Join us for an H-alpha astrophotography workshop in Death Valley National Park focused on capturing and processing nebula-rich Milky Way scenes with astro-modified cameras, narrowband filters, and star-trackers.
This experience is built for photographers who want to go beyond standard Milky Way shots; we’ll cover field technique (H-alpha + RGB capture, tracked panoramas and mosaics, and clean data acquisition) and daily post-processing sessions to turn your files into finished, print-ready images.
Our Death Valley H-alpha Astrophotography Workshop is a specialized, advanced experience focused on capturing nebula-rich Winter Milky Way nightscapes with astro-modified cameras and narrowband H-alpha filter. We’ll photograph Death Valley’s most iconic landscapes; from salt flats and mud cracks to sand dunes; framed by dramatic mountains under some of the darkest skies in the United States.
November is an ideal window: you can still capture Cygnus-region H-alpha targets early in the evening, then transition into prime winter targets as Orion rises and stays up for the rest of the night. Depending on conditions and timing, we’ll work on subjects such as the Orion Complex (M42; Barnard’s Loop; Horsehead and Flame), plus additional winter standouts like the Rosette Nebula; California Nebula; and Heart and Soul.
In the field, we’ll help you dial in an efficient, repeatable workflow; from camera setup and acquisition strategy to H-alpha filter technique (focusing; settings; and data-quality checks), applied across single frames, tracked panoramas, and mosaics. We’ll also run daily advanced post-processing sessions with a defined workflow to process H-alpha and blend it naturally with RGB; so your final images look clean and cohesive.
The group is limited to 10 advanced astrophotographers so we can keep the instruction highly hands-on; both in the field and in the classroom.
This workshop is designed for advanced astrophotographers who already have a strong foundation in Milky Way shooting and nightscape post-processing.
Star-tracker experience is required. We will be shooting a significant portion of the workshop on a tracker, and we’ll assume you’re comfortable with polar alignment, basic troubleshooting, and using a tracker in the field.
An astro-modified camera is required. This is a Hydrogen-Alpha focused workshop; the goal is to capture emission-rich regions and integrate that data cleanly with RGB. A standard, non-modified camera can still produce great Milky Way images; but it will not deliver the H-alpha signal this workshop is built around.
Narrowband H-alpha filters are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended. We will teach an optimized workflow for H-alpha capture and H-alpha + RGB blending; having a dedicated H-alpha filter will give you the strongest results.
If you’re just starting with Milky Way photography; if you have limited tracker experience; or if you’re looking for a workshop that’s designed for all levels, our Death Valley & Alabama Hills workshop or our Utah workshop will be a better fit.
Note: This workshop is focused primarily on nightscapes and wide-field imaging. You’re welcome to bring longer focal lengths or a small telescope if you’re already comfortable using them; however, the main instruction and group workflow will be centered on wide-field capture and H-alpha + RGB integration for nightscape compositions.
Our Death Valley H-alpha astrophotography workshop itinerary is flexible; it will be adjusted according to weather and sky conditions so you can make the most of the trip.
November is an excellent window for H-alpha nightscapes in Death Valley. Early in the evening, we can still work with late-season emission targets in the Cygnus region; later at night, Orion and the winter Milky Way edge rise higher and dominate the sky through the late-night hours.
We will sleep in the mornings, focus on post-processing in the afternoons, and shoot at night focusing on different targets.
Our workshop begins at the board meeting room at the Inn hotel at 2 PM.
After a meet and greet with the rest of the group and a welcome talk, we will check in at our hotel at The Ranch. This resort is located in the heart of the national park and within a short drive of the main shooting areas; it will be our base camp during our stay in Death Valley.
For our first Astro session, we’ll head to Badwater Basin, the lowest place in North America. This is one of the best locations in Death Valley to build strong nightscape compositions; salt polygons in the foreground and rugged mountain silhouettes in the background.
We’ll start shooting tracked RGB plus H-alpha data (as conditions allow); with guidance on focusing, settings, and an efficient sequence so you come back with high-quality files from night one.
Each day follows a consistent rhythm: rest after the night session; afternoons focused on post-processing; and a break for dinner before we head into the main night shoot.
Over the course of the workshop, we’ll run structured post-processing classes focused specifically on H-alpha nightscape workflow; calibration and base editing of all the RAW files, controlled H-alpha extraction; and seamless blending that looks natural and intentional. We’ll also show you a full workflow, creating an entire RGB+H-alpha image from start to finish.
At night, we’ll rotate through Death Valley’s most photogenic foregrounds for wide-field compositions and tracked work. Depending on wind, access, and sky conditions, we will photograph locations such as Zabriskie Point; the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes; and Cottonball Basin (when the basin is dry). We’ll also include one of our best-kept secret spots that consistently delivers strong foreground textures and clean horizons for H-alpha-rich nightscapes.
Across these nights, we’ll refine a repeatable field workflow for tracked RGB plus H-alpha capture; narrowband filter technique, and composition planning for single frames, multi-row tracked panoramas, and mosaics. Early in the evening, we can target some emission-rich regions in the West; later at night, we’ll transition into Orion and winter targets as they rise higher and stay up through the night.
On the last day of the trip, we will have breakfast together before concluding our Death Valley H-alpha astrophotography workshop and check-out.
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.
*Capture the Atlas operates under a CUA (Commercial Use Authorization) with the National Park Service to run photography workshops in the park premises.
This workshop is designed for advanced nightscape photographers who want to take a major step forward in H-alpha-rich Milky Way imaging. These are some of the things that you’ll learn in the program:
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 Death Valley Workshop
Dan is a professional landscape and astrophotographer based in the desert Southwest. He specializes in wide-field nightscapes and Milky Way photography; with a teaching style focused on practical field technique and repeatable post-processing workflows.
Over the years, Dan has developed a deep, hands-on workflow for H-alpha-rich nightscapes using astro-modified cameras and narrowband filters; from efficient field capture to clean H-alpha + RGB integration in post. This workshop is built directly on that experience; with a focus on helping you replicate the process reliably in real conditions.
He’s the co-founder of Capture the Atlas; and he has led astrophotography workshops around the world, helping photographers of all levels succeed across a wide range of conditions and environments.
His work has been featured by NASA, National Geographic, The New York Times, and Forbes; and he earned the People’s Choice award in the 2022 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
MaryBeth Kiczenski is a photographer and educator known for a style of nightscape work that blends storytelling with advanced technique. She specializes in deep-scapes, astro-modified cameras, and H-alpha imaging; with a calm, supportive teaching style focused on building confidence and helping photographers create images they’re proud of.
Over the years, MaryBeth has developed a strong, hands-on workflow for wide-field H-alpha nightscapes; from planning targets and capture strategy in the field to clean integration of H-alpha + RGB data in post, including PixInsight-based processing when it’s helpful. This workshop is built around that practical experience; with an emphasis on making advanced techniques approachable and repeatable.
She is a Capture the Atlas instructor and a passionate space-weather enthusiast; currently enrolled in Millersville University’s SWEN (Space Weather and Environment) program; bringing both technical depth and science-driven context to the workshop experience.
Her work has been recognized with multiple awards and features; including 3× NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD); a shortlist in Astronomy Photographer of the Year; and publications such as Sky & Telescope; National Geographic Your Shot; and others.
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:
*While zoom lenses are valid for this workshop, prime lenses are recommended for Milky Way tracking. Some of the best lenses in this range are the 14, 20, 24, 28, 35, 40 & 50 mm 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.
*This astrophotography workshop focuses on Milky Way nightscapes and not on deep-sky imaging. However, you can bring a telephoto/telescope and take your own deep-sky photos if you like.
You can capture great Milky Way images with a stock camera. However, this workshop is designed around H-alpha-rich nightscapes; to capture the strongest H-alpha signal and reveal the full structure and color in emission regions, we require an astro-modified camera and we highly recommend using a narrowband H-alpha filter as part of your workflow.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never shot with an astro-modified camera or an H-alpha filter before; we will walk you through the process step by step; from setting a reliable custom white balance to efficient field technique (focusing; settings; capture sequencing) and a clean approach to H-alpha + RGB integration in post.
To get an astro camera, you can either send a second body for conversion or purchase a dedicated astro-modified camera. You can astro-modify almost any camera model; but if you are looking to add a new body, some solid options include the Sony A7IV and A7III; Nikon Z5 II; and Canon EOS R8.
There are many labs where you can do a conversion. Please make sure it is a professional, reputable astro lab to avoid issues. If you are based in the United States, we recommend Spencer’s Camera.
The main modification we recommend is a Visible + H-alpha conversion. A heat-reduction modification can be helpful but it’s not required.
Even though Death Valley is the hottest place in North America, temperatures are cold in the winter. Also, some nights can be windy, making the temperature feel a bit cooler.
For this reason, we recommend bringing the following clothing:
We also recommend bringing muck boots in case we have the opportunity to photograph the Milky Way with reflections if the Death Valley basin is flooded.
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.
During this Death Valley workshop, we’ll be staying at the Ranch. This hotel offers all amenities and it’s conveniently located at a short drive to all the photo locations that we’ll visit.
Accommodation is included in shared double rooms with queen beds. A limited number of private rooms are also available for an extra supplement.
The worshop presentation and editing classes will be hosted at the Inn, the sister hotel located at a 5-minute drive from the Ranch.
There are different airports within a relatively short drive to Death Valley. However, the closest airport and our recommendation is Las Vegas International Airport. From there, the drive to Furnace Creek is 118 miles (about two hours).
Airline ticket prices will depend on the airport you are flying from. We recommend this article to find the best flights to Las Vegas from your current location.
Transportation will not be included, and even though we will not be driving on difficult roads, some of the pull offs could be unpaved, so an SUV with all-wheel drive is recommended for this Death Valley workshop.
When traveling to different locations on the tour, we will try to carpool as often as possible. Some parking areas are small, and we would like to minimize our impact on the land and ecosystem as much as possible.
Meals are not included. Death Valley is a remote national park and there aren’t many supermarket or restaurant options. We recommend buying groceries in Las Vegas before the trip (there’ll be a small fridge in your room) and budgeting about $50-70 per day for meals.
We’ll schedule some group dinners in the local restaurants at the Ranch and the Inn. Some other days, we will have dinner separately.
The Death Valley National Park Pass costs $30 and is valid for a week. You can get your pass in-person at the Furnace Creek visitor center or online through the official Death Valley NP website.
If you prefer to have a single room during the workshop, there is a supplement of $690. (This is subject to availability)
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 small group of ten students. 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 how to best capture and integrate RGB + H-alpha images. The instruction and the setting in an exclusive group of advanced 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 more than 800 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 is an advanced workshop. You should already be comfortable shooting the Milky Way in manual mode and have a solid foundation in nightscape editing. The instruction focuses on tracked wide-field nightscapes and an optimized H-alpha + RGB workflow rather than basic fundamentals.
Yes. A significant portion of the workshop is built around tracked capture; including single frames; multi-row panoramas; and mosaics. You should be comfortable with basic polar alignment and a repeatable setup routine.
Yes. This is a Hydrogen-Alpha-focused workshop; an astro-modified camera is required to capture the H-alpha signal this workflow is built around.
It is highly recommended. You can participate without one; but a dedicated H-alpha filter will give you stronger data and will let you follow the full workflow exactly as we teach it.
Moderate fitness is enough. Most locations involve short walks on uneven terrain; salt flats; or sand. We keep hikes reasonable; but you should be comfortable carrying your gear at night and standing for extended periods during shooting sessions.
No. Age isn’t the deciding factor. What matters is being comfortable with late nights; outdoor conditions; and handling your camera and tripod setup safely in the dark. If you have specific mobility concerns; let us know and we’ll help you understand what to expect.
Due to the nature of this photo tour, where we’ll mostly be shooting nightscapes, we do not recommend non-photographer companions to join us; there won’t be much for them to do. If you book a single room supplement, your companion may stay with you at the hotel for the duration of the workshop. However, if a non-photographer companion would like to tag along during the photoshoots, they need to book a spot under the same conditions as any other participant.
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.
The Milky Way is spectacular year-round; but early November is one of those rare windows when the night sky gives you something extra. You can still work with late-season emission-rich regions early in the evening; and then watch Orion and the winter targets take over as the night progresses; revealing H-alpha structures and nebulae that most photographers never experience in their wide-field work.
Death Valley is the perfect stage for this. The landscapes feel otherworldly; salt flats; dunes; and sculpted badlands framed by rugged mountains; all under some of the darkest skies in the United States. When you pair those foregrounds with an H-alpha-rich sky and a solid capture plan, you have all the elements to create images that truly stand apart.
I want you to experience this; to chase and capture the night with a small group of passionate photographers; to learn and share in the field and in class; and to leave with a complete workflow you can replicate long after the workshop is over.
Let’s capture the Milky Way; and the hidden H-alpha detail that brings it to life!
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