Join us for an immersive Deep-Sky Astrophotography Workshop in Joshua Tree, California, where we’ll capture stunning images of nebulae, galaxies, and interstellar dust under some of the darkest skies in the region.
We’ll be based at a private location in Sky’s the Limit Observatory, offering exclusive access to pristine desert skies ideal for deep-sky imaging.
During this workshop, we’ll guide you through every step of the deep-sky process—from setting up your gear and fine-tuning your tracking to advanced data acquisition and post-processing. You’ll leave with the skills and knowledge to create detailed images of reflection and emission nebulae, dark nebulae, galaxies, and more.
We’re hosting this workshop in January, when the desert air is crisp and clear—perfect for photographing the winter constellations of the northern hemisphere!
This Deep-Sky Astrophotography Workshop is designed for astrophotographers who want to dive deep into capturing and processing distant celestial objects using either a telescope or a telephoto lens.
Over the course of the workshop, you’ll receive personalized instruction on how to get the best results with your setup. We’ll cover everything from using equatorial mounts and ASIAir systems to optimizing your imaging sessions with tools like NINA and other acquisition software.
Each day includes focused post-processing sessions where we’ll apply advanced techniques to help you turn your raw data into striking final images. Whether you’re looking to refine your current workflow or explore new software tools, you’ll get hands-on guidance tailored to your experience level.
To keep the experience intimate and highly productive, the workshop is limited to just 10 deep-sky astrophotographers, ensuring plenty of one-on-one support and time under the stars.
This workshop is designed for all levels—from beginners just getting into deep-sky imaging to experienced astrophotographers looking to refine their workflow or gear setup. While advanced skills aren’t required, some familiarity with star trackers and longer focal lengths (100mm+) will help you get the most out of the sessions.
You’ll get hands-on support throughout the entire process: from polar alignment and data acquisition to calibration, stacking, and advanced post-processing techniques. A major focus will be capturing the hydrogen-alpha-rich regions of the winter sky, especially around Orion and other nebulae. While an astro-modified camera isn’t mandatory, we highly recommend it for this workshop. (Resources on conversions will be shared.)
Our small group format allows for personalized instruction and one-on-one guidance, so you can progress at your own pace and troubleshoot any gear or workflow issues with our instructors.
If you’re ready to improve your deep-sky images, get more confident with your setup, or dive into new tools and techniques, this workshop is for you.
Our Deep-Sky Astrophotography Workshop itinerary is flexible and will be adapted to weather and sky conditions to ensure you get the best possible imaging opportunities.
January is an ideal time for deep-sky astrophotography in Joshua Tree, with long, dark nights and crisp winter skies. We’ll be based in 29 Palms, just minutes from some of the best dark-sky locations in the park, offering excellent visibility for capturing nebulae, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects.
On clear nights, we’ll spend extended hours imaging under the stars. Mornings are reserved for rest, while afternoons will focus on post-processing sessions and gear optimization. In the evenings before nightfall, we’ll scout and plan compositions, making sure everything is dialed in for your nighttime setup.
Our Deep-space Astro workshop starts at the meeting room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel in Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree National Park at 2PM.
After a meet and greet with the rest of the group and a welcome speech, we will do the check-in in our hotel. The Fairfield Inn & Suites in 29 Palms is strategically located just a few minutes from the North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, giving us fast and easy access (Just 12 minutes away) to our shooting location at Sky’s the Limit Observatory.
Once everybody is checked-in, we will organize a gear review so we can become familiar with your setup, skills, and goals during the workshop.
Around sunset/blue hour, we’ll head to Sky’s the Limit Observatory for our first imaging session. This is where we will spend the majority of our time, as it is ideal for deep-space astrophotography. The surrounding area has level concrete pads, power, and WiFi for us to use during the workshop.
After setting up, we’ll capture some of the most spectacular deep-space targets in the winter night sky, such as the Orion Nebula, the Horsehead Nebula, the Pleiades, the Rosette Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Beehive Cluster, etc.
We will be providing instruction in the field until around midnight, but you are welcome to stay longer if you want to capture more data, calibration frames, etc.
On the second day of our Deep-sky astrophotography workshop, we will start the day with our first post-processing session.
Our editing sessions are immersive and will focus on different topics. We will show you advanced astrophotography techniques, help you edit your own images, and lead group discussions and photo critiques. Post-processing plays a key role in astrophotography, and these sessions are an excellent learning tool that will drastically help you with your astrophotography.
Some of the advanced post-processing techniques that you will learn are the use of astro-deticated software such as Siril, Gimp, PixInsight, Photoshop, and plenty of third party astro plugins. Apart from a solid workslow, we’ll show you some top-notched tecniques to do star-reduction, stretch your images, integrate RGB + H-alpha images, etc.
All the lessons will also be recorded, and you’ll have lifetime access to them after the workshop.
In the evening, we’ll head to our observatory at the entrance of Joshua Tree for another Deep-space session.
On our third day, we will start with a post-processing session in the afternoon, where we will work on the images that you captured the night before. We will sit with you and help with challenging steps, recommendations, and tips so you can bring spectacular night images to life.
The evening will be spent under the stars again, capturing data on a deep-space object of your choosing.
On the next afternoon of our workshop, we will have our last post-processing session, where we will focus again on advanced techniques and editing. We will also have a group discussion about the images that you have captured during the trip, where you’ll have direct feedback on how to improve your images.
The late evening will be spent setting up our telescopes one final time at Sky’s the Limit Observatory.
On the last day of the trip, there are no scheduled editing or shooting sessions, so you can leave at any time before the official check out time at noon or extend your trip to explore and shoot other locations in Joshua Tree National Park.
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.
This workshop is designed to take you through the entire deep-sky astrophotography workflow, from setting up your gear in the field to processing your final astro image. Whether you’re using a DSLR with a star tracker or a full telescope rig with dedicated astro gear, we’ll guide you through every step with hands-on instruction tailored to your level.
The success of any deep-sky imaging session starts with a solid setup. We’ll cover:
Once everything is aligned and ready, we’ll focus on optimizing your imaging session:
After a night of imaging, we’ll move to the classroom and show you how to turn your raw data into a polished deep-sky image. You’ll receive instruction based on your editing level in:
*Please note that the guided sessions in the field will take approximately 5-6 hours. For instance, if the group sets up around 7 PM, our instructors will be providing guidance until 12-1 AM. You are welcome to stay longer at the observatory if you want to gather more data, capture calibration frames, etc.
James McGivern is a dedicated astrophotographer with a strong background in deep-sky imaging, ranging from wide-field targets to high-resolution nebulae and galaxies. With extensive experience using advanced post-processing tools like PixInsight and Photoshop, James is passionate about helping others improve their astrophotography—from setup and acquisition to calibration and editing.
Based in Southern California, James has spent countless nights imaging under the dark skies of Joshua Tree at Sky’s the Limit Observatory, where he’s also collaborated on teaching programs and outreach initiatives to make astrophotography more accessible to the public. His intimate knowledge of the local skies and hands-on teaching style make him the ideal guide for this workshop.
James has led multiple Capture the Atlas workshops in top astro locations across the Southwest, including Death Valley, Monument Valley, and Utah. During this workshop, he’ll offer personalized, one-on-one instruction, helping you get the most out of your gear and data—whether you’re capturing your first galaxy or perfecting complex blends like RGB + H-alpha.
Nico Carver is a deep-sky astrophotographer, educator, and the creator of Nebula Photos, one of the most trusted astrophotography channels on YouTube, with over 200,000 subscribers. Since 2015, he’s specialized in photographing nebulae, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects—blending technical precision with creative storytelling.
With a background in filmmaking and years of hands-on experience, Nico brings a clear, approachable teaching style that helps photographers at all levels build confidence and refine their workflows. In this workshop, he’ll offer guidance on everything from gear setup and data acquisition to advanced post-processing in Siril, GIMP, and Photoshop.
His work has been featured on Fstoppers, PetaPixel, and ScopeTrader, and he’s a three-time AstroBin Image of the Day winner. Above all, Nico is passionate about making astrophotography more accessible and helping others grow in both skill and creativity.
Once you complete your workshop registration, you will receive our Welcome Package with our list of recommendations for the trip.
To help you make the most of this workshop, here’s a breakdown of the gear and tools we recommend bringing:
Imaging Equipment
Supporting Hardware
*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.
*We’ll also send a list of recommended software installed in the welcome kit after signing up for the workshop.
Mid-January in the high desert of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree National Park brings cool daytime temps and cold nights, especially during long imaging sessions under the stars. While daytime highs can reach the upper 50s to low 60s °F (15–17°C), nighttime lows often drop below freezing (32°F / 0°C), particularly in open, windy areas.
To stay comfortable and focused during outdoor sessions, we recommend bringing:
We’ll also provide a full list of clothing recommendations in our Welcome package.
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.
We’ll be staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Twentynine Palms – Joshua Tree National Park, ideally situated just outside the quiet town of 29 Palms. This location offers minimal light pollution, making it one of the best dark-sky bases near the park—much darker and quieter than other nearby hubs like Joshua Tree Village or Yucca Valley.
The hotel’s close proximity to top stargazing and imaging locations such as our shooting location at Sky’s the Limit Observatory (7 miles away ~12-minute drive) allows us to maximize time under the stars with minimal drive time. Between shooting sessions, you’ll appreciate the quiet rooms and spacious setup—perfect for relaxing or reviewing your captures.
We’ll also take advantage of the hotel’s comfortable indoor space for our post-processing lessons, making it easy to transition from night imaging to editing without missing a beat.
This blend of comfort, convenience, and proximity to world-class dark skies makes the Fairfield Inn & Suites an ideal home base for your astrophotography adventure.
This exclusive astrophotography workshop is held at the Sky’s the Limit Observatory, a non-profit organization located in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Sky’s the Limit is dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities for both locals and visitors to Joshua Tree National Park.
This pristine location is ideal for capturing the beauty of the night sky, offering a perfect escape from light pollution. The surrounding area features level concrete pads, power access, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that we have everything we need for a smooth and immersive workshop experience. The clear desert air, elevated position, and dark skies make it one of the best stargazing spots in the U.S., perfect for shooting our deep-sky images.
Please note that there are bathrooms but there is no running water in the facilities. Additionally, no smoking, no alcohol, and no pets are allowed, and camping or overnight stays are prohibited anywhere on the property. Since this is an open location outdoors, please wear closed-toe shoes and be respectful of wildlife.
The most convenient airport for this workshop is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located roughly ~50 miles (about a 1-hour drive) from our hotel in Twentynine Palms. This regional airport is served by several major airlines and offers a stress-free arrival option compared to larger airports in the region.
Other alternatives include Ontario International Airport (ONT) (~110 miles / 2-hour drive) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (~150 miles / 2.5–3 hours), which may offer more flight options or lower fares depending on your departure city.
We recommend comparing flights to each of these airports to find the best combination of price and convenience. If you’re flying with bulky gear or plan to rent a car, a smaller airport like Palm Springs can make your arrival and departure smoother.
Transportation is not included in this workshop. You’ll need to rent a vehicle or drive your own to get to our hotel in Twentynine Palms and travel to our shooting locations at the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
The road leading to our imaging site are paved and well-maintained. However, some desert pullouts or side roads can be sandy or uneven, so we recommend a vehicle like an SUV if you plan to explore secondary roads near Joshua Tree.
We’ll organize carpooling for specific group outings into the shooting location to help streamline logistics and reduce our environmental footprint. You can also coordinate additional carpools with other attendees, either during the workshop or ahead of time through our private online group. You are always welcome to drive your own vehicle if it’s loaded with your own gear or if you plan to stay longer than the provided instruction.
For this workshop, we’ve got your breakfast covered each morning at the hotel to ensure you’re energized and ready for a day of editing and shooting. A delicious breakfast buffet will be served daily, offering a variety of options to fuel your day.
While breakfast is provided, meals outside of this are not included. However, there are plenty of dining options in Twentynine Palms, where you can explore local cuisine or grab a bite on your own.
We’ll also organize some group dinners, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow participants. These dinners will be separate from the package cost and are a great way to enjoy some relaxed time together after a day of editing.
The type of room included with the workshop is shared, but you can upgrade to one of the limited private rooms for an extra fee of $650 USD.
Our location at Sky’s the Limit Observatory is right outside the park limits, and you won’t need a park pass to visit.
However, if you plan to visit Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll need a pass.
A Joshua Tree National Park Pass costs $25 per vehicle and is valid for a week, covering your free-time photography and visits to the park.
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 10 students & 2 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.
This workshop is designed for all skill levels, from beginners new to deep-sky imaging to advanced astrophotographers looking to refine their techniques. Some familiarity with star trackers or longer focal lengths (100mm+) is helpful but not required. We’ll provide personalized guidance to match your experience, and we’ll also hold a pre event zoom meeting to help you prepare.
No walking or hiking is involved. The workshop takes place at Sky’s the Limit Observatory, which has level concrete pads and easy access. All activities are stationary, focusing on gear setup, imaging, and editing sessions at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Yes, a laptop is essential for the daily post-processing sessions. Ensure it can run the astrophotography software that you plan to use. We recommend installing and testing all software before arriving.
We recommend installing Siril, GIMP, Photoshop and optionally Pixinsight for post-processing. Other optional tools include RC-Astro plugins (StarXTerminator, NoiseXTerminator) and acquisition software like ASIair or NINA. A full list of recommended software will be included in the Welcome Package after registration.
Yes, you’ll need to bring your own imaging equipment, including a camera (astro-modified preferred), telescope or telephoto lens, equatorial mount or star tracker, and any supporting hardware (e.g., autoguiding setup, filters, or ASIair). See the “What to Bring” section for a detailed list. No gear is provided.
Absolutely. With a maximum of 10 participants and 2 instructors (James McGivern and Nico Carver), the small group size ensures ample one-on-one time. Instructors will provide personalized feedback on gear setup, data acquisition, and post-processing to help you achieve your goals.
Yes, all editing sessions and lessons will be recorded. You’ll have lifetime access to these recordings after the workshop, allowing you to review and continue learning at your own pace.
Yes, every night (weather permitting) includes guided deep-sky imaging sessions at Sky’s the Limit Observatory. Instructors provide hands-on support for 5-6 hours (typically 7 PM to 12-1 AM), but you’re welcome to stay longer to capture additional data or calibration frames.
The workshop is open to participants aged 18 and older. As long as you have an interest in deep-sky astrophotography, you’re welcome to join, regardless of age.
Companions can stay in your private room (additional hotel fees may apply), but they cannot participate in workshop activities, including imaging sessions, editing classes, or visits to Sky’s the Limit Observatory. Meals (except breakfast) are not included for companions. Please confirm your intention to bring a companion when booking.
A mirrorless, DSLR, or dedicated astronomy camera is suitable. An astro-modified camera is highly recommended for capturing hydrogen-alpha-rich targets like nebulae, but it’s not mandatory. Resources on camera modifications will be shared before the workshop.
While we’ll ideally work with the images you capture in the field, bringing your own deep-sky data (10-15 images or datasets) is encouraged. This allows for personalized feedback and hands-on editing experience tailored to your work.
The itinerary is flexible and will be adjusted based on weather conditions to maximize imaging opportunities. If nights are cloudy, we’ll focus on post-processing sessions, gear optimization, or planning. Joshua Tree’s clear winter skies typically offer excellent conditions in January.
No, transportation to Twentynine Palms and during the workshop is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own vehicle or rent one. We’ll organize carpools to Sky’s the Limit Observatory to streamline logistics, but you can drive your own vehicle if preferred.
No park pass is required for the workshop, as Sky’s the Limit Observatory is outside the park. If you plan to explore Joshua Tree National Park during free time, a $25 per vehicle pass (valid for 7 days) is needed.
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.
The pristine night skies of Twentynine Palms are calling you to an extraordinary deep-sky astrophotography adventure with us!
Imagine capturing the intricate details of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters—like the Orion Nebula or the Pleiades—under some of the darkest, most breathtaking skies in the U.S. at Sky’s the Limit Observatory.
I want you to join us, to immerse yourself in the thrill of chasing these celestial wonders alongside a passionate group of astrophotographers, to learn from our experts James McGivern and Nico Carver, and to create images that will forever hold the magic of the desert night.
Come capture the universe with us!
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