COLORADO NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Milky Way & Bristlecone Pines in THE Colorado ROCKy Mountains
Capture Colorado’s ancient Bristlecone Pines under the cosmic splendor of the Milky Way. Located in the heart of Colorado’s South Park near Fairplay, this bristlecone pines photography workshop offers prime access to dark skies and ancient landscapes.
Discover the magic of Colorado’s ancient bristlecone pines under the glow of the Milky Way. This hands-on night photography workshop will guide you through capturing iconic tree silhouettes set against a starry sky at high-altitude locations. Whether you’re new to astrophotography or looking to level up your skills, this experience will inspire and challenge you in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Three dates to choose from!
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- Saturday, June 28th 2025 (Sold Out!)
- Saturday, July 26th 2025 (One Spot Left!)
- Saturday, August 23rd 2025 (Two Spots Left!)
COLORADO NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Milky Way & Bristlecone Pines in The Colorado Rocky Mountains
Capture Colorado’s ancient Bristlecone Pines under the cosmic splendor of the Milky Way. Located in the heart of Colorado’s South Park near Fairplay, this bristlecone pines photography workshop offers prime access to dark skies and ancient landscapes.
Discover the magic of Colorado’s ancient bristlecone pines under the glow of the Milky Way. This hands-on night photography workshop will guide you through capturing iconic tree silhouettes set against a starry sky at high-altitude locations. Whether you’re new to astrophotography or looking to level up your skills, this experience will inspire and challenge you in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Three dates to choose from!
-
- Saturday, June 28th 2025 (Sold Out!)
- Saturday, July 26th 2025 (One Spot Left!)
- Saturday, August 23rd 2025 (Two Spots Left!)
Here’s What You Can Expect:
Hands-On Photography Instruction
Capture the beauty of golden hour and the Milky Way with direct support for composition, settings, and technique.
Pristine Scenery
Photograph iconic bristlecone pines under clear, dark skies, with ample time for both individual shooting and group instruction. Our exact location will be disclosed upon signing up, but rest assured you’ll be graced with 360 degrees of uninterupted views above 11,000ft, wild flowers, diverse alpine fauna and views of some of the most iconic 14ers in the area.
Detailed Post-Processing Guidance
Refine your shots and create your best images in a follow-up Zoom session, where Alan covers editing techniques tailored to night sky photography.
Workshop Highlights & Itinerary
The workshop starts in the beautiful town of Fairplay, Colorado where we’ll meet to head to our shoot location. Capture golden-hour in our pristine mountain among the ancient the Bristlecone Pines. This is an off the beaten path location on public lands that is mostly only known by area locals.
Group instruction and personal guidance in-between shoots with plenty of time to learn, set-up and enjoy the landscape. As the stars take center stage, we’ll move into Milky Way and Astro photography.
- Location: Fairplay, Colorado
- Group Size: Limited to 5 participants per night
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Fitness Level: Medium. The hike to the workshop and shoot location is approximately 15 minutes at a comfortable pace – the terrain is flat, but you will be above 11,000ft of elevation
- Price: $350
Itinerary:
- 7pm: Arrive at meet-up location in Fairplay, CO
- 8pm: Drive up and hike to our workshop location
- 9pm: Astrophotography Set-Up & Instruction
- 10:30pm: Milky Way, Galactic Core Visiblity Begins
- 12:30-1am: Wrap up and hike to cars
- 5pm Tuesday evening after the workshop: Online Post Processing Session
NOTE: Everything will move up an hour earlier for the August dates
Meet Your Instructor
Alan Stenback is a passionate photographer, educator, and lifelong explorer of the night sky. With years of experience capturing moonrises, Milky Way arcs, and alpine light across the West, he’s developed a style blending technical precision with creative storytelling. His work has been highlighted by both the Ansel Adams Gallery and Rocky Mountain National Park.
As a contributor to Landscape Photography Magazine, Alan shares insights with a global audience. As co-founder of Roam With Us with his wife Gina, he leads immersive workshops and retreats, offering hands-on guidance. His drone work adds a unique aerial perspective, capturing breathtaking landscapes from new angles. Known for his approachable teaching style, Alan is dedicated to helping you create your best work under the stars.
Is This Workshop For You?
This workshop is ideal if:
- You want to capture night skies and landscapes with professional results.
- You’re eager to learn new photography techniques or refine existing skills.
- You love nature, adventure, and the challenge of a nighttime photoshoot.
What’s Included:
Pre-workshop Guide: Essential tips for your best shot. Upon sign-up you’ll recieve a detail guide with everything you need for this workshop. From dresswear to gear, we have you covered.
On-Site Instruction: Group instruction along with personalized coaching on settings, focus and composition.
Online Post-Processing Session: After our shoot, we’re only half-way done. We’ll gather online to give you all the editing insights you need to bring out the best in your shots.
What’s Not Included:
Transportation: Participants are responsible for arranging transportation. We’ll meet in Fairplay and caravan to the trailhead parking lot.
Lodging: Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. We will provide lodging recommendations upon signing up.
Meals: Meals are not provided, so please bring your own snacks and water.
Gear: Participants are responsible for bringing and caring for their own gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the photography workshops?
All workshops are led by Alan Stenback, a Colorado-based photographer who specializes in nightscapes and high-altitude landscapes. With years of experience photographing and teaching in the alpine, Alan creates an immersive and supportive learning environment for all skill levels.
What’s the best camera gear for this workshop?
Any modern DSLR or mirrorless camera body with ISO 3200+ capability, a wide-angle lens (14–24mm at f/2.8 or faster), a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter are recommended.
What if I’m not familiar with night photography?
No problem. The workshop is designed for all levels and includes guided instruction throughout the session.
What about weather conditions?
11,000 feet in the high Rockies can be chilly to downright cold, even in the summer. Please come prepared. We shoot in most weather conditions, but in the event of severe weather, the workshop may be rescheduled.
What if I need to cancel?
Your payment is non-refundable. However, we understand that extenuating circumstances arise. If you’re unable to attend the date you initially selected, please reach out to us directly at alan.stenback@gmail.com.
What happens if the skies are cloudy or weather changes?
Your safety is our top priority. If severe weather (lightning, heavy rain, high winds) makes the night unsafe, the in-person workshop may be canceled or rescheduled. In that case, you'll have the option to join a future workshop or receive access to a full online post-processing session plus bonus tutorials.
If skies are cloudy but conditions are safe, the workshop will still take place with instruction during golden hour, sunset, and night setup. No refunds are offered due to cloud cover or visibility issues. This policy applies to all attendees, whether local or traveling from out of state.