Landscape & Night Sky Workshops & Retreats

Our workshops are designed for beginner through experienced photographers who want practical, hands-on guidance in the field. You do not need previous astrophotography experience, although familiarity with your camera’s basic controls is helpful. We can also help you become more comfortable working in manual mode.

No. We teach a repeatable workflow for camera setup, manual focus, exposure, composition and troubleshooting in the dark. More experienced photographers can refine their technique, explore advanced approaches and receive personalized coaching based on their individual goals.

You’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls, a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod. A lens between approximately 14mm and 24mm with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster is ideal, although other lenses may also work. A headlamp with a red-light mode, spare batteries and a remote shutter release or compatible camera app are also recommended.

A typical starting point for Milky Way photography is a wide-angle focal length, an aperture between f/1.8 and f/2.8, a shutter speed between 10 and 25 seconds and an ISO between 1600 and 6400. We’ll adjust those settings in the field based on your camera, lens, focal length and current sky conditions.

Our night sky workshops are scheduled during periods when the Milky Way or galactic core should be visible under dark skies. Actual visibility depends on clouds, haze, smoke and other conditions beyond our control. When skies are clear, we prioritize as much Milky Way photography time as possible.

General meeting areas are listed on each workshop page. Registered guests receive detailed meeting instructions, driving information and field-location guidance before the event. Some exact shooting locations may be shared only with registered guests to help protect sensitive landscapes and reduce unnecessary impact.

Physical requirements vary by location, but guests should generally be comfortable walking on uneven terrain while carrying their camera gear in low light. Colorado workshops may take place above 10,000 feet, where elevation can make even a short walk feel more strenuous. Each workshop page includes specific information about walking distance, terrain and elevation.

Bring warm layers, sturdy footwear, water, snacks and any personal medications you may need. Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, even during summer. Gloves, a warm hat and a small camp chair may also be useful depending on the workshop and location.

Night sky photography depends on weather, smoke, haze and other changing conditions. Workshops generally proceed when conditions are safe, even when the sky is not ideal. We may adjust the schedule, location or instructional plan to make the best use of available conditions. If weather or another hazard creates an unsafe situation, we may delay, modify or cancel part of the field session according to the policy for that specific event.

Post-processing instruction varies by event. Some single-night workshops may include follow-up editing instruction, while multi-day retreats include more extensive guided editing and workflow sessions. Check the individual workshop page for exactly what is included.

Most workshops are limited to five guests. Keeping groups small allows for personalized instruction, easier troubleshooting and meaningful time with each photographer in the field.

Yes. The Colorado astrophotography retreat includes three nights of accommodations and local transportation to scheduled field locations. Meals and transportation to the Fairplay area are not included unless otherwise stated on the retreat page.

Transportation to and from single-night workshops is not included. Guests typically meet at a designated location and caravan in their own vehicles to the field location. Meals are not included, so plan to bring your own water, snacks and any food you may need.

Workshop and retreat payments are generally non-refundable unless otherwise stated for a specific event. Transfer options are not guaranteed, but may be offered at our discretion when sufficient notice is provided and space is available. The complete terms for each workshop are provided during registration and checkout.

Field sessions are generally limited to registered guests. Small group sizes, permit limits, transportation logistics and nighttime safety make it difficult to accommodate additional companions. Contact us before registering if you have a specific situation you would like us to consider.

Workshops conducted on public lands are operated under the commercial permits or authorizations required by the managing agency. Applicable permit information is listed on the individual workshop page.

Safety is a priority throughout every workshop. We keep groups small, review nighttime safety practices and select field locations intentionally. Guests remain responsible for their footing, personal health and situational awareness, but you will be working alongside the group rather than navigating the landscape alone.