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 — SOLD OUT
Sat, Jul 11 2026 — SOLD OUT
Fri, Aug 14, 2026 — 3 SPOTS LEFT
Sat, Aug 15, 2026 — SOLD OUT
Announcing 2027 dates soon!
Small Group · Limited to 5 Participants · $375
This Workshop Is For You If:
✔ You’ve tried photographing the Milky Way but aren’t confident with settings
✔ You want real, hands-on help (not just watching someone else shoot)
✔ You’d rather learn in one focused night than figure it out alone
If weather prevents shooting, you’ll receive options to reschedule or apply your credit to a future date.
Want to go deeper? Our 3-night Colorado retreat includes multiple field sessions, editing instruction, and lodging. Explore the full experience:Colorado Night Sky Astrophotography Retreat
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Your own Milky Way images captured under dark alpine skies
- A clear understanding of camera settings for night photography
- Confidence focusing and composing in the dark
- A repeatable workflow you can use anywhere
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 (typically within the following week) 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 Enthusiast
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.
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
Bristlecone Pines & Milky Way Photography Workshop FAQs
Who leads the Bristlecone Pines workshop?
The workshop is led by Alan Stenback, a Colorado-based landscape and night sky photographer with extensive experience photographing at high elevations and under dark sky conditions. Instruction is hands-on, practical and tailored to the cameras, lenses and experience levels represented in each group.
Who is this workshop best suited for?
This workshop is designed for beginner through experienced photographers who want to become more confident photographing the Milky Way. You do not need previous astrophotography experience, but familiarity with your camera’s basic controls is helpful. We can also help you get more comfortable working in manual mode.
Do I need previous night photography experience?
No. We’ll work through a repeatable process for camera setup, manual focus, exposure, composition and troubleshooting in the dark. More experienced photographers can refine their technique, experiment with different compositions and receive personalized field coaching.
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 25 seconds and an ISO between 3200 and 6400. Your final settings will depend on your camera, lens, focal length and the conditions that evening.
Is post-processing instruction included?
Yes. The workshop includes a live online post-processing session following the field experience. We’ll walk through a practical editing workflow for your Milky Way images, including exposure adjustments, color balance, noise reduction, local adjustments and final image refinement.
The session is generally scheduled during the following week based on group availability. Additional details will be provided to registered guests.
How physically demanding is the workshop?
The walk from the trailhead to the primary shooting area takes approximately 15 minutes. The distance is relatively short, but the terrain is uneven and the workshop takes place above 11,000 feet, where even moderate activity can feel more strenuous.
Guests should be comfortable walking while carrying their camera gear and returning over uneven terrain after dark. We move at a measured pace and allow time for everyone to adjust to the elevation.
What should I wear and bring besides camera gear?
Summer nights above 11,000 feet can become cold quickly after sunset. Dress in warm layers and bring a jacket, gloves, a warm hat and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven alpine terrain.
You should also bring water, snacks and any personal medications you may need. A small camp chair can be useful during instruction breaks, but it is optional.
Where does the workshop take place?
The workshop takes place near Fairplay, Colorado, in a high-elevation bristlecone pine forest known for dark skies and distinctive ancient trees. Guests meet at a central location in Fairplay and caravan together to the trailhead.
Detailed meeting instructions, driving information and field-location guidance are provided to registered guests before the workshop.
What time does the workshop begin and end?
Guests typically meet in Fairplay around 7:30 p.m. before caravanning to the trailhead. Field instruction begins before sunset so there is time to prepare equipment, review safety information and work on foreground compositions before the Milky Way becomes visible.
The workshop generally continues until approximately midnight or 1:00 a.m. Exact timing varies by date, sky conditions and the position of the Milky Way. Registered guests receive a detailed itinerary before the workshop.
Do I need a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle?
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not normally required. Standard passenger vehicles can generally reach the trailhead under normal summer conditions. Road and weather conditions can change, however, so updated driving guidance will be shared before the workshop when necessary.
Are restroom facilities available?
A basic pit toilet is available at the trailhead. There are no restroom facilities once we leave the trailhead and enter the primary shooting area.
How many guests attend each workshop?
Each workshop is limited to five guests. The small group size allows for personalized instruction, easier troubleshooting and meaningful one-on-one guidance throughout the evening.
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. Night sky conditions and specific photographic results cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if the forecast is cloudy?
The workshop generally proceeds when conditions are safe, even when clouds, haze or smoke may affect Milky Way visibility. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and forecasts do not always reflect what happens at the shooting location.
If the sky is not ideal, we’ll make the best use of available conditions through composition work, camera setup, manual focusing, blue-hour photography, 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, extreme wind, hazardous road conditions or another safety concern develops, we may delay the start, modify 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.
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 your workshop are provided during registration and checkout.