jtreeMilkayWayCompressed.jpg
jtreeMilkayWayCompressed.jpg

Desert Sky & Stars (July 2026)

$695.00

Joshua Tree National Park

One unforgettable night of Milky Way and star-trail photography in the surreal desert landscapes of Joshua Tree — timed for the new moon.

This compact workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience Joshua Tree under its darkest skies without a multi-day commitment. We’ll meet in the late afternoon to scout compositions and capture sunset and blue-hour light, then move into the night for Milky Way arches and long-exposure star-trail sequences. Instruction centers on composition, exposure, timing, and creative night-shooting workflow — balancing artistry with control.

Our focus will be on both iconic and hidden desert locations chosen to capture the park’s essence while avoiding crowds. With an ultra-small group of just two to three participants, each photographer receives personalized guidance throughout setup, shooting, and review. The session concludes shortly after midnight, following a full night of hands-on astrophotography under pristine new-moon skies.

Joshua Tree National Park

One unforgettable night of Milky Way and star-trail photography in the surreal desert landscapes of Joshua Tree — timed for the new moon.

This compact workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience Joshua Tree under its darkest skies without a multi-day commitment. We’ll meet in the late afternoon to scout compositions and capture sunset and blue-hour light, then move into the night for Milky Way arches and long-exposure star-trail sequences. Instruction centers on composition, exposure, timing, and creative night-shooting workflow — balancing artistry with control.

Our focus will be on both iconic and hidden desert locations chosen to capture the park’s essence while avoiding crowds. With an ultra-small group of just two to three participants, each photographer receives personalized guidance throughout setup, shooting, and review. The session concludes shortly after midnight, following a full night of hands-on astrophotography under pristine new-moon skies.

View full gallery

Workshop Details

Dates

Monday, July 13 – Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Meeting Point: Joshua Tree National Park — 3:00 PM PST Monday, July 13, 2026
End Point: Joshua Tree National Park — 1:00 AM PST Wednesday, July 14, 2026

Duration & Group Size

Duration: 1 night of field instruction focused on sunset, Milky Way, and star-trail photography — timed for the new moon.
Group Size: 3

Fitness Level & Conditions

Easy to moderate hiking. Participants should be comfortable walking 2–3 miles per day (broken up across sunrise, sunset, and night sessions) with camera gear.

Average April temperatures range from 70–90°F. Be prepared for early mornings, late nights, and variable desert conditions.

What’s Included
  • Hands-on personalized photography instruction (sunrise, sunset, night)
  • Location scouting and permits
  • Field guidance and composition coaching
  • Post-processing instruction
What’s Not Included

Lodging, meals, and transportation.

Lodging

Not included. Participants must arrange their own lodging at the following locations:

  • Joshua Tree Village / Yucca Valley, CA: 2 nights — check in June 14, check out June 16
Transportation

Not included. Participants are expected to have access to transportation to Johsua Tree National Park. Car-pooling within the park can be coordinated when practical.

Reservations & Payment

Full payment due at booking to secure a spot.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made more than 90 days prior to the start date are fully refundable. Cancellations within 90 days are non-refundable, but your spot may be transferred to another participant.

Recommended Gear

Photo: DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide and telephoto lenses, sturdy tripod, remote shutter release.
Other: Hiking shoes, day pack, headlamp, water bottle. A detailed checklist will be provided upon signup.