COLORADO 3-NIGHT ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT
Three-Night Immersive Astrophotography Retreat in the Colorado Rocky Mountains
Spend three nights under Colorado’s dark mountain skies learning how to photograph the Milky Way and deep space in a small-group, immersive setting. Through hands-on field instruction and guided editing sessions, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to capture and process stunning night sky images.
Only a limited number of spots are available to maintain a true small-group experience.
Small Groups • Dark Skies • Hands-On Instruction
July 16–19, 2026 • Thursday–Sunday
Fairplay, Colorado • Accommodations Included • $500 Deposit
Why Fairplay Has Some of Colorado’s Best Night Skies
Located in the wide-open South Park basin of Colorado’s central mountains, Fairplay offers some of the darkest and most accessible skies in the state.
The area sits at over 9,900 feet in elevation, surrounded by high mountain ranges and far from major urban light pollution. These conditions create excellent visibility of the Milky Way and deep space objects throughout the night.
South Park is known for its broad horizons and expansive landscapes, making it an ideal location for Milky Way landscape photography.
From spring through early fall, the Milky Way rises clearly above the mountains, providing incredible opportunities to photograph the galaxy over Colorado’s alpine terrain.
Combined with short travel distances to shooting locations and consistently dark skies, the Fairplay area provides an exceptional environment for learning astrophotography.
Retreat Schedule
Thursday — Arrival & First Night Under the Stars
Guests arrive in the afternoon for check-in at the retreat cabin and time to get settled before the retreat begins.
The evening starts with introductions and orientation, followed by the Essential Night Photography Techniques presentation, where we cover the core skills needed to capture the night sky successfully.
Next is a hands-on gear overview and setup session, making sure cameras, lenses, and tripods are properly prepared for the night ahead.
After sunset we head into the field for Night Shoot #1, focusing on Milky Way landscape photography and learning how to confidently dial in camera settings under dark skies.
Friday — Editing & Refining Your Technique
Friday morning is relaxed so everyone can recover from the late night.
In the afternoon we meet for a Post-Processing Workshop, where you’ll learn the key techniques used to transform night images into finished photographs.
Topics include:
- Noise reduction
- Color balance and contrast
- Milky Way enhancement
- Exposure blending
- Creating clean, natural night sky images
This is a hands-on editing session, so bring your laptop and we’ll work directly with images captured the previous night.
After sunset we return to the field for Night Shoot #2, refining technique, composition, and exposure with guidance throughout the night.
Saturday — Deep Space & Advanced Techniques
Saturday focuses on expanding your astrophotography skills.
We begin with a Deep Space Photography discussion, introducing techniques for capturing more detailed night sky images using tracking mounts and advanced capture methods.
This session includes a hands-on gear overview, demonstrating how star trackers work and how to set them up.
That evening we head out for Night Shoot #3, the final night in the field where participants can experiment with both Milky Way landscapes and tracked deep-sky techniques with guidance throughout the night.
Sunday — Departure
Sunday morning is departure day after breakfast.
Guests leave with new images, new skills, and a deeper understanding of photographing the night sky.
Accommodations
Your retreat includes three nights of lodging in a spacious mountain cabin.
Participants will have private bedrooms while sharing comfortable common areas designed for relaxing, editing photos, and discussing photography with the group.
The cabin provides:
- Large shared living spaces
- Full kitchen access
- Comfortable areas for editing and discussion
- Outdoor space for relaxing between sessions
- Easy access to nearby night photography locations
The goal is to create a comfortable and collaborative environment where photographers can learn, relax, and connect.
Meals
Meals are not included, giving guests flexibility throughout the retreat.
Participants will have access to the full kitchen at the cabin, and the nearby town offers restaurants, groceries, and coffee shops for meals during the weekend.
Many participants choose to cook simple meals together or explore local dining options between sessions.
Transportation
Local transportation to and from photography locations during the retreat is included.
Participants will travel together in a comfortable SUV, making it easy to reach our night photography locations safely and efficiently. Many of the best astrophotography locations require driving mountain roads after dark, so traveling together allows everyone to relax and focus on the photography experience.
What You’ll Learn
During the retreat you’ll learn how to:
- Photograph the Milky Way with confidence
- Dial in the correct night photography camera settings
- Compose strong night landscapes
- Use advanced focusing techniques in the dark
- Process astrophotography images professionally
- Understand star trackers and deep-sky techniques
- Build a reliable night photography workflow
By the end of the retreat, you’ll understand how to confidently photograph and process the night sky on your own.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is ideal for photographers who:
- Want to learn astrophotography in a hands-on environment
- Already know basic camera controls and want to expand their skills
- Want personalized guidance in the field
- Prefer small groups and immersive learning experiences
- Love spending time outdoors under dark skies
Skill Level
Participants should have a basic understanding of their camera and be comfortable using manual settings.
You do not need prior astrophotography experience. The retreat is designed to guide photographers through the entire process step by step.
What Makes Our Workshops Different
Small Groups, Real Instruction
Our retreats are intentionally limited to a small number of participants so everyone receives individual guidance. Instead of trying to keep up with a large group, you’ll have time to ask questions, refine your technique, and get help exactly when you need it.
Learning in the Field
Astrophotography is best learned under the night sky, not just in a classroom. Each night we’re out photographing together, working through real conditions and real scenes so you gain experience you can use long after the retreat ends.
A Complete Workflow
Many workshops focus only on capturing images in the field. During this retreat you’ll also learn how to process your images properly, so you leave understanding the full workflow from capture to finished photograph.
A Comfortable Retreat Environment
The retreat takes place in a spacious mountain cabin, giving everyone a comfortable place to relax, edit images, and talk photography between sessions. With private bedrooms and shared spaces, the environment is both social and relaxed.
Dark Skies Matter
Great astrophotography requires truly dark skies, something that’s becoming harder to find. Our locations are carefully chosen to provide excellent night sky visibility and strong Milky Way viewing conditions.
Passion for the Craft
These workshops aren’t about rushing through locations or packing in as many stops as possible. They’re about slowing down, learning the craft, and experiencing the night sky in a meaningful way.
Why a Multi-Night Retreat?
- Learning night photography takes time.
- A single evening workshop often leaves photographers feeling rushed. With three nights together we can:
- Practice techniques multiple times
- Review images and improve between shoots
- Work through editing together
- Explore more advanced techniques
By the end of the retreat, participants leave with both the knowledge and confidence to continue photographing the night sky on their own.
Colorado Astrophotography Workshop
This retreat is designed for photographers looking for a true Colorado astrophotography workshop experience. The dark skies around Fairplay provide exceptional conditions for Milky Way photography and night landscape photography throughout the summer months.
Photographers travel from around the country to experience Colorado’s high elevation dark skies, making this workshop an ideal opportunity to learn astrophotography while exploring the landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.
If you’re searching for a Milky Way photography workshop, night photography workshop in Colorado, or an immersive astrophotography retreat, this experience provides hands-on instruction in both the field and post-processing environment.
Reserve Your Spot
Because of the small-group format, space in this retreat is limited.
If you’re interested in joining us under Colorado’s dark skies, we recommend reserving your spot early.
Questions before booking?
Feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help you determine if this retreat is a good fit.
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
Colorado 3-Night Astrophotography Retreat – Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 3-night retreat different from the single-night workshops?
This is a deeper, more immersive experience. Over three nights, we photograph multiple locations, refine technique, review images together, and build advanced skills like stacking, longer exposures, and more intentional compositions.
Are accommodations included?
Yes. Cabin accommodations are included for the full three nights. Participants will have private bedrooms while sharing comfortable common areas designed for relaxing, editing images, and discussing photography with the group.
Is transportation included?
Yes. Local transportation to and from photography locations during the retreat is included. Participants will travel together in a comfortable SUV so everyone can focus on the photography experience rather than navigating unfamiliar mountain roads at night. You are responsible for getting yourself to Fairplay, Colorado for check-in.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included. Guests will have access to the full kitchen at the cabin, and the nearby town offers restaurants, groceries, and coffee shops for meals throughout the retreat.
What skill level is this retreat best suited for?
This retreat is ideal for beginner to intermediate photographers. Participants should have a basic understanding of their camera and be reasonably comfortable using manual settings.
Will we cover advanced techniques like stacking or tracking?
Yes. With multiple nights in the field, we introduce advanced workflows including image stacking, longer exposures, and more refined post-processing techniques.
What camera gear should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens (14–24mm recommended), fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster if possible), sturdy tripod, extra batteries, and a headlamp with red light mode. A star tracker is optional but welcome if you own one.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Because we have multiple nights scheduled, we build flexibility into the itinerary to maximize clear skies. If safety or weather conditions require adjustments, the schedule may shift accordingly.
How physically demanding is the retreat?
Most locations are accessible, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain at high elevation. Expect conditions between 10,000–11,000 feet depending on the location.
Is there post-processing instruction included?
Yes. The retreat includes guided image review and post-processing instruction so you leave with finished, portfolio-ready images.
What is your cancellation policy?
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to the retreat start date. For the July 16–19, 2026 retreat, final payment is due by June 1, 2026.
If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. Your deposit is non-refundable, but it may be applied toward a future retreat or workshop. If your spot can be filled by another participant, we will refund any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit.
If the retreat must be cancelled by the organizer due to safety concerns, minimum enrollment not being met, or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and may wish to consider travel insurance.