on an incredible adventure to explore breathtaking destinations with personalized guidance and unlimited support, and unlock your creativity while discovering the world through your lens!
Check available tours

What makes our Academy unique?

COMPLETE

This is the only online program where you can learn everything, from basic camera settings and the ultimate astrophotography techniques to Photoshop and post-processing, plus everything in between.

STRUCTURED

All the material is carefully organized so you can follow a straightforward, step-by-step guide regardless of your current skills. You won’t have to waste hundreds of hours looking for YouTube videos with scattered and incomplete information.

PROVEN

Every course will improve the quality of your astrophotography images exponentially. I've gone through years of trial and error to develop the best techniques and a user-friendly post-processing workflow that applies to any type of Astro image.

At your own pace

You’ll have unlimited access to all the modules and be able to watch the videos at your own pace and as many times as you need. Forget about paying a monthly subscription and enjoy lifetime access whenever and wherever you want.

HIGH-RESOLUTION VIDEOS

The videos are recorded in 4K, so you can enjoy the highest video quality and watch them from any device: monitors, tablets, smartphones, etc.

ENDORSED BY A STRONG COMMUNITY

Our courses are designed to meet the needs and demands of a vibrant community of astrophotographers. By meeting others where they're at, I can understand their needs and provide the guidance that helps them meet their photography goals.

Who is the main instructor at Capture the Atlas Academy?

Capture the Atlas Academy is led by Dan Zafra, a professional landscape and astrophotographer celebrated for his mastery of night sky photography.

Passionate about helping others unlock their creative potential, Dan specializes in astrophotography techniques for capturing the Milky Way and Northern Lights through immersive online courses and workshops. His work has received recognition from prestigious organizations like NASA and National Geographic, and he was the People’s Choice winner of the 2022 Astronomy Photographer of the Year award.

Dan also creates the popular “Capture the Atlas Milky Way Calendars” and is the curator of “The Milky Way Photographer of the Year” and “The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year,” two award-winning annual lists that inspire hundreds of thousands of people to photograph the night sky.

At Capture the Atlas Academy, he empowers photographers of all levels to enhance their skills and master astrophotography. Join him to elevate your photography!

Meet Dan

You've probably seen Dan in...

Our Happy Students!

I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last few years. Sharing and teaching photography is my passion, and I love doing this both online and in the field.

Amazing course, Dan provides you with all the tools necessary for finding, planning, photographing and post processing your Milky Way photos. He is very respectful to everybody's abilities, and has a group chat for continued live support from himself and other students. Ready to start the next level.
Patricia Miller
Capture the Milky Way - Basic Module
I have many years of photography experience but this course was filled with a broad range of new information to get started on Milky Way photography and post processing. Very useful and it will save making a lot of novice mistakes.
Lester Taylor
Capture the Milky Way - Basic Module
The modules and items are structured and Dan’s explanations are clear and very easy to understand. The whole course is very graphical with high quality video, and this is helpful to follow his line of thought. You can always feel his enthusiasm and his treasure trove of experience. He knows what he is speaking of.
Herbert Naass
Capture the Milky Way - Advanced Module
I'm amazed how much I've learned with this course! It's very different from trying to learn with YouTube videos. The course follows a very logical sequence, and really covers everything you need to master Milky Way photography. You won't regret joining this Milky Way course. It's a masterpiece.
Rafael Sampaio
Capture the Milky Way - Advanced Module
I already had night photography experience, but this course allows you to take a big step forward. It provides essential information about star trackers, stacking, post processing and many advanced techniques. One of my photos, taken after the course, was selected by National Geographic as the best night photo of the week. I would recommend it 100%.
Emanuele Dequarti
Capture the Milky Way - Pro Tracking Module
As an astrophotographer, I have more than 4 years of experience shooting night images and more than 15 years as a graphic designer and using Adobe programs for my work. I still found a lot of new and useful insight in Dan's course. He has consistent workflow, with great tips and tricks to improve your Milky Way editing, for anyone, from beginners to experienced photographers.
Lyubomir Momchilov
Capture the Milky Way - Pro Tracking Module
I was looking for one definitive source or guide for Milky Way shooting, and more importantly post processing of Milky Images, this course is exactly what I needed. Dan is very thorough and approaches a complex process in a step by step fashion and provides needed explanations not only on how to do the techniques but why you do something as well. Updates are provided and Dan is very accessible.
Alan Hudina
Capture the Milky Way - Pro Tracking Module
This is some of the best money I have spent on any course. What I have learned has made my images improve to a level I didn't think was possible. After this course I don't feel nervous about picking up a star tracker anymore. Thank you Dan.
Rick Wade
Capture the Milky Way - Pro Tracking Module
What I liked most about this course is the way Dan shares his process step-by-step. As a photographer with basic editing knowledge, this course really took my skills to a new level. I know I will use the steps I've learned in whatever software I choose to use.
Karen Hart
Capture the Milky Way - Advanced Module
I have been interested in astrophotography for a few years and found it to be a highly technical field. The courses Dan put together have been an immense help in making sense of the why behind the techniques.
Mark Niles
Capture the Milky Way - Advanced Module
Benro Polaris has been an enigma to a lot of astrophotographers, including myself. There has been no in-depth manual or review of this gear until this Masterclass by the master himself. I figured out the Benro from whatever little online information was available, but more from attending Dan's workshops in Monument Valley and, most recently, in Death Valley. Highly recommended Masterclass. A+++++++++
Ukkwal Datta
Benro Polaris Masterclass
I've been a Benro Polaris user for over 2 years, and I truly enjoyed the course. Every button, setup option, and all the content was valuable. I've been a long-time user of the BP, and I trust and gain value from Dan's content. Especially when even the smallest details are covered in his BP program, providing an improvement in my own workflow, processes, and understanding. Total win!
Chris Lamb
Benro Polaris Masterclass
At last, a quality instructional tutorial on the Benro Polaris. Thanks, Dan, for putting this masterful tutorial series together on "How to use the Benro Polaris." From the Introduction to the Conclusion, the video tutorials cover everything you need to know so that you can operate the Polaris, from connecting to understanding the menus to the hidden secrets that need to be understood and known. An excellent tutorial series on the Benro Polaris. Thanks, Dan.
Geoff Sharpe
Benro Polaris Masterclass
I was one of the founding members for the Polaris campaign. Tried it once in the field but found it intimidating due to Benro's minimal instructions. Well, Dan's masterclass changed that! He goes well beyond what Benro provided, and his tips, tricks, and recommendations are spot on. This course is valuable for both beginners and experienced users. What are you waiting for...get it!
Margaret Ann Halleck
Benro Polaris Masterclass

See all available courses

$397

Capture the Milky Way – Pro Tracking Module

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$297

Capture the Milky Way – Advanced Module

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$197

Capture the Milky Way – Basic Module

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Book a Private 1-on-1 Session

Get Started!

Whether you’re looking to refine your technical skills, get personalized feedback on your work, or dive deeper into specific photography techniques, our private 1-on-1 sessions offer tailored guidance to help you achieve your goals.

Book a session with one of our expert instructors and receive hands-on support, from camera settings to advanced editing tips. No matter your skill level, we’ll work together to elevate your photography and ensure you leave with actionable insights and newfound confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Book your private session today and start mastering the art of photography!