New Mexico Night Sky Photography Workshops 2026
Workshop Locations
Bisti Badlands – September 12, 2026
Valles Caldera – October 10, 2026
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.
New Mexico Night Sky Workshops – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the New Mexico night sky workshop dates and locations?
We’re hosting two single-night New Mexico workshops in 2026:
- Bisti Badlands — Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Valles Caldera — Saturday, October 10, 2026
Exact meet-up details and timing are shared after registration.
Are transportation and meals included?
No. These are single-night workshops, so transportation and meals are not included. You’ll be responsible for your own travel, snacks, and water.
Who are these workshops for?
These workshops are designed for beginner to intermediate photographers who want hands-on instruction in the field. If you’re new to astrophotography, we’ll get you confident fast. If you’ve shot the Milky Way before, you’ll sharpen technique and consistency.
Do I need astrophotography experience?
No. We’ll walk through a simple, repeatable approach to settings, focus, composition, and troubleshooting in the dark.
What camera gear should I bring?
Any modern DSLR or mirrorless camera works. Recommended gear includes a wide-angle lens (14–24mm), f/2.8 or faster if possible, a sturdy tripod, extra batteries, and a headlamp with red light mode. A remote shutter (or camera app) helps a lot.
What baseline settings should I start with?
A solid starting point is: 14–24mm, f/2.0–f/2.8, ISO 3200–6400, and 10–20 seconds. We’ll dial in your exact settings based on your lens and the sky conditions.
What will we shoot in Bisti Badlands?
Bisti is all about surreal desert formations and dramatic silhouettes under the stars. We’ll focus on strong foregrounds, clean compositions, and Milky Way technique when conditions allow.
What will we shoot at Valles Caldera?
Valles Caldera offers expansive skies, wide-open views, and a totally different mood—big landscape, big sky. We’ll work on composition, exposure, and creating images that feel cinematic and intentional.
What happens if it’s cloudy or the weather shifts?
If conditions are safe but skies aren’t ideal, the workshop still runs with instruction, sunset-to-night technique, and setup workflows. If severe weather makes it unsafe (lightning, heavy rain, extreme wind), we may reschedule or provide an alternate option for registered participants.
Are permits required, and are there any access limitations?
We plan each workshop around responsible access and any site-specific requirements. If an area has restrictions or permit needs, we’ll communicate exactly what you need to know after registration.
How physically demanding are these workshops?
Expect light walking on uneven terrain in the dark. You should be comfortable carrying your camera gear, moving slowly, and standing for stretches while shooting and learning.
What should I bring besides camera gear?
Bring warm layers (desert temps can drop fast), sturdy shoes/boots, water, snacks, and any personal essentials. A small chair can be nice during instruction breaks.
What is your cancellation / transfer policy?
Payments are generally non-refundable. If you can’t attend your original date, reach out as soon as possible—transfer options may be available if space allows.