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Dorian Sanders Guide

Dorian Sanders

Photographer & Instructor at Capture the Atlas

Hey! I’m Dorian Sanders, a landscape astrophotographer who’s all about chasing the beauty of the night sky. My photography journey began at age 13 when I received my first digital camera, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I spent years honing my skills, constantly upgrading my gear, and practicing in the field to turn my passion into a lifelong pursuit.

I love mixing natural landscapes with the wonders of the night sky in my photos. There’s just something special about a field of wildflowers glowing under the Milky Way or a rugged mountain lit up by the aurora. I enjoy experimenting with different compositions, ensuring that both the foreground and the sky come together in a way that draws the viewer into the experience.

I find inspiration from other photographers, the people I meet on my travels, and the thrill of discovering new places. Leading tours with Capture the Atlas allows me to share my love for this craft.

Dorian Sanders Guide Capture the Atlas

With my extensive experience in fostering a positive and relaxed learning environment, I strive to ensure that everyone on my tours feels encouraged and engaged, whether it’s their first time shooting the stars or they’re seasoned pros.

What I enjoy most is seeing the joy on someone’s face when they capture their first Milky Way shot. It’s those moments of discovery and excitement that make all the late nights and early mornings worth it. My teaching approach is lighthearted and relaxed, mixing a bit of quick wit with plenty of encouragement to keep the atmosphere fun and engaging.

When I’m not shooting or leading tours, you’ll find me playing guitar, building furniture, or diving into a good discussion about vintage cars. I’m excited to share my passion for photography with you and help you unlock the magic of the night sky. Let’s make some amazing memories and unforgettable photos together!

Publications

Featured in New Hampshire Magazine for my lupine flower and sunset photography

My gear

To truly capture the magic of landscapes and the night sky, having the right equipment is key. Below is a list of the vital tools I use to transform my creative vision into breathtaking images:

Photo tours I'm leading

Death Valley Winter Photo Tour

Death Valley & Alabama Hills Tour

Arches & Canyonlands Photo Tour

Monument Valley Photo Tour

Acadia Photo Tour

My happy students

My happiest moments come from watching photographers thrive. Here are some of their thoughts on our journey together:

Had a great time and, despite the weather challenges, the guides (James McGivern and Dorian Sanders) had alternate plans that worked quite well. Highly recommend a Capture the Atlas workshop for anyone interested in astrophotography! Learned quite a bit, especially about composition. Will definitely book another workshop with Capture the Atlas.
Mark Niles
2024 Monument Valley Photo Tour
I was part of a trip to Moab, Utah, in 2024. It was my first astrophotography tour and my first tour with Capture of the Atlas. I’m hooked. Dorian and James were extraordinary teachers who knew when to let me struggle a bit and when to step in. The group bonded so fast it almost blew my mind. I walked away with some great shots of the Milky Way and a desire to keep getting better and better at it. I’ve already signed up with CTA for a trip this fall to Acadia National Park and Lofoten, Norway in early 2025. It was both fun and challenging! Loved it!
Rebecca Ward
2024 Arches & Canyonlands Tour
I recently had the pleasure of attending an astrophotography workshop in Moab, Utah at Arches National Park, and it surpassed all my expectations! Dorian, one of the guides, expertly scouted locations to ensure we had the perfect compositions for our shots. His knowledge and dedication to finding the best spots really made the experience unforgettable. James, the other guide, was incredibly helpful with editing techniques. He patiently walked us through the process, ensuring that each participant understood and could enhance their photos to perfection. My primary goals for the workshop were to master my star tracker and capture stunning images, and thanks to the guidance of Dorian and James, I achieved both and more. Their patience and expertise truly made the workshop exceptional. I can't recommend this experience enough for anyone looking to elevate their astrophotography skills!
Alex Mauro
2024 Arches & Canyonlands Tour
In May 2024, I attended my first astrophotography workshop with Capture the Atlas in Monument Valley, led by James and Dorian. Prior to the event, online courses helped me improve my Lightroom and Photoshop skills, setting me up for success. On our first night, we experienced the breathtaking Aurora—a once-in-a-lifetime moment shared with fellow enthusiasts. James and Dorian worked with local Navajo to enrich our workshop, providing insights into Native American culture while we captured stunning images. They reinforced our online learning with image processing demonstrations and maintained open communication throughout. By the end, we formed friendships and committed to supporting each other in our photography journeys. If you're looking to enhance your landscape and astrophotography skills while immersing yourself in local culture, Capture the Atlas is the perfect choice!
Stacey Garfield
2024 Monument Valley Photo Tour
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