Join us for an exclusive Astro Editing Retreat in Tucson, where we’ll refine your astrophotography skills amidst the stunning desert landscapes of southern Arizona.
During this retreat, we’ll focus on advanced editing techniques and personalized post-processing sessions, empowering you to transform your Astro images into masterpieces.
We will also enjoy a private visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory to capture the sunset and the night sky from a privileged location.
We’re hosting this retreat in October, 2026, during an ideal time to edit after the Milky Way season and to explore Tucson’s starry skies.
Our Astro Editing Retreat in Tucson focuses on astrophotography editing for all skills amidst Arizona’s stunning desert landscapes. With a private visit to Kitt Peak Observatory, you’ll edit and shoot under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Instructors Dan Zafra, Dorian Sanders, James McGivern and Matthew Wilks will guide you through top-notch editing techniques in leading astrophotography software, with personalized one-on-one sessions to enhance your images.
Limited to a small group, this retreat ensures hands-on, productive sessions with expert support.
This Astro Editing Retreat welcomes photographers of all levels, but our classes—led by Dan Zafra, Dorian Sanders, and James McGivern—are tailored to different skill levels, from basic to advanced. For the advanced classes, you should have a basic foundation in Lightroom, stacking, panoramas, and blending techniques to fully benefit from the sessions.
The one-on-one instruction is personalized to your needs, making this a great fit if you’re ready to refine your skills. The retreat emphasizes active participation and, during open editing time, you’ll work independently on your images, applying new techniques while instructors rotate to offer feedback. Your engagement is key to maximizing this experience.
Bringing at least 4-8 pre-selected images to edit is mandatory. We’ll provide pre-retreat course materials to help you prepare, and RAW files can be supplied for practice during the event if needed.
While the agenda for the classes and sessions is fixed, the private visit to Kitt Peak Observatory is weather dependent.
In case of clouds, we’ll still visit the observatory to enjoy a private guided tour of the installations and learn more about the important work and discoveries made at Kitt Peak.
The retreat begins at the Omni Resort in Tucson with check-in at 4:00 PM, letting you settle into your room.
At 5:00 PM, we’ll hold the official orientation with instructors Dan Zafra, Dorian Sanders, James McGivern, and Matthew Wilks, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Then, at 6:00 PM, we will enjoy a group welcome dinner (included) to connect with fellow participants and gear up for the creative journey.
We will start with breakfast from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, followed by presentations and editing from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The organization of the schedule will be 1-hour classes led by the instructors, followed by 90-minute sessions of open editing time.
During the open editing time, we will be rotating through the class in slots of 10-min approximately per participant, helping you with your images. This 1 on 1 instruction will ensure that we can tailor the best possible editing techniques and feedback to your skills and images.
At noon, we will run a catered lunch (included) from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, before the editing classes and editing open time continues from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, you’re free to photograph the sunset and Astro in spots like Saguaro National Park independently (no instruction provided). We will send a list of recommended spots to shoot before the workshop.
Our day 3 will start with Breakfast from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, and then presentations and editing time from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM with one-on-one feedback.
After a catered lunch (included) from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, we will continue with more edit time until 2:30 PM.
At 3:00 PM, we will head to Kitt Peak National Observatory for a private visit. We should arrive by 4:30 PM for the orientation, and after a presentation by the staff at the observatory, we will photograph the sunset from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
After sunset, we will rotate through a telescope and binoculars from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM for some stargazing and to learn more about the importance of this location for astronomy.
Finally, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, we will have the exclusive opportunity to do an astrophotography session from Kitt Peak in one of the best places for Astro in the country. We’ll help you capture the best possible Astro images with the telescopes, and we will return back to Tucson by 09:30 PM.
On our last day, we’ll enjoy breakfast from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, before working on your last images with more editing time from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
For the last session, we’ll do a group image review where we’ll share different images and provide feedback on your edits.
At 12:00 PM, we’ll hold the official farewell, celebrating your progress before you depart the Omni Resort with enhanced skills and new Astro images!
Deposit: USD 1,500
A $1,500 deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the workshop. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
Dates
GUIDES
This workshop focuses mainly on the editing of wide-field Astro images. That is, images taken with focal lengths from 10 to 85 mm.
Our instructor, James McGivern, is an expert Deep-sky astrophotographer and he can also teach you how to make the most of your DSO images.
Our instructors are proficient in different software, and you can expect classes and instruction on this software:
Some of the things that you can learn during the classes and our 1 on 1 instruction according to your level:
This retreat is designed for active participation. During open editing time, you’ll dive into your work independently—our instructors will provide feedback as they rotate through the room. Your engagement drives your progress.
Our rotation with each participant will be about 10 minutes. During that time:
We recommend closing your laptops during the presentations to focus fully on the material and apply what you learn during open editing time. You can take notes, but keep in mind that we’ll record all the classes and share them with you.
Please keep in mind that every instructor has different editing styles and approaches to astrophotography. During the classes, you’ll see different techniques and tips, with the goal of learning and implementing in your images those that you like and can work the best for your workflow.
As we sit with you, we’ll provide our best guidance and help so you can make the most of your images according to your final goals. We will also ask for Astro images that inspire you for reference before the workshop so we can adapt to your goals.
Dan Zafra is a professional landscape and astrophotographer based in the desert Southwest of the United States. Renowned for his mastery of wide-field nightscapes and Milky Way photography, Dan blends artistic vision with cutting-edge technical skills.
Dan will ensure you get the most out of this retreat, guiding you through editing techniques and offering personalized one-on-one support to bring your astrophotography to life. With a passion for teaching, he’ll help you refine your creative process and master post-processing workflows tailored to your images.
Based in the U.S. Southwest, Dan has led countless workshops and tours for Capture the Atlas in iconic locations like Death Valley, Utah, Monument Valley, and beyond. His work has been celebrated by NASA, National Geographic, and Forbes, earning him the People’s Choice award in the 2022 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. He’s also a sought-after speaker, sharing expertise at events like the Nightscaper Photo Conference and Night Photo Summit, and curates resources like the Capture the Atlas Milky Way Calendars to inspire photographers worldwide.
Once you complete your workshop registration, you will receive our Welcome Package with our list of recommendations for the trip.
To have an idea, below you can find a summary of things we recommend on this workshop:
Computer Check: Ensure your system is fully operational and software is updated. We won’t provide IT support, so arrive prepared. There’ll be Wifi available, but we recommend downloading and installing any necessary software at home before the event.
*Recommended software installed: This depends on your skills and goals. If you focus on straightforward edits, you’ll just need Adobe Lightroom Classic. For more advanced techniques, we strongly recommend Adobe Photoshop. If you are an intermediate to advanced photographer, we also recommended having some specific software for stacking like Starry Landscape Stacker (Mac) or Sequator (Windows), and a dedicated panoramic software like PTGUI Pro. Other software can include Pixinsight for DSO editing, RC-Astro software, Nik Collection, etc.
For the first evening of shooting in your desired location (we recommend Saguaro National Park) and our second evening in Kitt Peak, we recommend the following photography gear:
*We always recommend prime lenses for Milky Way tracking. Some of the best lenses in this range are the 14, 20, 24, 28, 35, 40 & 50 mm, either f/1.4 or f/1.8.
You can get them either from your camera brand or from third-party manufacturers like Sigma or Rokinon. You can find more information in our list of best lenses for the Milky Way and best cameras for astrophotography.
Mid-October in Tucson brings warm days and chilly nights, especially at higher elevations like Kitt Peak Observatory (nearly 7,000 feet). Saguaro National Park can also get breezy and cold after sunset, so dressing appropriately is key for comfort during outdoor sessions.
For this reason, we recommend bringing the following clothing:
These items will keep you cozy and prepared for both indoor editing at the Omni Resort and outdoor adventures under Tucson’s starry skies.
If you are traveling from outside the US, you may need a specific travel visa or an electronic travel authorization (“ESTA”) depending on your country of origin. We can help you with this process.
For this Astro Editing Retreat, we’ll be staying at the luxurious Omni Resort in Tucson. This stunning hotel offers all the amenities you need for a seamless retreat, conveniently located just a short drive from Saguaro National Park, it’s perfect for our outdoor excursions and night sky inspiration.
Accommodation is included in shared double rooms, featuring Premier and Deluxe options with king/queen bed options, refreshed Southwestern-style interiors, private patios or balconies, and soaking tubs. A limited number of private rooms are also available for an extra supplement. These stylish retreats provide the privacy and comfort you need to recharge after intensive editing sessions, making your stay both productive and relaxing. The Omni’s elegant design and tranquil desert setting create an ideal environment for creativity and focus.
Our workshop presentations and editing classes will be hosted right at the Omni in a dedicated meeting space, complete with a projector, ample outlets, and strong WiFi included in your stay. This means you can work on your images without leaving the resort, surrounded by everything you need for a smooth workflow. You’ll also enjoy additional perks like in-room coffee and tea, complimentary self-parking, and two daily water bottles. Located just 19 miles ($40 by taxi or Uber) from Tucson International Airport, the Omni makes arrival easy, letting you settle into this exceptional retreat with minimal fuss.
The Omni Resort is more than just lodging—it’s a cornerstone of this retreat, offering privacy, top-tier facilities, and a prime location to fuel your astrophotography editing journey.
Several airports are within a reasonable distance of Tucson, but the closest and most convenient option is Tucson International Airport (TUS). From there, it’s just a 19-mile drive (about 30 minutes) to the Omni Resort, making it an easy trip to our retreat location.
Airline ticket prices will depend on the airport you are flying from. We recommend this article to find the best flights to Tucson from your current location.
Transportation is not included for this retreat. While most driving around Tucson and to Saguaro National Park will be on paved roads, the route to Kitt Peak Observatory includes some winding stretches, so a vehicle with good handling—like an SUV with all-wheel drive—is recommended for comfort and safety.
For our private group visit to Kitt Peak, we’ll organize carpooling to streamline travel and reduce our footprint. You’re also welcome to arrange additional carpooling with fellow participants, either in person during the retreat or beforehand through our private online group. This helps minimize parking needs and keeps our impact on the environment light while exploring Tucson’s stunning landscapes.
For this retreat, we’ve got several meals covered to keep you fueled and focused. We kick off with a welcome group dinner on Friday night at the Omni Resort, included in your package—a great way to connect with the group.
All breakfasts are included, served buffet-style each morning (Saturday through Monday) at the resort, offering a variety of options to start your day. On Saturday and Sunday, we’ll enjoy gourmet buffet lunches from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, also included, with delicious, high-quality selections to recharge between editing sessions.
Plus, during our private evening visit to Kitt Peak Observatory on Sunday, we’ll provide snacks and finger foods to keep you energized while shooting and stargazing.
Additional meals outside these are not included. Tucson offers dining options near the Omni Resort, and we’ll leave those open for you to explore or relax on your own.
A Saguaro National Park Pass costs $25 per vehicle and is valid for a week, covering your free-time photography on Saturday or any other day of the week. You can purchase your pass in-person at the Saguaro National Park visitor center or online through the official Saguaro NP website. Our private group visit to Kitt Peak Observatory is included in the retreat package, so no additional entrance fee is required for that experience.
Our astrophotography workshops are completely centered on photography : finding the best moments to shoot at night, running dedicated post-processing sessions, and creating an intensive experience that is conducive to learning and taking the best Milky Way images.
This workshop is limited to a group of 28 students & 3 instructors. This is a key factor for providing the attention you need during the tour and for shooting comfortably without the hassle of noise, headlamps, and the general inconvenience of larger groups.
You’ll learn the most effective post-processing techniques. The instruction and the setting in an exclusive group of astrophotographers make this astrophotography workshop unique and distinct from standard night photography tours.
We will discuss your goals before the tour so we can create a dedicated instruction plan for you and you can make the most of this experience. Once we know about your background, we will provide you with materials before, during, and after the workshop, so the learning process is not just limited to the tour.
We have spent years designing national and international photo tours with successful results, helping photographers with different types of night images like the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. Dan’s online Milky Way courses have helped thousands of photographers over the last few years
Beyond the photography, our photography workshops help build strong bonds that last forever. After our trip, you’ll feel like you have been with a group of friends rather than on a standard tour. We are thankful to have plenty of repeat clients who keep traveling and learning with us.
The retreat is designed to accommodate participants of all skill levels, from complete beginners to professional astrophotographers.
A basic understanding of Astro editing is recommended to follow the classes and work independently in your own images. We’ll also give you access to Dan’s Milky Way Course upon sign up so you can start your training.
Walking will be minimal around the facilities of Kitt Peak National Observatory. If you plan to visit Saguaro NP, the walking/hiking distance depends on your photography goals.
Yes, bringing a laptop is essential for the editing sessions. Ensure it’s capable of running the recommended software smoothly.
Please have Adobe Lightroom classic and Photoshop installed on your laptop. These programs are industry standards for astrophotography editing and will be used during the retreat. See our section above regarding recommended astrophotography software.
We recommend bringing at least 10-15 images for the editing time. While we provide sample images with Dan’s course, bringing your own astrophotography images is encouraged. This allows for personalized feedback and hands-on experience with your work.
Yes, this retreat focuses on a pro-active approach with plenty of opportunities for personalized, one-on-one instruction to provide personal feedback and address individual questions and goals.
Yes, all classes will be recorded. Participants will have access to these recordings after the retreat for review and continued learning.
Yes, we have one weather-dependant session at Kitt Peak Observatory. Please keep in mind that the use of lights will be restricted, and there will be no hands-on instruction for this session.
The retreat welcomes participants of all ages. As long as you are over 18 years old and have an interest in astrophotography, you’re encouraged to join.
The primary focus of the retreat is astrophotography editing. Companions can stay in your private room, but they can’t participate in any of the group activities, including the classes or the visit to Kitt Peak Observatory.
Meals part of the workshop won’t be included and the hotel might charge an extra supplement for double occupancy. If you plan to bring a companion, please confirm your intention when booking the spot.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last few years. Sharing and teaching photography is our passion, and we love doing this both online and in the field.
Join us in Tucson, Arizona, for an immersive Astro editing retreat that will take your astrophotography to the next level!
Under the pristine dark skies of the Sonoran Desert, you’ll refine your editing skills and bring your dream Astro images to life.
One of the highlights of this retreat is an exclusive private visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory, home to one of the world’s largest collections of optical and radio telescopes. You’ll also participate in hands-on workshops led by experienced instructors, learning advanced editing techniques to make your images shine.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned astrophotographer, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to learn, share, and create unforgettable astronomical images!
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