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Desert Sky & Stars (June 2026)

$1,295.00

Joshua Tree National Park

Two nights of desert light and Milky Way photography in the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree — timed for the new moon.

June brings some of the best conditions of the year to photograph Joshua Tree’s distinctive rock formations and desert flora under the stars. We’ll meet on Sunday afternoon to scout compositions and shoot the first sunset and Milky Way session, returning Monday for another sunrise and evening under the dark new-moon sky. Instruction will focus on composition, exposure blending, star-tracking, and efficient night-shooting workflows that balance creativity with technical precision.

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 three participants, each photographer receives personal guidance from start to finish. The workshop concludes late Monday night after our second Milky Way and star-trail session, ensuring two full evenings of astrophotography and hands-on field experience.

Joshua Tree National Park

Two nights of desert light and Milky Way photography in the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree — timed for the new moon.

June brings some of the best conditions of the year to photograph Joshua Tree’s distinctive rock formations and desert flora under the stars. We’ll meet on Sunday afternoon to scout compositions and shoot the first sunset and Milky Way session, returning Monday for another sunrise and evening under the dark new-moon sky. Instruction will focus on composition, exposure blending, star-tracking, and efficient night-shooting workflows that balance creativity with technical precision.

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 three participants, each photographer receives personal guidance from start to finish. The workshop concludes late Monday night after our second Milky Way and star-trail session, ensuring two full evenings of astrophotography and hands-on field experience.

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Workshop Details

Dates

Sunday, June 14 – Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Meeting Point: Joshua Tree National Park — 3:00 PM PST Sunday, June 14, 2026
End Point: Joshua Tree National Park — 1:00 AM PST Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Duration & Group Size

Duration: 2 nights 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.