BISTI BADLANDS NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Milky Way Over Alien Desert Landscapes in New Mexico
Photograph one of the most surreal landscapes in the American Southwest under truly dark skies.
Step into the Bisti Badlands—an endlessly unique desert of hoodoos, stone formations and eroded landscapes—and learn to confidently capture the Milky Way in a setting that feels almost otherworldly.
September 12, 2026 · Limited to 5 Participants · $500
👉 A rare opportunity to photograph one of the most unique desert environments in the Southwest under pristine night skies.
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.
Surreal Desert Landscape
Photograph striking rock formations, hoodoos and natural stone structures beneath clear desert skies. The Bisti Badlands offer unique foregrounds unlike anywhere else in the Southwest. Our exact shooting locations are 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.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
We’ll meet in Farmington, New Mexico before heading out toward the Bisti Badlands. From there, we’ll caravan to the trailhead and hike into the formations as the light softens toward sunset.
We begin during twilight, working on composition and foreground selection as the landscape transitions into shadow. As darkness settles in, we move into full Milky Way capture—focusing on exposure, focus and refining compositions under the stars.
This is a true field experience. The terrain is remote, the environment is quiet and the night sky is expansive.
The workshop is intentionally paced, allowing time to explore, set up properly and create images with intention rather than rushing through the night.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
- Location: Bisti Badlands (meet in Farmington, NM)
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Group Size: Limited to 5 participants
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Fitness Level: Moderate. Expect a 20–30 minute walk on uneven desert terrain in low light
- Price: $500
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Pre-Workshop Preparation Guide
Detailed planning guide covering gear recommendations, desert conditions, camera setup and baseline settings—so you arrive confident and ready to shoot.
Hands-On Field Instruction
In-person instruction with personalized guidance on composition, exposure, critical focus and Milky Way positioning.
Online Post-Processing Session
Guided editing session covering workflow, noise control, color balance and refinement techniques.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transportation. We’ll meet in Farmington and caravan to the trailhead.
Lodging
Accommodations are not included. Participants may stay in Farmington or Bloomfield. Lodging recommendations will be provided upon registration.
Meals
Meals are not provided. Please bring water, snacks and anything needed for a full evening in the field.
Camera Equipment
Participants are responsible for bringing and managing their own 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
Bisti Badlands Night Sky Workshop – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bisti Badlands workshop?
The Bisti Badlands Night Sky Photography Workshop takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Exact meet-up details and timing are shared after registration.
Where does the workshop begin?
We’ll meet in Farmington, New Mexico, then caravan to the trailhead. Exact meeting details will be provided after registration.
Are transportation and lodging included?
No. Transportation and accommodations are not included for this single-night workshop. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging. Most participants will want to stay in Farmington or Bloomfield.
Are meals included?
No. Meals are not included. Please bring water, snacks, and anything you may need for a full evening in the field.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate photographers who want hands-on instruction in the field. If you’re new to astrophotography, we’ll help you build confidence quickly. If you’ve photographed the Milky Way before, you’ll refine technique and consistency in a truly unique desert setting.
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 is also helpful.
What baseline settings should I start with?
A solid starting point is: 16mm, f/2.8, ISO 3200, and 20–30 seconds.
We’ll dial in your exact settings based on your lens, camera, and sky conditions.
What will we photograph in Bisti Badlands?
Bisti is known for surreal desert formations, hoodoos, eroded stone features, and dramatic silhouettes under the stars. We’ll focus on strong foregrounds, clean compositions, and Milky Way technique when conditions allow.
How physically demanding is the workshop?
Expect a moderate walk on uneven desert terrain in low light. You should be comfortable carrying your camera gear, walking carefully in the dark, and standing for stretches while shooting and learning.
What should I bring besides camera gear?
Bring warm layers, sturdy shoes or boots, water, snacks, and any personal essentials you may need during the evening. Desert temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
Do I need a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle?
Usually no, but road conditions can vary depending on weather. We’ll provide guidance before the workshop so you know what to expect.
What happens if it’s cloudy or the weather shifts?
If conditions are safe but skies aren’t ideal, the workshop may still run with instruction on composition, low-light setup, and field workflow. If severe weather makes it unsafe, we may reschedule or provide an alternate option for registered participants.
Are permits required, and are there any access limitations?
We plan the workshop around responsible access and any site-specific requirements. If there are restrictions or permit considerations that affect participants, we’ll communicate exactly what you need to know after registration.
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.