2027 Bisti Badlands Photography Workshop
The Milky Way over Bisti Badlands and Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah
Join us for a New Mexico astrophotography workshop where we’ll capture the Milky Way over some of the most otherworldly landscapes in the American Southwest. From the sculpted hoodoos of Bisti and Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah to the imposing Shiprock, this region offers exceptionally dark skies and endless possibilities for creative compositions.
We’ll photograph iconic formations like the Alien Throne and the Alien Egg Hatchery, along with secluded locations and hidden gems we’ve scouted on previous trips. We’ve timed this workshop for the prime Milky Way season to capture stunning Milky Way panoramas and single frames, with plenty of photo opportunities.
May 1st - 5th, 2027
May 6th - 10th, 2027
5 days and 4 nights
May 6th - 10th, 2027
5 days and 4 nights
Moderate: Most photography locations require hiking across desert terrain
Small: 10 participants
+
2 photography guides
+
2 photography guides
$4,290 USD
(Private room)
(Private room)
Included
- Accommodation for 4 nights: 2 hotel nights in Farmington in private rooms and 2 nights of fully outfitted camping at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah
- Camping equipment and setup, including spacious tents, sleeping arrangements, and a portable toilet
- Meals during the camping portion: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners, plus drinking water
- Local Navajo guide for our visits to Shiprock and the Valley of Dreams
- 4 days of photo guide services by professional astrophotographers
- Instruction in a small group of 10 participants
- Pre-tour online meeting with the instructors to prepare and set goals
- Night photography sessions, including star tracking instruction
- Editing and post-processing sessions during the workshop
- Access to the Dan Zafra's Capture the Milky Way Course and Benro Polaris Course + Milky Way Adaptive presets (valued at $417)
Not Included
- Transportation to Farmington, New Mexico, including flights
- Transportation during the workshop (we will arrange carpooling)
- Meals outside the camping portion and any meals not listed in the included section
- Health and travel insurance
- Telephone, personal expenses, tips, and any other services not mentioned in the Included section
I can't wait for my next workshop!
I learned so much about astrophotography. I went from never using a star tracker to feeling confident in setting it up and polar alignment. The workshop leaders, James and Matthew, were so helpful.
I recommend their workshops!
I’m 82 years old. Going out in the middle of the night can be a challenge. However, James and Mathew made our early morning Astro trips a great success. I learned for the first time how to develop my raw files into wonderful images.
I had a wonderful time!
Just returned from the Arches and Canyonlands photo tour. My goal was to get to see the Milky Way and learn to take photos. Dorian and MaryBeth were so patient and kind to me and totally helped me reach my goal. They made the trip so much fun. Thank you.
Definitely Worth It!
I thought Matthew and James were very attentive and really knew their stuff. Matthew with editing in light room and James with the Astrophotography set up and alignments. I did learn how to do panos of the Milky Way so now I know how to take phots of the Arch.
Tour with a perfect balance
The itinerary was thoughtfully curated, offering a balance of diverse locations. Both guides demonstrated deep expertise in astrophotography, from technical gear setups to intricate post-processing techniques.
Photo Tour Overview
During this New Mexico astrophotography workshop, we’ll photograph the Milky Way above some of the most extraordinary desert landscapes in the American Southwest. The badlands of Bisti and Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah offer a maze of sculpted hoodoos, delicate rock formations, and colorful layers that create remarkable foregrounds under very dark skies. We’ll photograph icons like the Alien Eggs and Alien Throne, alongside secluded locations and hidden spots that not many people visit.
A local Navajo guide will accompany us to Shiprock and the Valley of Dreams, bringing local knowledge and cultural perspective to our experience.
We’ll spend two nights at a fully outfitted base camp at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, keeping us close to our night photography locations. With spacious tents, prepared meals, and camp logistics taken care of, you’ll have more time to focus on photography and rest between sessions.
We’ll scout compositions before dark and provide personalized instruction during our Milky Way sessions, including star tracking techniques. Dedicated editing sessions during the workshop will help you bring out natural color, structure, and detail in your images. With 10 participants and two photography instructors, you’ll receive individual support in the field and feedback on your editing.
While the workshop is primarily focused on night photography, we’ll also photograph sunsets, sunrises, and daytime landscapes when conditions allow. These formations offer just as much creative potential under the right light, from sweeping desert scenes to intimate abstracts of texture, shape, and color.
2027 New Mexico Astrophotography Workshop Highlights
- Workshop dates: May 1 to 5, 2027, and May 6 to 10, 2027
- Group size: 10 participants + 2 instructors
- Main topics: Landscape & astrophotography, including Milky Way photography, star tracking, and nightscape editing
- Primary areas: Bisti Badlands, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, Valley of Dreams, and Shiprock
- Two nights of fully outfitted camping at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, with spacious tents, camp support, and meals included during the camping portion
- Local Navajo guide for our visits to Shiprock and the Valley of Dreams
- Photograph iconic formations like the Alien Egg Hatchery and Alien Throne, plus hidden gems scouted on previous trips
- Two hotel nights in Farmington in private rooms
- Dedicated editing sessions and personalized photography instruction
Official New Mexico Astrophotography Workshop Brochure
2027 New Mexico Astrophotography Workshop Itinerary
Our New Mexico astrophotography workshop itinerary is flexible, and we’ll adjust our photography sessions according to weather and sky conditions to make the most of each location.
Our May dates offer plenty of opportunities to photograph the Milky Way, from large panoramas as the core rises to steeper compositions as it climbs higher before dawn.
Alongside our night sessions, we’ll photograph daytime landscapes and golden light when conditions allow, practice scouting and planning in the field, and include dedicated editing sessions. We’ll also set aside time to rest between our late nights of photography.
For locations that require longer hikes, we’ll photograph the foreground during blue hour and capture the night sky separately from camp under pristine dark skies. This allows us to create blended nightscape images while avoiding long hikes at night.
Note: Access to the badlands may be limited during or after rain, as the clay can turn into slick, slippery mud, making dirt roads impassable and hiking unsafe. We’ll adjust the itinerary and photography locations as needed based on weather, road conditions, and safe access.
DAY 1: Welcome, orientation, and Bisti Badlands
Our New Mexico astrophotography workshop begins at our hotel in Farmington. After checking in, we’ll gather for introductions, a workshop orientation, a safety briefing, and an individual gear review.
We’ll then head to the Bisti Badlands for our first photography session, exploring its sculpted formations and scouting compositions for sunset and blue hour. We’ll photograph the iconic Alien Egg Hatchery and other locations around the area that we’ve discovered in our scouting trips.
As darkness falls, we’ll photograph the Milky Way above this otherworldly landscape, with guidance from our instructors.
After our session, we’ll return to our hotel in Farmington to rest before heading to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah the following day.
DAY 2: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, Valley of Dreams, and Alien Throne
After checking out of our hotel, we’ll drive to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, where we’ll meet our outfitters and settle into our fully outfitted base camp. With a camp manager and cook taking care of camp logistics and meals, we can stay close to our photography locations and focus on making images.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Valley of Dreams with a local Navajo guide. We’ll hike to the iconic Alien Throne, exploring compositions around this remarkable formation and the surrounding hoodoos. We’ll photograph through sunset and blue hour before returning to camp for a delicious dinner prepared by our camp staff.
After dinner, we’ll prepare for our Milky Way session near camp. As the core rises, we’ll work on sweeping panoramas before moving to diagonal compositions as our galaxy climbs higher in the sky. Throughout the session, we’ll provide individual guidance on composition, camera settings, and techniques ranging from the basics to more advanced methods such as stacking, star tracking, and H-alpha imaging.
Note: In accordance with BLM regulations, we’ll split into smaller groups for scouting, sunset, and blue hour photography sessions. The full group will come together for our Milky Way sessions at night.
DAY 3: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah’s Hidden Gems
After a long night of photography, we’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at camp, with time for breakfast and rest. After lunch, we’ll hike to a secluded area of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah to photograph some of the most stunning hoodoos and rock formations in New Mexico.
We’ll spend the afternoon exploring this maze of sculpted forms, finding unique angles and refining our compositions. We’ll stay through sunset and blue hour, capturing the changing light and soft tones across the badlands.
After returning to camp for dinner, we’ll head out for another Milky Way session near camp, building on the techniques practiced the previous night and experimenting with new compositions beneath the stars.
DAY 4: Editing, Farmington, and Shiprock Under the Stars
After breakfast at camp, we’ll return to Farmington and settle into our hotel. We’ll dedicate part of the day to guided editing sessions, working with images from the previous nights to bring together our images with all the techniques including blendings, panorama stitching, color correction, and more.
After time to rest and freshen up, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading out for our final night of photography.
Tonight, we’ll photograph the Milky Way over Shiprock, accompanied by our local Navajo guide. Known to the Diné people as Tsé Bit’a’í, or “Rock with Wings,” Shiprock is a sacred landmark with deep cultural and spiritual significance that features prominently in Navajo traditional stories. Our guide will bring local perspective to our visit and help us approach this special place respectfully.
Shiprock’s dramatic silhouette beneath the stars will provide a memorable setting to put everything we’ve practiced into action. After our session, we’ll return to our hotel in Farmington for the night.
DAY 5: Farewell and Departure
Our New Mexico astrophotography workshop comes to an end in Farmington. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll say our goodbyes and begin our journeys home with new images, skills, and memories.
No photography activities are scheduled for this day.
Price: $4,290 USD
Deposit: USD 1,500
A $1,500 deposit is required to reserve your spot. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start date of the workshop. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
What does the price include?
Included
- Accommodation for 4 nights: 2 hotel nights in Farmington in private rooms and 2 nights of fully outfitted camping at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah
- Camping equipment and setup, including spacious tents, sleeping arrangements, and a portable toilet
- Dedicated camp manager and cook to handle camp logistics and prepare meals
- Meals during the camping portion: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners, plus drinking water
- 5 days of photo guide services by professional astrophotographers
- Instruction in a small group of 10 participants
- Local Navajo guide for our visits to Shiprock and the Valley of Dreams
- Pre-workshop online meeting with the instructors to prepare and set goals
- Night photography sessions, including instruction in stacking, star tracking, and H-alpha imaging
- Editing and post-processing sessions during the workshop
*Bonuses
- Access to Dan Zafra’s full Capture the Milky Way Course & Benro Polaris Course + Milky Way Magic Adaptive Presets (valued at $417)
- Access to the recorded material during the expedition.
- Access to David Aguilar’s Moody Landscapes course
Not included
- Transportation to Farmington, New Mexico, including flights
- Transportation during the workshop (we will arrange carpooling)
- Meals outside the camping portion and any meals not listed in the Included section
- Health and travel insurance
- Telephone, personal expenses, tips, and any other services not mentioned in the Included section
Capture the Atlas holds a permit from the Bureau of Land Management’s Farmington Field Office to operate photography workshops in the area. A local Navajo guide will accompany us during our visits to Shiprock and the Valley of Dreams on Navajo land.
Upcoming New Mexico Astrophotography workshop dates
I can't wait for my next workshop!
I learned so much about astrophotography. I went from never using a star tracker to feeling confident in setting it up and polar alignment. The workshop leaders, James and Matthew, were so helpful.
I recommend their workshops!
I’m 82 years old. Going out in the middle of the night can be a challenge. However, James and Mathew made our early morning Astro trips a great success. I learned for the first time how to develop my raw files into wonderful images.
I had a wonderful time!
Just returned from the Arches and Canyonlands photo tour. My goal was to get to see the Milky Way and learn to take photos. Dorian and MaryBeth were so patient and kind to me and totally helped me reach my goal. They made the trip so much fun. Thank you.
Definitely Worth It!
I thought Matthew and James were very attentive and really knew their stuff. Matthew with editing in light room and James with the Astrophotography set up and alignments. I did learn how to do panos of the Milky Way so now I know how to take phots of the Arch.
Tour with a perfect balance
The itinerary was thoughtfully curated, offering a balance of diverse locations. Both guides demonstrated deep expertise in astrophotography, from technical gear setups to intricate post-processing techniques.
What will I learn during this Maine Astrophoto Workshop?
This workshop is mainly focused on night and Milky Way photography. However, we will also photograph landscapes during blue and golden hour when conditions allow; so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about landscape astrophotography.
Photography basics
Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:
- Getting comfortable shooting different types of landscapes and photos in manual mode
- Adjusting the best camera settings in each situation
- Familiarizing yourself with the basics of night and Milky Way photography
- Enhancing your compositions with practical techniques in the field
- Designing your own shooting workflow to be more effective in the field
- Photographing daytime and night panoramas
Advanced photography techniques
Some of the advanced photography techniques you can learn during the workshop are:
- Creating powerful compositions that tell a story and engage the viewer.
- Advanced night and Milky Way photography techniques like stacking and panoramas.
- Advanced bracketing and exposure blending to capture the best dynamic range.
- Using wide-angle distortion and focal length blending to create stronger images.
- Focus stacking to capture tack-sharp images with interesting foregrounds.
- Advanced Milky Way shooting using star-trackers
- Shooting with Astromodified cameras
- Workflow with wide-field astro filters
Post-processing techniques
Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with are:
- A solid and complete Milky Way workflow for editing your Astro images
- Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw
- Stitching panoramas using Lightroom; Photoshop; or PTGui Pro.
- Stacking night images using Starry Landscape Stacker or Sequator.
- Noise reduction workflows (including dedicated denoise software).
- All types of blendings (exposure; focal length; focus; etc.).
- Light shaping and Dodge and Burn
- Advanced Milky Way techniques like star reduction; structure; and natural colors.
Note: As soon as you sign up, you’ll have access to the Capture the Milky Way course; this will give you a strong base before the workshop.
Your instructors on this New Mexico workshop
Matthew Wilks will be the tour leader of this New Mexico astrophotography workshop.
Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Matthew has explored and photographed the New Mexico badlands countless times over the years. His familiarity with these landscapes, from iconic formations to secluded corners, will help you discover unique compositions and make the most of the changing light.
He is an experienced astrophotographer whose work spans Milky Way photography, eclipses, and deep-sky imaging, with years spent photographing some of the most remarkable landscapes in the American Southwest.
Throughout the workshop, Matthew will guide you in the field and through the editing process, helping you plan, capture, and refine your nightscape images. From finding foregrounds among the hoodoos to practicing advanced techniques beneath dark skies, he’ll provide guidance tailored to your experience and goals.
His extensive experience in desert environments and clear, practical, and approachable teaching style will help you build confidence with both your camera and your editing workflow.
MaryBeth Kiczenski will be the co-leader of this New Mexico astrophotography workshop. She is an experienced landscape and nightscape photographer and educator known for her strong technical expertise.
MaryBeth has photographed the New Mexico badlands for years and previously led astrophotography workshops here, bringing valuable experience with both the locations and the challenges of photographing these desert landscapes at night.
Calm, approachable, and highly supportive, she works with photographers of all skill levels, helping each participant strengthen their technical skills and creative vision. Throughout the workshop, she’ll share her expertise in composition, exposure, focusing, night photography, and editing, helping you create compelling images of the region’s sculpted hoodoos and dark skies.
Her work has received international recognition, including multiple NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day features and publications in Sky & Telescope, Traverse Magazine, and National Geographic Your Shot. With MaryBeth’s guidance, you’ll build confidence in the field and learn how to bring your vision to life through the editing process.
What to Bring on This New Mexico Astrophotography Workshop
A complete list of recommended gear will be sent to all participants upon signing up. Below is a summary to help you prepare.
Photography Gear
- A mirrorless or DSLR camera
- A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter or intervalometer
- A wide-angle lens, such as a 14–24 mm
- A medium zoom lens, such as a 24–70 mm
- (Optional) A telephoto lens, such as a 70–200 mm, for details
- A comfortable camera backpack suitable for carrying your equipment on hikes
- A headlamp with red light mode
- Glow tape for your tripod
- Spare camera batteries and memory cards
- A portable power bank or charging solution for the two nights at camp
- A laptop and charger for the editing sessions
Optional gear for advanced Milky Way photography:
- A star tracker with a polar alignment scope or camera
- An astro-modified camera, if you have one
- An H-alpha filter compatible with your camera and lens setup
While zoom lenses are suitable for this workshop, fast prime lenses are recommended for Milky Way photography. Useful options include:
- 20 mm f/1.8, 24 mm f/1.4, 28 mm f/1.4, 35 mm f/1.8, 40 mm f/1.4, or 50 mm f/1.8
This workshop focuses on Milky Way nightscapes rather than deep sky imaging. You’re welcome to bring a compact smart telescope or a telephoto setup for independent deep-sky photography, provided it fits around the group’s itinerary.
Clothing
Early May in the New Mexico badlands brings a substantial temperature difference between day and night. Sunny afternoons can feel warm while hiking, but nights can be cold, with temperatures occasionally approaching or dropping below freezing. Wind can make extended photography sessions feel even colder, so warm layers are essential, particularly for our two nights camping at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah.
We recommend bringing:
- Thermal base layers, including a long sleeve top and thermal bottoms for night photography.
- A fleece and a warm insulated jacket for the coldest hours before dawn.
- A windproof and waterproof outer layer for exposed locations and possible showers.
- Comfortable hiking pants and lightweight, breathable shirts for daytime activities.
- Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots with good traction for uneven, rocky terrain.
- A warm hat, gloves, and warm socks for night photography and camping.
- A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for hikes through the exposed badlands.
Pack for both warm daytime hikes and cold nights spent standing still behind your camera.
Documentation
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.
Other important information
Accommodation
Our workshop combines two hotel nights in Farmington in private rooms with two nights of fully outfitted camping at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, bringing together the comfort of a hotel and the experience of sleeping beneath New Mexico’s dark skies.
We’ll spend the first and final nights at a hotel in Farmington, giving you time to settle in before our desert adventure and freshen up after camping. The hotel will also serve as our base for the editing sessions.
For the two nights in between, we’ll stay at the same base camp at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, close to our Milky Way photography locations. Staying here allows us to avoid long drives after shooting and make the most of our time in the badlands.
Our outfitters will handle camp setup and breakdown, providing spacious tents with room to stand, sleeping arrangements with a cot and camp mattress, and a portable toilet. A dedicated camp manager and cook will manage camp logistics and prepare our included meals, so you can focus on photography and rest between sessions.
This is a remote camping experience with basic facilities. Hotel amenities such as showers and conventional bathrooms will not be available at camp, and we’ll follow a dark camp protocol during our night photography sessions.
Note: In the unlikely event that conditions prevent the camping portion from taking place, we may need to arrange alternative hotel accommodation. These additional hotel costs are not included in the workshop price and must be covered by participants.
Hiking
This workshop has a moderate physical difficulty level. You should be comfortable hiking several miles across desert terrain while carrying your camera equipment, tripod, water, and extra layers.
Most routes have little elevation gain, but we can encounter loose rocks, uneven clay surfaces, and short slopes, often without established trails.
Below is an approximate guide to our main hikes:
Hike | Elevation Gain | Distance, Round Trip | Estimated Walking Time, Round Trip | Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bisti Badlands to the Egg Hatchery | Low, with gently rolling terrain | Terrain Approximately 4 miles / 6.4 km | 2 to 3 hours | Mostly open washes with sandy, rocky, and uneven sections. Additional exploration may increase the distance. |
Valley of Dreams to Alien Throne | Low, with short ravine crossings and slopes | Approximately 3 miles / 4.8 km | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Unmarked desert terrain with soft sand, scattered rocks, and uneven sections among the formations. |
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah photography area | Short descents and climbs through the badlands | Estimated 2 to 3 miles / 3.2 to 4.8 km | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Uneven clay hills, washes, and slopes, with the route varying according to our photography stops. |
Shiprock | Minimal at our planned viewpoints | Short walks near the vehicles | Varies by viewpoint | Limited walking on uneven desert ground. |
We recommend being in good physical shape to enjoy this experience |
||||
Distances and walking times are approximate and exclude photography stops. Total distances will vary depending on the formations we explore and the conditions.
We’ll allow time for photography and breaks, but you should be comfortable completing these hikes on consecutive days alongside late-night sessions. Some return walks will take place after the blue hour, so confidence walking with a headlamp is important.
For selected locations requiring longer hikes, we’ll photograph foregrounds during sunset and blue hour, then capture the night sky separately near camp. If you want to skip a hike, you can always photograph the Milky Way from camp.
We recommend being in good physical shape to fully enjoy this experience. If you’re unsure whether the hikes suit your abilities, please contact us before booking.
What expenses should you consider for this Acadia photography workshop?
Flights
Our workshop begins and ends in Farmington, New Mexico. You can fly into Farmington or a nearby airport and rent a vehicle. Transportation is not included, but we’ll help coordinate carpooling during the workshop.
The most convenient airport options are listed below. Driving times are approximate and depend on traffic and your hotel’s location:
- Durango La Plata County Airport (DRO), Colorado: Our main recommendation with American Airlines and United Airlines service and rental cars on site. Allow approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes to drive to Farmington.
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), New Mexico: A larger airport worth comparing for flight schedules and fares. Allow approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to drive to Farmington.
- Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN), Farmington: The closest option, located within Farmington. It currently offers limited United Express flights connecting through Denver, with rental cars available at the airport.
Please allow enough time to collect your rental vehicle and reach Farmington before our first day’s orientation. If your connections are tight, consider arriving the day before.
Airline ticket prices will depend on your departure airport. We recommend reading our guide to finding cheap flights to compare the best options from your location.
Transportation
Transportation is not included. We’ll travel both on paved roads and unpaved dirt roads to reach our photography locations in the badlands. For this reason, we recommend renting at least an SUV with Four Wheel Drive and sufficient ground clearance to navigate uneven sections.
We’ll coordinate carpooling whenever possible to reduce the number of vehicles at our photography locations, minimize our impact, and keep the group together during transfers.
Dirt road conditions can change with the weather, particularly after rain. We’ll adjust our routes and photography plans as needed based on road conditions and safe access.
Meals
Meals during the camping portion are included: two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners, along with drinking water throughout our stay at camp.
Our dedicated camp cook will prepare meals at our Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah base camp, with serving times coordinated around our photography sessions. Expect relaxed breakfasts after late nights and dinners when we return from sunset and blue hour photography.
Meals outside the camping portion are not included. While in Farmington, you’ll have opportunities to eat at local restaurants, including a group dinner before our Shiprock photography session.
We recommend purchasing snacks and any preferred drinks in Farmington before heading to camp. Bring something easy to carry on hikes and enjoy during long night sessions, as there are no shops at camp.
We’ll ask you about food allergies and dietary requirements in advance so we can coordinate with our outfitting team.
Entrance fee
There are no entrance fees for Bisti Badlands or Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, and you do not need an America the Beautiful pass for these locations.
Our local Navajo guide for Shiprock and the Valley of Dreams is included in the workshop price.
What makes this Maine astrophoto tour unique?
Immersive
Our astrophotography workshops are completely centered on photography: finding the best moments to shoot, running dedicated post-processing sessions, and creating an intensive experience that is conducive to learning and taking the best Milky Way images.
Intimate
Our workshops are limited to small groups with a ratio of no more than five students per instructor. This is also an important factor for providing the attentive instruction you need during the tour.
Exclusive
You’ll learn to capture stunning Milky Way images and bring them to life with expert editing. Our exclusive, fully outfitted camp at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah with tents, a camp manager, and a cook, keeps our small group of astrophotographers close to extraordinary landscapes and dark skies, with every detail taken care of.
Dedicated
We will discuss your goals before the tour so we can create a dedicated instruction plan for you. It doesn’t matter your age or skills; we will design your plan and provide you with materials before, during, and after the workshop so the learning process is not limited to just the tour.
Proven
We have spent years designing national and international photo tours with successful results, helping photographers with their Milky Way & Northern Lights photography. Dan’s online courses have also helped more than 400 photographers over the last few years.
Unforgettable
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.
Frequently asked questions about our Astro Workshops
What photography level do I need to attend this workshop?
All experience levels are welcome, whether you’re just starting out in Milky Way photography or looking to refine advanced techniques. Our instructors will tailor their guidance to your experience, covering everything from camera settings and focusing to stacking, star tracking, and more.
Before the workshop, we’ll discuss your equipment, experience, and goals so you can arrive prepared and make the most of the instruction.
What physical shape do I need to be in?
This workshop has a moderate physical difficulty level. You should be comfortable hiking approximately 3 to 4 miles round trip on our longer outings, carrying your camera equipment, tripod, water, and extra layers.
Although elevation gain is limited, the terrain includes sand, loose rocks, uneven clay surfaces, and short slopes. These conditions, combined with late nights and two nights camping, make good fitness important. Please review the Fitness Level section for the estimated hikes and contact us if you’re unsure whether the workshop suits your abilities.
Am I too young or too old for this workshop?
The workshop is open to participants aged 18 and over, with no upper age limit. Your comfort with the hikes, camping arrangements, and night photography schedule matters more than your age.
Can my companion join if they don’t take photographs?
Companions are welcome, but they must book a spot at the same price and under the same booking conditions as other participants. Companions who have not booked cannot accompany the group.
The workshop can be a wonderful experience for anyone who enjoys nature and unusual landscapes, provided they’re comfortable with the hikes, camping, and patient pace of photography sessions.
Do I need a star tracker or an H-alpha filter?
Neither is required. You can create beautiful Milky Way images with a camera, a suitable lens, and a sturdy tripod.
If you already have a foundation in Milky Way photography, you’re welcome to bring a star tracker or an H-alpha filter to explore more advanced techniques with our instructors. We’ll discuss your setup before the workshop.
What is the terrain like?
We’ll explore largely unmarked desert terrain, including sandy washes, rocky ground, clay hills, and short slopes between formations.
You’ll need sturdy hiking footwear and a comfortable backpack. We’ll guide you through the locations, with time to stop, photograph, and take breaks.
Will we hike at night?
Yes, some return hikes will take place after sunset and during blue hour, so you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain using a headlamp.
For selected locations requiring longer hikes, we’ll capture our foregrounds before returning to camp and photograph the night sky separately nearby. This reduces the need for extended hikes after our late Milky Way sessions. A headlamp is required.
What happens if it rains?
Rain can limit or prevent access to the badlands. The clay becomes slick, sticky mud, making dirt roads impassable and hiking unsafe, sometimes even after the rain has stopped.
We’ll adjust the itinerary according to conditions, which may mean changing locations, rescheduling sessions, or spending more time on editing. Access to every planned location cannot be guaranteed.
If conditions prevent the camping portion from taking place, we may need to arrange alternative hotel accommodation. These additional hotel costs are not included in the workshop price and must be covered by participants.
Will we photograph the Milky Way every night?
We plan photography opportunities on all four nights, but clear skies are never guaranteed. Clouds, wind, rain, or poor road conditions may affect our sessions.
We’ll remain flexible and make the most of suitable conditions. When night photography isn’t practical, we’ll adapt with other photography opportunities or instruction as the schedule allows.
What is the camping experience like?
We’ll spend two nights at the same fully outfitted base camp at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah. Our outfitters will set up and break down camp, and a camp manager and cook will handle camp logistics and meals.
The spacious tents will have room to stand inside. This is a remote desert camping experience with basic facilities, so you should be comfortable with changing temperatures, wind, and sleeping outdoors.
Will there be a toilet at camp?
Yes, a portable toilet will be available at camp. Facilities will be basic rather than comparable to hotel bathrooms.
Do I need previous camping experience?
Previous camping experience is not required, as our outfitters will handle setup, meals, and camp logistics. However, you should be comfortable spending two nights in a tent with basic facilities and cold overnight temperatures.
If you have concerns about sleeping arrangements or accessibility, please contact us before booking.
Can I charge my camera batteries and other devices at camp?
Please plan to be self-sufficient for charging during our two nights at camp. Bring enough charged camera batteries and suitable portable power for your equipment, including any star tracker or other powered accessories.
We’ll confirm any charging facilities available through our outfitter before departure. You’ll also have opportunities to recharge during our hotel stays in Farmington.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Please tell us about food allergies and dietary requirements well in advance so we can discuss them with our camp cook. If you have a severe allergy or a particularly restrictive diet, contact us before booking so we can confirm what is possible.
The camping package includes two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners, plus drinking water. Bring your preferred snacks for hikes and night photography.
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.
This was my first astrophotography trip with Capture The Atlas in Moab, Utah (April 20, 2025). Although I was initially nervous about my lack of experience compared to others, the group’s diversity created a great learning environment. With the help and patience of both Dorian Sanders and James McGivern, our astrophotographer/guides,I was able to step out of my comfort zone, gain confidence in using my camera settings, improve my artistic compositions, and advance my editing skills. I met some amazing people who made me feel welcome, and to top it all off—I even went on a tandem skydive!
Kathleen Maas
2025 Utah Asrophotography Workshop
I joined the Utah astrophotography tour in April 2025. It is a transformative experience, gaining new skills using the Benro Polaris to shoot the Milky Way under Bortle 1 skies and out-of-this world landscape. Using Dan's training videos and expert guidance from Dorian and James, I'm thrilled to produce photos I've never dreamed before taking this trip. Thanks to the CTA crew for another successful adventure.
Ann Fabella
2025 Utah Asrophotography Workshop
Great workshop with Capture the Atlas in Death Valley National Park! Incredible night sky at unique locations. I learned so much and got great advice from our workshop leaders. Good editing classes and field learning! A lot of new things to learn, so I improved my night sky photography skills quite a lot during this workshop! I’m ready to join my next CTA adventure and will join for the La Palma workshop later this year.
Christian Paulsen
2025 Death Valley Winter Photo Tour
WOW! Capture the Atlas is by far the best photo workshop I've ever taken. The instruction during shooting is incredibly helpful, and they constantly come by to make sure you have everything you need. And then there are the classroom sessions - I learned more about Photoshop and other software than I've learned in hours and hours of online tutorials. These guys are experts, professionals, and so uplifting. They never once made me feel like I should have known something already. Even the most basic of questions were treated with respect. Fantastic. Will definitely come back.
Stephanie Gibson
2025 Death Valley Winter Photo Tour
Another amazing trip with fantastic weather and lots of learning and laughs in Death Valley. I enjoyed every minute and appreciated all the help from Dorian and James throughout the adventure. Capture the Atlas does a really good job in planning and execution of their programs and I recommend the highly if you are interested in learning about astrophotographers and having fun doing it. Thanks James,Dorian and Dan! Looking forward to future adventures together.
Don Ashbrook
2025 Death Valley Winter Photo Tour
I just completed the Monument Valley milky way workshop. The post- processing is like drinking from a firehose for me, but I believe that I have taken my MW photography to a new level. The instructors are outstanding and so are the Navajo guides. This trip was a real adventure with lots of lost sleep, but was worth every dime and every minute of sleep deprivation. Highly recommended!
Katherine Ivey
2025 Monument Valley Astrophotography Workshop
The astrophotography workshop in Monument Valley was amazing. Both instructors (James & Dorian) were excellent in providing help and advice and are a dynamic instructional team. Their enthusiasm for teaching and for astrophotography was evident every time we gathered together. Everyone achieved their goals identified in our first session together and all came away with unique photos of the Milky Way. It was evident that a lot of preparation and time was completed by our instructors to ensure we were at the right location at the right time to get the photograph. I will definitely look to go on another adventure with James and Dorian. I had a wonderful time.
Cathy Martin
2025 Monument Valley Astrophotography Workshop
Just finished another photo adventure with Capture the Atlas in Monument Valley, AZ. The guides (James and Dorian) were awesome! They provided great instruction and brought us to amazing landscapes to photograph the Milky Way over. Also, very helpful with post editing of the photos. This was my sixth tour with CTA and I have more scheduled. Such a great Company!
Mark Panasuk
2025 Monument Valley Astrophotography Workshop
TThe New Mexico badlands are unlike anywhere else I’ve photographed. Walking among these sculpted hoodoos and strange rock formations feels like exploring another planet.
When darkness falls, the landscape takes on another dimension. The Milky Way stretches across the dark New Mexico skies, leaving you in complete awe.
Camping here is one of those experiences that’s difficult to put into words, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape and the night sky.
I can’t wait to share this place with you.
Let’s capture the Milky Way!
