Phil Ostroff doesn't just teach astrophotography — he lives it.
Born in the UK, raised under the wide southern skies of Australia, and now proudly calling the majestic hill country of Central Texas home, Phil's lifelong relationship with the night sky has been shaped by three continents — and counting.
From his private Windmill Observatory in Liberty Hill, Texas, Phil has spent years perfecting the art of capturing the cosmos, building the kind of deep, hands-on expertise that only comes from countless nights under dark skies with a camera pointed at infinity.
His experience spans the full spectrum of imaging systems and optics — from trusted workhorses like Celestron, Meade, and Orion to precision refractors from William Optics, and imaging platforms ranging from Canon and Nikon DSLRs to dedicated astronomy cameras from Dwarflab and ZWO. Whatever gear a student arrives with, Phil has used it, pushed it, and knows exactly how to get the most out of it.
His teaching credentials are the real deal. Phil has instructed students in astronomy and astrophotography at Eagle Eye Observatory at Canyon of the Eagles in Burnet, Texas — one of the premier dark-sky venues in the state — bringing the night sky to life for beginners and enthusiasts alike. He has also hosted telescope clinics for novice astronomers at his various properties and venues in the Central Texas area.
His photography speaks for itself. Phil's work has been published by National Geographic, Air & Space Magazine, Texas Monthly, the Los Angeles Times, and The Weather Channel, among others — a track record that puts him in rare company and proves he doesn't just understand the craft, he has mastered it.
Phil is also deeply committed to the community that makes great astronomy possible. He has been an active advocate for dark sky preservation across Central Texas, supporting initiatives in Liberty Hill and Lampasas County — because the best telescope in the world means nothing without a dark sky above it.
As a member of Astronomers Without Borders, The Planetary Society, SETI, and the International Dark-Sky Association, Phil brings a genuinely global perspective to a deeply local mission.
And as a software and IT professional with a keen eye on emerging technology — including the transformative role of AI and ever-growing technological advances in modern astrophotography — he ensures his students aren't just learning the craft as it exists today, but as it's evolving tomorrow.
See some of Phil’s work here.
Reviews from Astronomy and Astrophotography Classes
"I had the pleasure of working with Phil at Canyon of the Eagles, where he serves as the resident astronomer. Phil is not only a passionate astronomer but also a highly talented photographer with an incredible eye for detail. He has a gift for sharing his knowledge, whether teaching groups of up to 30 guests or offering personalized 1:1 sessions. Phil's open-mindedness and creativity shine through in initiatives like hosting astrophotography workshops, combining his skills to create unforgettable experiences. Whenever Phil led a group, his enthusiasm was contagious, inspiring awe and curiosity in everyone he taught."
- Dylan Barahona Eagle Eye Observatory & Canyon of the Eagles General Manager
“Phil is an exceptionally knowledgeable astronomer and photographer. During one of our astrophotography sessions in Liberty Hill, he introduced me to the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope and walked me through its capabilities — I ordered one on the spot. Once it arrived, Phil provided hands-on guidance to get me started and has continued to offer support whenever I've had questions. His deep understanding of the equipment, combined with his extensive knowledge of astronomy, has been invaluable. After just a few sessions applying what he taught me, I was capturing images I never imagined I could produce on my own.”
- Nils Andresen Austin, Texas.
“Phil has been a great help to me in my astronomy and astrophotography journey. I reached out to my local dark sky group, and they put me in touch with Phil. He patiently emailed back and forth with me as I asked questions about my what to purchase for my first astrophotography rig. After I came across some issues that I wasnt able to find an answer to, Phil was gracious enough to come out and help me diagnose my problem, and enabled me to get out and take some amazing images thanks to his help. He's also given me pointers on post processing which have been very helpful. I've had nothing but positive interactions with him!”
- Josiah Burzynski Lampasas, Texas
"We had a great time visiting the small Eagle Eye Observatory in the Canyon of the Eagles. The astronomer there, Phil, was very knowledgeable and made the explanations of the different stars and star clusters that we saw there very interesting. We even got to see a bunch of meteors from the residual Orionid meteor shower serendipitously."
- Krishnan Panamalai Murali Local Guide • 48 reviews • 11 photos ★★★★★ a month ago (Google Review)
"Fantastic experience! We were fortunate it was a clear night and Phil was very kind and accommodating. As an astronomer who has conducted thousands of star parties over the years, I know these events take a lot of support and effort. I would love to see this type of activity get more of a following. Thank you again for a fun evening."
- Gabriel Segura 3 reviews • 3 photos ★★★★★ a year ago (Google Review)
"Open air astronomy masterclass by a pro with the night sky as your screen. Great experience for kids and adults alike."
- S Ram Local Guide • 147 reviews • 95 photos ★★★★★ 11 months ago (Google Review)
"I could have stayed all night. The Australian Astronomer (I forget his name) was our guide and was super informative and fun! Within 10 minutes of being there we saw the ISS fly over and MANY satellites. I was also able to get a picture of Saturn with one of there telescopes and my phone. Super neat for me and the family!"
- James 6 reviews ★★★★★ 2 years ago (Google review)
