BRISTLECONE PINES NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Milky Way Over Ancient Bristlecone Pines At 11,000 Feet
Photograph 2,000-year-old bristlecone pines beneath Colorado’s darkest alpine skies.
Step into one of the most surreal high-elevation landscapes in the Rockies and learn to confidently capture the Milky Way among ancient trees shaped by centuries of wind and weather.
This hands-on night sky photography workshop is built for photographers who want real instruction in the field. Whether you’re brand new to astrophotography or refining your technique, this experience is designed to move you forward.
2026 Workshop Dates · Fairplay, Colorado
Sat, Jun 20 2026
Sat, Aug 15 2026
Small Group · Limited to 5 Participants · $375
Looking for a deeper, multi-night experience? Explore the Colorado Night Sky Astrophotography Retreat
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.
Pristine Scenery
Photograph ancient bristlecone pines beneath clear, dark alpine skies. You’ll have time for both individual shooting and guided instruction in an alpine landscape offering 360-degree views above 11,000 ft, with wildflowers, alpine fauna and distant Colorado 14ers framing the horizon.
Our exact location is 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, helping you turn strong captures into finished photographs.
Workshop Highlights
We’ll meet in the historic mountain town of Fairplay, Colorado before heading to our alpine shoot location. At over 11,000 feet, you’ll photograph ancient bristlecone pines beneath some of Colorado’s darkest alpine skies, an off-the-beaten-path public lands location.
Throughout the evening, you’ll receive guided instruction and real-time feedback while working through composition, exposure and focus in changing light. We begin during twilight to establish strong foreground compositions before transitioning into full Milky Way capture as darkness settles in.
This workshop is intentionally paced, allowing time to set up properly, refine technique and create images with intention rather than rushing through the night.
Workshop Details
Location: Fairplay, Colorado
Group Size: Limited to 5 participants
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Fitness Level: Moderate. Expect a 15-minute walk at elevation (11,000 ft). Terrain is relatively flat, but comfort at elevation is important.
Price: $375
What’s Included
Pre-Workshop Preparation Guide
Upon registration, you’ll receive a detailed planning guide covering recommended gear, clothing for alpine conditions, camera setup and baseline settings — so you arrive confident and ready to shoot.
Hands-On Field Instruction
In-person group instruction with personalized guidance on composition, exposure, critical focus at night, and Milky Way positioning. You’ll receive real-time feedback while shooting in the field.
Online Post-Processing Session
After the workshop, we’ll meet virtually for a guided editing session focused on night sky workflow, noise control, color balance and blending techniques, helping you turn strong captures into finished images.
What’s Not Included
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transportation. We’ll meet in Fairplay and caravan to the trailhead.
Lodging
Accommodations are not included for this workshop. Lodging recommendations will be provided upon registration.
Meals
Meals are not provided. Please bring water, snacks, and anything you may need during the evening session.
Camera Equipment
Participants are responsible for bringing and managing their own camera 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.
Location & Directions
Bristlecone Pines Night Sky Workshop – Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the Bristlecone Pines workshop?
All workshops are led by Alan Stenback, a Colorado-based photographer specializing in nightscapes and alpoine landscapes. With years of alpine shooting experience, Alan provides hands-on, supportive instruction in the field.
Who is this workshop best suited for?
This workshop is ideal for beginner to intermediate photographers. If you’re comfortable using manual mode—or ready to learn—you’ll thrive in this environment.
Do I need experience with night photography?
No experience required. We’ll cover focus techniques, exposure settings, composition strategies, and troubleshooting so you can confidently photograph the Milky Way.
What camera gear should I bring?
Any modern DSLR or mirrorless camera works. Recommended gear includes:
- Wide-angle lens (14–24mm preferred)
- Fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster if possible)
- Sturdy tripod
- Extra batteries
- Headlamp with red light mode
- Remote shutter or camera app
What baseline settings should I start with?
A strong starting point is 14–24mm, f/2.0–f/2.8, ISO 3200–6400, and 10–20 seconds. We’ll fine-tune your settings based on your specific lens and conditions at 11,000 feet.
How physically demanding is the workshop?
The hike is approximately 15 minutes on relatively flat terrain, but we are shooting above 11,000 feet in elevation. You should be comfortable walking in low light and carrying your gear at elevation.
What should I wear?
Even summer nights at 11,000 feet can be cold. Dress in warm layers, bring gloves and a hat, and wear sturdy footwear suitable for alpine terrain.
What happens if the skies are cloudy?
If conditions are safe but skies are partially cloudy, the workshop will continue with golden hour instruction, composition coaching, and night workflow training. No refunds are issued due to cloud cover or limited visibility.
What if severe weather develops?
If lightning, heavy rain, or extreme wind makes conditions unsafe, the workshop may be rescheduled. In that case, you may transfer to the rescheduled date or to another established workshop session.
What is the cancellation policy?
Payments are non-refundable. If you cannot attend your selected date, please reach out as soon as possible. A transfer to another workshop date may be offered.