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Are you attending NightScaper and wanting to go out on an adventure just before the conference?  Than look no further!  

 

Come along on a 3 day / 3 night trip as we explore the land of enchantment from the four corners area!  With an experienced Navajo Guide, we will immerse ourselves in legends, lore, the world of dark skies and otherworldly formations!  In fact, this was the FIRST place I ever photographed the stars in a dark sky location!  That's why the images here don't look like my typical work.  These were some of my first night sky images I ever took  - back in 2018!  This time, we will be guided to some of the most incredible formations in the area.  The awe and wonder of this area changed me forever.  Perhaps this time it will be YOU!   

 

Dates – May 10th – May 13th, 2026 

These dates were chosen to give you plenty of time to enjoy the sights of the four corners area before heading into the classroom.  Then you can take what you capture and share them with everyone at the conference! Meet up times will be finalized as we get closer.  Figure around sunset, which in may is a little after 8pm.  

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Day 1 -  We will meet up in the afternoon for a meet/greet and gear check. So that way we can work out any kinks before heading into the field.  Meet our local guide at the Bisti Badlands/De Na Zin Wildnerness  

Walking distance: minimum 8–9 kilometers (approximately 5 to 6 miles)
Terrain: moderately difficult over long slopes with occasional high steps

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Day 2 - Meet our local guide at Shiprock Peak

Terrain: flat, easy with occasional high steps
Transportation: You will follow along in your own vehicle to visit all areas of interest. Total drive is about 9 miles.  Road is rough, so a vehicle with ground clearance is ideal. 

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Day 3 - Return to Bisti Badlands/De Na Zin Wildnerness

While our guide cannot join us on this third night, we will return to Bisti to explore more areas that we didn't see on the first night.  So figure another night of hiking similar to the first.   

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On day 3, (during the day) we can meet up for an editing session.  Likely at the host hotel for Nighscaper, this way you are all ready to go for the conference!  

 

Lodging:

Lodging, Meals, and Transportation is not included in this workshop.  Feel free to bring snacks and drinks of your choosing!  

Please refer to the NightScaper information page on host recommended lodging. 

 

What will you learn?

 

Astrophotography focus:

- Camera settings and best practices.

- Stacking and Tracking images for best results.

- Introduction to blue hour blends. depending on time. 

- Composition tips and tricks.

 

We will also go over the many weather tools and apps available to help plan where to go!  We will also have time to go over post-processing techniques.  Fear not, you will learn something! :) 

 

What to bring: 

 

- A DSLR or mirrorless camera. All I ask is that you know how to operate the camera’s main functions prior to the workshop. It is extremely difficult to learn a new camera in the dark! Trust me on this one! If you have a new camera, we will go over its functions during the day at home base.

 

- Sturdy tripod. I use Slik tripods, and they have served me well.

 

- A fast, wide angle lens for the night photography sessions. Something in a 14-24mm range will serve you well. F/2.8 or faster. Primes are awesome. Feel free to bring  a 35mm or 50mm, as well for Shiprock. 

 

- Star Tracker - since this is an astrophotography workshop, I encourage you to bring your tracker!  

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- Intervalometer or some way to control your camera remotely. 

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- A headlamp with a white light.  For photography, white lamps are preferred because they can be cleaned up in post.  A red light is extremely hard to remove in post. 

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Weather can be chilly in the desert, even in May.  Please bring layers to make sure you are comfortable!  

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Price - $1500 per person. Max of 6 participants.   

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Refund Policy: 

In the event you cannot make the trip, I will refund you the full amount (minus 10% due to processing fees) if done 1-month prior.  This will allow me to find a person to take your place.  Anytime after 1-month, I cannot offer a refund due to the costs involved to run the workshop.  

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