2022 Utah astrophotography workshop
The Milky Way in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
Join us for a Utah astrophotography workshop in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks where we’ll capture our Milky Way over some of the most spectacular nightscapes in the Utah High Desert. We are running this tour from April 24th-30th, during the best time of year to photograph the Milky Way arch in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Overview
During this Utah astrophotography workshop, we will focus specifically on shooting nightscapes and the Milky Way over the most photogenic formations and landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You’ll see everything from giant arches and Martian rock formations to enormous canyons and majestic landscapes. This is a high-desert area, located far and above other sources of light pollution, where we’ll enjoy ideal conditions for astrophotography.
I will personally help you capture the best possible images during this Milky Way astrophotography expedition to Arches & Canyonlands. I will show you the best techniques to shoot the Milky Way, from the basics to the most advanced techniques, and we will also do some post-processing sessions so you can bring your captured images to life.
While this workshop is primarily focused on astro shooting at night, we will also have time to capture the sunrise after our Milky Way sessions as well as sunsets and daytime images when the timeframe and conditions allow.
UTAH ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Photo tour from April 24th-30th, 2022.
- Group size: 10 participants + 2 instructors.
- Main topics: Landscape astrophotography.
- Main areas: Arches & Canyonlands National Parks.
- Best time of year to photograph the Milky Way arch in Utah.
- Dedicated post-processing sessions.
- Accommodation included in Moab, close to the best locations.
2022 Utah astroPHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Our Utah astrophotography workshop itinerary is flexible, and it will be adjusted according to the weather conditions so you can make the most of this trip.
Our workshop will be at the best time of year to capture the Milky Way arch over the High Desert landscapes of Utah, when our galaxy is visible from around 11:30 PM to sunrise. If there are clear skies, we will spend as much time as possible shooting at night.
We will sleep in the morning, focus either on post-processing or scouting in the afternoon and evening, and shoot some fiery sunsets when conditions allow.
DAY 1: Arches AstroPHOTOgraphy WORKSHOP
Our Utah Milky Way photo tour begins at the Scenic View Inn & Suites in Moab at 2:00 PM. This hotel is situated in an ideal spot at one of the shortest drives from the main shooting locations. It offers a stunning view of the famous La Sal Mountains and will be our base camp during our stay in Utah.
After a meet and greet with the rest of the group and a welcome speech, we will prepare for our first night session at Corona Arch, one of the most impressive natural arches in the Utah desert. This location offers fantastic photo opportunities to capture the Milky Way from both sides of the arch, so we will focus on both perspectives. We will also practice taking some images with light painting since this is the only location where it’s allowed.
(*From 2020, Arches & Canyonlands National Parks no longer allow the use of light painting or low-level-lighting for shooting at night.)
DAY 2: Arches astroPHOTOgraphy WORKSHOP
On the second day of our Death Valley astrophotography workshop, we will make our first visit to Arches National Park.
We will photograph some of the most impressive locations in the park, focusing especially on scouting and finding the best compositions for our night shoots. Shooting locations will include some iconic landmarks like Turret Arch, The Windows, and Balanced Rock.
At night, we will return to photograph the Milky Way arch over some of these geological features and stay until sunrise, when we will photograph the walls of the famous “Windows” arches that are painted red by the sun.
DAY 3: Arches astroPHOTOgraphy WORKSHOP
The third day of our Arches astrophotography workshop will take us to other impressive locations in this national park.
We will start the day by shooting and scouting around Devils Garden, where you’ll see one of the most spectacular Martian-landscape formations in the park. After that, we will move to Skyline Arch and take a short hike around this popular landscape arch, the widest arch in the national park.
At night, we will focus on one of the highlights of the trip: photographing the Milky Way over Delicate Arch. This location requires some hiking to get to it, so we will plan accordingly so we are there at the right time. This arch is probably the most iconic formation in the entire state of Utah and features a perfect arch with the renowned La Sal Mountains in the background. If we have a productive shoot, we might stay and photograph this location until sunrise.
If conditions are not ideal for astrophotography, we will change our plan and photograph this arch at sunset.
DAY 4: DEAdhorse point PHOTography WORKSHOP
On the next afternoon of our Utah astro photo tour, we will have our first post-processing session, where we will focus on different techniques so you can make the most of the images you captured in the field.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced photographer; we will design a post-processing plan for you so you can drastically improve your editing skills.
In the evening, we will set the laptops aside and catch the sunset from Devils Garden, where the sun beautifully illuminates the rock formations and the Utah mountains in the background.
At night, we will photograph the Milky Way in Deadhorse Point State Park. This location offers an impressive view of a deep canyon carved by the Colorado River. We will stay here until sunrise when the sun rises enough to illuminate this otherworldly landscape.
If conditions are not ideal for astrophotography, we will photograph the sunrise at Deadhorse Point and some of the overlooks in Canyonlands National Park in the morning.
DAY 5: Canyonlands astroPHOTOgraphy WORKSHOP
On the fifth day of the tour, we will start our Canyonlands photography workshop section. This national park offers some of the best dramatic views and overlooks of the Colorado and the Green Rivers as well as beautiful, dark, starry skies, which will be perfect for our night sessions.
We will dedicate our first day here to photographing some of the most popular viewpoints in the area, like the Grand View in the “Island in the Sky” area or the Green River overlook.
At night, we will return to shoot the Milky Way band over Mesa Arch. This is the most iconic arch in the park, but it’s also a very small location, so we will take advantage of our astro session to grab a good spot for our sunrise shoot, where we’ll see the sun’s rays illuminate the arch and the landscape.
DAY 6: Canyonlands astroPHOTOgraphy WORKSHOP
After some productive Milky Way sessions in the field, we will have a second post-processing session in the afternoon, where we’ll work with you on your images.
We will also have a group discussion about the night images captured by the group and provide some insights so you can keep practicing and improving your editing skills.
If conditions allow, we will have a final Milky Way photography session, either at the Green River overlook or at any of the previous locations if we missed them because of cloud cover.
DAY 7: Utah astroPHOTOgraphy WORKSHOP
On the last day of our photography workshop, we will have a final morning session where we will photograph the sun illuminating either the Colorado River or Arches National Park depending on the previous night session.
After a breakfast in our hotel, we will conclude our Arches & Canyonlands photography workshop.
PRICE: USD 3,590
Deposit: USD 1,000
A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due on January 25th, 2022. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
A 100% refund is guaranteed if we have to cancel the tour because of COVID-19.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
INCLUDED
- Accommodation in shared double rooms with queen beds at the Scenic View Inn & Suites in Moab for 6 nights, including breakfast.
- 7 days of photo guide services by professional astrophotographer Dan Zafra.
- Instruction in a small group of 5 participants with a 5:1 ratio (5 students per instructor).
- Dedicated post-processing astrophotography sessions.
- 100% refund if the workshop is cancelled because of COVID-19.
*BONUSES
- Access to Dan Zafra’s full Capture the Milky Way Course (valued at $299) –includes a complete start-to-finish Milky Way post-processing tutorial of Delicate Arch.
NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation (including flights) to Moab.
- Transportation during the trip (we will arrange carpools when traveling to different locations).
- Private room – Extra $520 (*Subject to availability)
- Arches & Canyonlands National Parks’ entrance fees.
- Meals except breakfast.
- Health/travel insurance (We can help you purchase the best travel insurance according to your needs).
- Personal expenses, tips, and any other service not mentioned in the “INCLUDED” section.
*Note: All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to join any Capture the Atlas workshop or Photo Tour
What will I learn during this Utah photo workshop?
This workshop is mainly focused on night and Milky Way photography. However, we will also photograph landscapes during the blue and golden hours, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about landscape astrophotography.
What you learn during the workshop will vary according to your goals and skills. Your instructor is a professional photographer with extensive experience who will help you take your photography to the next level.
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 the best techniques
- 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.
- Building a connection between your photography and your vision.
- Becoming a master of light: learn how to enhance it and keep it under control.
- Advanced night & 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 powerful images.
- Focus stacking to capture tack-sharp images with interesting foregrounds.
- Advanced Milky Way shooting using a star-tracker
Post-processing techniques
Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with are:
- How to start using Lightroom and Photoshop (all the basics).
- Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw to start on the right foot.
- Stitching panoramas using different software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or PTGui Pro.
- Stacking night images using Starry Landscape Stacker or Sequator.
- Reducing the noise in your night images using Topaz Denoise AI.
- All types of Blendings (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.).
- Light shaping and Dodge & Burn in your landscape images.
- Advanced Milky Way techniques like star reduction, structure, natural colors, etc.
*Note: As soon as you sign up for this workshop, you will have access to my full Capture the Milky Way course, which will give you the perfect editing knowledge base before you join this astrophotography workshop
Your instructors on this Utah Astrophoto Tour
Dan Zafra will be the tour leader throughout this Utah astrophotography workshop and will make sure that you get the best photography results and experience out of this tour. He will help you with composition, technique, and post-processing in your Milky Way images by using the best methods according to your skills.
He is based in California and has explored the Utah desert in depth over the past few years. He is very knowledgeable, not only about the best locations but also about the best time and lighting to photograph them.
Dan is a renowned astrophotographer who enjoys educating other photographers about Milky Way photography in workshops and tutorials, and on photography trips. He has shot the Milky Way across the entire American West Coast and in many other areas around the world.
He is the creator of the Capture the Atlas Milky Way Calendars as well as the curator of images for the annual “Milky Way Photographer of the Year” article. His Milky Way astrophotography online courses have helped more than 400 photographers in the last few years. Joining him for this workshop will provide you with a great opportunity to learn how to best capture images of our galaxy over dramatic landscapes.
You’ve probably seen Dan in…
Daniel Gomez will be the co-leader of the trip and will help you with your photography throughout the entire workshop. Daniel has a background in photographing many different subjects from big to small, specializes in astrophotography and timelapse films, and focuses on strong compositions.
Daniel is based in Oregon and has been taking photos for the last 9 years. He has explored many of Oregon’s mountains and deserts and is very familiar with shooting desert scenes. He will be able to help you find great compositions and help you with your night photography from the basics to advanced techniques like star-tracking.
WHAT TO BRING TO an Utah astro photo tour
A complete list of everything that we recommend for this tour is sent to all participants upon sign-up. Below, you can find a summary of things you might need:
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR
- A mirrorless or DSLR camera.
- A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter.
- A wide-angle lens, such as 14-24 mm.
- A medium zoom lens, such as 24-70 mm.
- A telephoto lens, like a 70-200 mm lens.
- A camera bag to transport all your equipment.
- A headlamp for the night shoots.
- Glow-in-the-dark tape for your tripod.
- A laptop for the post-processing sessions
Some optional items if you are focused on advanced MW photography are:
- A star-tracker.
- A laser for doing the polar alignment.
*While zoom lenses are acceptable for this workshop, prime lenses are recommended for Milky Way photography. Some of the best lenses in this range are:
-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, 50 mm f/1.8
You can get them either from your camera brand or from third-party manufacturers like Rokinon or Sigma.
*This Utah 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 may be interested in this guide, where you can dive deeper into photography equipment for traveling.
CLOTHING
Even though the sun makes temperatures very warm during the day, nights can be chilly on the Utah High Desert plateau, especially if there is wind.
For this reason, we recommend bringing the following clothing:
- A system of layers to wear at night (base layer, windproof layer).
- A good pair of breathable boots (to protect your feet and ankles while hiking over rocks and uneven terrain).
- A light hat and gloves for the night photography sessions in case it gets cold.
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.
WHAT EXPENSES SHOULD YOU CONSIDER FOR THIS DEATH VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP?
FLIGHTS
There are different airports within a relatively short drive from Moab. The closest airport is the Canyonlands Regional Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from Moab.
However, there aren’t many flights or rental car options there compared to other major airports, so the main options are Salt Lake City International Airport (3:30 approx. from Moab), Denver Int. Airport (5:30 approx. From Moab), and Las Vegas International Airport (6:45 approx. from Moab).
Airline ticket prices will depend on the airport you are flying from. We recommend reading this article if you want to find the best flights from your current location.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation will not be included, and all the driving will be on paved, easy roads, so any type of vehicle is fine for this Utah 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
Meals are not included, except for breakfast in our hotel.
Moab has grocery stores where you can buy food, drinks, and snacks. We recommend buying some groceries and snacks before the start of the tour, since our schedule will completely depend on the shooting conditions, and some days, we might not make it to any of the local Moab restaurants for lunch/dinner.
ENTRANCE FEE
The Southeast Utah park pass to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks passes cost $55 and is valid for a week. You can get your pass in person at the kiosk before entering the park.
If you plan to visit more national parks within the following year after the workshop, we recommend getting the “America the Beautiful” annual pass, which gives you unlimited access to all national parks and some state parks in the country for only $80. You can get it online here.
WHAT MAKES THIS UTAH 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 how to make the most of your camera gear to capture Milky Way images as well as the most effective post-processing techniques to bring your images to life. The instruction and the setting in an exclusive group of astrophotographers make this workshop unique and distinct from standard night photography tours.
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.
Frequent questions about our astro workshops
WHAT LEVEL SHOULD I BE TO ATTEND THIS PHOTO TOUR TO ARCHES & CANYONLANDS?
Whether you are experienced or just starting out in Milky Way photography, you are welcome, and I am convinced that you will progress quickly. Together, we will send you home with a thorough knowledge of many photography areas, from the basics to multiple advanced techniques.
Once you sign up for the workshop, we will discuss your skills and goals for this tour, and I’ll organize a teaching plan so you can make the most of this experience.
WHAT PHYSICAL SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?
Generally, we won’t do any long or strenuous hikes, since most locations are a relatively short walk from the parking lot. Corona Arch and Delicate Arch are the exceptions. To reach Delicate, there’s a 3-mile hike with 630 ft elevation gain. We’ll most likely hike to this location at night, which can make the trail harder.
Also, 90% of the shoots will be done at night, so bear in mind that we will have a vampire-like, nocturnal schedule during the workshop and some days we will have to sacrifice some sleep. For this reason, we recommend having good energy levels and being in good physical shape to enjoy this experience.
AM I TOO YOUNG/OLD FOR THIS DEATH VALLEY PHOTO TOUR?
There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone over 18 years old who wants to photograph Utah with us.
DO I NEED A STAR-TRACKER?
You don’t need a star-tracker, but you can bring one to the workshop if you have a good foundation in Milky Way photography and you’d like to focus on some advanced shooting.
The Utah High Desert is one of the most special places where I have photographed the Milky Way. There is something magical about being in a desert plateau away from light pollution and surrounded by a dark, starry sky with only the sound of coyotes howling in the distance.
In this vast area, you will find not only Martian landscapes and otherworldly arches, canyons, and rock formations, but also memories that will last a lifetime.
Let’s capture the Milky Way!
DAN ZAFRA
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.
I recently spent 3 weeks with Dan in Iceland. It was a wonderful experience that surpassed my expectations. Dan is an energetic guide who is passionate about what he does. The trip was well organized and Dan made sure we were able to see everything that was planned. Dan worked with everyone on the tour to understand their skill level, and provide his insights on ways to improve their photography. It was a wonderful adventure. I hope I have the opportunity to tour with Capture the Atlas again.
Robert Adams
South & North Iceland Photo Tours
If I had to join a photo tour again, I wouldn’t hesitate to repeat this trip with capturetheatlas! In addition to the organization, the accommodations, the places...you have the feeling of traveling with friends, where we all learn from each other and the guides are very close and familiar creating a small family. We were a group of different ages and levels and none of that prevented the coordination from being excellent. In addition, Dan adapted and made the necessary changes in the schedule if the weather wasn’t the best, and thanks to that we could see and photograph the Northern Lights! Thanks again to Ascen and Dani. Highly recommended!
Beatriz Rodriguez
1 on 1 Post-Processing Training
When I started editing my star-tracked photos. I wasn't able to get the most from the raw files. Dan has shown me how to enhance the original details and recover the amazing colors of the night skies. Although these advanced techniques can be quite daunting, Dan makes them really easy to follow.
Jose Luis Cantabrana
1 on 1 Post-Processing Training
We had a fantastic workshop with Dan working on shooting techniques. Dan is a wonderful guide, patient, funny and helpful. I have been waiting to invest in filters to understand what I really needed and Dan let me borrow his to get a feel of what I would need to invest in. We grabbed some fantastic shots.
Heather Andrews
Ricketts Glen Photography Workshop
On my recent photo tour to Iceland, not only was I able to see the Northern Lights, but I also was able to photograph them thanks to Dan's tutelage and patience! I returned home with not only amazing pictures but also renewed enthusiasm for photography. Dan's passion for photography and landscapes is unequivocal.
Rachel Rose
Iceland Photography Tour
If you really want to learn how to improve your photography, I highly recommend Capture the Atlas. l had a private class with Dan, and he was very detailed explaining everything about my camera settings, lenses, and post-processing. His skills are superb and he’s always eager to share all his knowledge.
Aleida Gallangos
Ricketts Glen Photography Workshop
Excellent trip. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a "different" vacation and photography learning experience. The views of waterfalls, volcanos, geysers, glaciers, etc. are superb. Dan helped me get my images to another level. Iceland should be on your bucket list, especially with Capture the Atlas. The guys are very knowledgeable about photography and how to organize the trip.
Jay Gorecki
South & North Iceland Photo tours
