BISTI BADLANDS NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Milky Way Over Alien Desert Landscapes in New Mexico
Photograph one of the most surreal landscapes in the American Southwest under truly dark skies.
Step into the Bisti Badlands—an endlessly unique desert of hoodoos, stone formations and eroded landscapes—and learn to confidently capture the Milky Way in a setting that feels almost otherworldly.
September 12th, 2026 · $550 · SOLD OUT
New Dates To Be Announced Soon!
A rare opportunity to photograph one of the most unique desert environments in the Southwest under pristine night skies.
This is a fully permitted event with BLM
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Hands-On Photography Instruction
Capture the Milky Way with direct, in-field guidance on composition, exposure and critical focus at night. You’ll receive real-time feedback while shooting—not just theory before or after.
Surreal Desert Landscape
Photograph striking rock formations, hoodoos and natural stone structures beneath clear desert skies. The Bisti Badlands offer unique foregrounds unlike anywhere else in the Southwest. Our exact shooting locations are shared upon registration to help preserve the integrity of the area.
Detailed Post-Processing Guidance
After the field session, we’ll meet online for a guided editing workshop focused on night sky workflow, noise management, color balance and image refinement.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
We’ll meet in Farmington, New Mexico before heading out toward the Bisti Badlands. From there, we’ll caravan to the trailhead and hike into the formations as the light softens toward sunset.
We begin during twilight, working on composition and foreground selection as the landscape transitions into shadow. As darkness settles in, we move into full Milky Way capture—focusing on exposure, focus and refining compositions under the stars.
This is a true field experience. The terrain is remote, the environment is quiet and the night sky is expansive.
The workshop is intentionally paced, allowing time to explore, set up properly and create images with intention rather than rushing through the night.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
- Location: Bisti Badlands (meet in Farmington, NM)
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Group Size: Limited to 5 participants
- Skill Level: Beginner to Enthusiast
- Fitness Level: Moderate. Expect a 20–30 minute walk on uneven desert terrain in low light
- Price: $550
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Pre-Workshop Preparation Guide
Detailed planning guide covering gear recommendations, desert conditions, camera setup and baseline settings—so you arrive confident and ready to shoot.
Hands-On Field Instruction
In-person instruction with personalized guidance on composition, exposure, critical focus and Milky Way positioning.
Online Post-Processing Session
Guided editing session covering workflow, noise control, color balance and refinement techniques.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transportation. We’ll meet in Farmington and caravan to the trailhead.
Lodging
Accommodations are not included. Participants may stay in Farmington or Bloomfield. Lodging recommendations will be provided upon registration.
Meals
Meals are not provided. Please bring water, snacks and anything needed for a full evening in the field.
Camera Equipment
Participants are responsible for bringing and managing their own gear.
Meet Your Instructor
Alan Stenback is a landscape and night sky photographer known for capturing the intersection of wild places and celestial light. Based in the Colorado Rockies, he has spent years photographing moonrises over alpine peaks, Milky Way arcs above ancient bristlecone pines and alpine landscapes shaped by wind, weather and time.
His work blends technical precision with patience in the field, teaching photographers not just how to expose for the stars, but how to see composition, read light and work confidently in challenging conditions. Alan believes great night photography is built on preparation, calm decision-making and a deep respect for the landscape.
As an educator, he is known for clear instruction, practical guidance and a supportive teaching style that meets photographers where they are, whether they’re capturing their first Milky Way image or refining advanced techniques at elevation. His workshops emphasize small groups, hands-on learning and immersive experiences in truly dark skies.
Testimonials
"Was a well planned and informative night. Would recommend highly"
"I really enjoyed my time spent with Alan and Gina in Colorado and hope to join again in the future on another adventure"
"It was one of the best experiences of my life. Alan and Gina were great tour guides... Highly recommend for any photographer whether beginner or experienced"
"I thought the workshop was absolutely wonderful. I had a fantastic time and learned a lot. You did an outstanding job putting everything together, and it was obvious how much thought and effort went into making it such a great experience."
Location & Directions
Bisti Badlands Night Sky Photography Workshop FAQs
When is the Bisti Badlands workshop?
The next Bisti Badlands Night Sky Photography Workshop takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The workshop begins in the late afternoon and continues into the night, giving us time to photograph golden hour, sunset, twilight and the Milky Way.
Registered guests receive a detailed itinerary and final meeting instructions before the workshop.
Where does the workshop begin?
We meet at a large gravel pull-off near the intersection of New Mexico Highway 371 and County Road 7297. From there, the group caravans approximately three miles to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness trailhead.
The meeting location is south of Farmington, New Mexico. Exact directions and navigation details are provided to registered guests.
Are transportation and lodging included?
No. Guests are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations. We meet near the Bisti access road and caravan to the trailhead in our own vehicles.
Farmington is the closest option for lodging, dining and other services. Bloomfield is a quieter alternative, although it is slightly farther from the trailhead.
Are meals included?
No. Meals are not included. Bring enough water, snacks and food for approximately six hours in the field. We recommend eating a substantial meal before arriving.
Who is this workshop best suited for?
This workshop is designed for beginner through experienced photographers who want practical instruction in landscape and Milky Way photography. You do not need previous astrophotography experience, but familiarity with your camera’s basic controls is helpful.
Beginners will learn a repeatable night photography workflow, while more experienced photographers can refine their composition, focus, exposure and field technique in a distinctive desert environment.
Do I need previous astrophotography experience?
No. We’ll work through camera setup, manual focus, exposure, composition and troubleshooting in the dark. Instruction is tailored to your camera, lens and current experience level.
What camera gear should I bring?
You’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls, a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod. Recommended equipment includes:
- A wide-angle lens, ideally between approximately 14mm and 24mm
- An aperture of f/2.8 or faster when possible
- A sturdy tripod
- At least one fully charged spare battery
- A headlamp with a red-light mode
- A remote shutter release or compatible camera app
- Empty memory cards with enough space for the evening
If you’re unsure whether your camera or lens is suitable, contact us before the workshop and we’ll help you evaluate your setup.
What camera settings should I start with?
A typical starting point is a focal length between 14mm and 24mm, an aperture between f/1.8 and f/2.8, a shutter speed between 15 and 30 seconds and an ISO between 3200 and 6400.
Your final settings will depend on your camera, lens, focal length and sky conditions. We’ll help you fine-tune them in the field.
What will we photograph in Bisti Badlands?
We’ll photograph eroded sandstone formations, hoodoos, textured desert terrain and distinctive rock features during golden hour, sunset and twilight. After dark, we’ll use those formations as foregrounds for Milky Way and night sky compositions when conditions allow.
The workshop focuses on a concentrated area within a relatively short walk of the trailhead rather than hiking several miles to Bisti’s most distant formations.
How physically demanding is the workshop?
The walk from the trailhead to the primary photography area takes approximately 15 minutes. The terrain is mostly open desert, but it is uneven, unmarked and may include loose sand, rocks, shallow washes and small elevation changes.
Guests should be comfortable carrying their camera gear, standing for extended periods and returning to the trailhead after dark. We move together at a measured pace and keep the photography area within a manageable distance of the vehicles.
What should I bring besides camera gear?
Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, layered clothing, water, snacks, sun protection and any personal medications you may need. Desert temperatures can change quickly after sunset, so a warm jacket is recommended even when the afternoon is hot.
A small camp chair may be useful during instruction breaks, but it is optional.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle?
A four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle is not normally required to reach the Bisti/De-Na-Zin trailhead under dry conditions. The access road is unpaved, however, and conditions can change after rain.
Updated road and weather guidance will be shared before the workshop when necessary. Guests remain responsible for determining whether their vehicle is suitable for current conditions.
Are restroom facilities available?
A vault toilet is available at the Bisti/De-Na-Zin trailhead. There are no restroom, water or sanitation facilities once we leave the trailhead and enter the photography area.
Guests should plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace practices throughout the workshop.
How many guests attend the workshop?
The workshop is limited to five guests. Keeping the group small allows for personalized instruction, easier nighttime navigation and meaningful one-on-one support in the field.
Will we definitely photograph the Milky Way?
The workshop is scheduled during a period when the Milky Way and galactic core should be visible under dark skies. Actual visibility depends on clouds, smoke, haze and other conditions beyond our control.
When skies are clear, we prioritize as much Milky Way photography time as possible. Specific sky conditions and photographic results cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if it is cloudy or conditions change?
The workshop generally proceeds when conditions are safe, even when clouds, haze or smoke may affect Milky Way visibility. Desert forecasts can change quickly and may not accurately reflect conditions at the photography location.
If the sky is not ideal, we’ll make the best use of available conditions through landscape composition, sunset and twilight photography, camera setup, manual focusing, low-light technique and real-world troubleshooting. Refunds are not provided because of clouds, smoke, haze or limited night sky visibility.
What happens if severe weather makes conditions unsafe?
Safety takes priority. If lightning, heavy rain, flash-flood risk, extreme wind, hazardous road conditions or another safety concern develops, we may delay the start, adjust the itinerary, relocate the field session or cancel part of the workshop.
Any transfer, replacement session or alternative instruction offered because of unsafe conditions is determined according to the circumstances and is not guaranteed.
Is the workshop permitted by the Bureau of Land Management?
Yes. This is a fully permitted commercial photography workshop authorized by the Bureau of Land Management’s Farmington Field Office.
Guests are expected to follow all permit requirements, group instructions and Leave No Trace practices while visiting the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.
What is the cancellation and transfer policy?
Workshop payments are non-refundable. If you cannot attend your scheduled date, contact us as soon as possible. A transfer may be offered at our discretion when sufficient notice is provided and space is available, but transfers are not guaranteed.
The complete terms for the workshop are provided during registration and checkout.
Should I consider travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance may help protect expenses related to lodging, transportation, illness, delays or other unexpected disruptions. Coverage varies significantly, so review the policy carefully to confirm what is and is not included.
Workshop cancellation and transfer terms still apply regardless of whether you purchase travel insurance.