Astrophotography Workshop 2026 ~ Arches At Night Under Moonless Skies
The arches stand silently at night, their silhouettes stark against the backdrop of a moonless sky.
The absence of moonlight enhances the mystery of the structures, allowing the stars to twinkle more vividly above.
This serene atmosphere invites contemplation, as the arches, with their timeless elegance, evoke a sense of history and grandeur.
The darkness envelops the scene, creating a tranquil yet awe-inspiring environment that captivates the imagination.
The captivating scenery of Arches National Park in Utah is celebrated for its pristine night sky, free from the interference of artificial lighting.
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), this remarkable area offers a unique and breathtaking experience of the cosmos, making it a prime destination for night photographers eager to immortalize the beauty of the celestial realm.
We cordially invite you to participate in an immersive astrophotography workshop scheduled for April 2026, set against the stunning, moonless vistas of Arches National Park.
This location is not only famous for its striking geological formations but also provides an unparalleled backdrop for capturing the wonders of the night sky, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all participants.
This in-depth 4- night photography workshop is meticulously crafted to provide participants with thorough instruction and expert guidance in the specialized field of astrophotography.
Throughout the course, you will acquire vital skills necessary for effectively navigating low-light environments, including the use of PhotoPills to pinpoint the best compositions for your shots.
Additionally, you will learn how to determine the correct exposure settings tailored for night photography, as well as develop proficiency in focusing techniques specifically designed for capturing images in darkness.
This workshop promises to enhance your understanding and execution of astrophotography, equipping you with the tools needed to create stunning celestial images.
Arches National Park boasts an impressive collection of over 2,000 natural stone arches, complemented by striking pinnacles, towering fins, and massive balanced rocks that create a breathtaking landscape.
During our photographic expedition, we will not only focus on capturing iconic landmarks that draw visitors from around the world but will also dedicate time to uncovering the park's hidden gems.
By venturing into these lesser-known areas, we aim to provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of the park's diverse geological features, showcasing the intricate beauty and unique formations that contribute to its renowned natural heritage.
Arches National Park is one of Utah National parks to be certified as somewhere you can see a truly dark night sky. According to IDA, an International Dark Sky Park is a land possessing an exceptional and renowned quality of starry nights that provide abundant opportunities for photographing the night sky.
Join us in April 2026
Some of the more popular locations include:
- Balance Rock
- Double Arch
- Turret Arch
- North Window
- South Window
- Park Avenue
- Fin Rock
- The Three Gossips
Because we are early in the "Milky Way Season" our Milky Way shooting window is in the early morning hours allowing us to begin our night shooting sunset, followed by several hours of star trail photography and then capture the Milky Way before returning to the hotel.
There is no place like the Arches for photographing the night sky!
Astrophotography requires a professional level camera and lens in order to be successful and get the image results you are looking for.
Required Equipment and Accessories:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with "native" non-extended ISO range to at least 12,800 and shutter speeds to at least 30 secs
- Wide angle lens with a aperture of f/2.8 or larger and a full frame equivalent of 14 - 24 mm
- A sturdy tripod
- Shutter release cord (best option), intervalometer, or wireless remote
- Extra batteries
- Headlamp with a red filter
- Small flashlight
If you do not have a professional level camera or lens, we would highly recommend purchasing or renting one from Mike's Camera.
Recommended Items:
- Warm clothes (as the night gets later it does get colder)
- Gloves and hat
- Hiking Boots
- Snacks and beverages
- Bug spray
- Camping chair or any portable seat. We do a lot of standing.
What You Will Learn:
We only teach in our workshops single exposure wide-field astrophotography, which can be best described as landscape photography in the dark, with an emphasis on capturing brilliant Milky Way images using wide-angle lenses.
Over the years a variety of techniques have been developed but our shooting time will be focused on getting the most out of your equipment with just a single exposure.
This is a great place for the beginner Astrophotographer to start their journey or the intermediate photographer to hone their skills before moving on to the more advanced techniques.
-The best times to photograph the Milky Way
-How to find the best dark sky location
-Best equipment to use
-How to focus in the dark
-How to set exposure and ISO
-Rule of 400 / 500 / 600
-Identifying other lights in the night sky
-Post Processing Images using Lightroom Classic CC
-How to shoot Star Trails
-Processing Star Trail images using StarStaX
What You’ll Need For Processing Class:
Digital processing is a crucial step in astrophotography for creating striking images.
- Laptop computer
- Notebook paper and pen for keeping notes.
- You will be given a 4 page "cheat sheet" on the things we covered for you to take home.
Make sure you have the latest version of Lightroom Classic CC. If you don’t already own Lightroom Classic CC - you can download a free 7 day trial here.
You should also have StarStaX on your computer. It is free software that is available for Mac and PC.
Click Here to Register
Participants: Limit 8
Tuition: $ 3,995.00
For Non-Photographer Guest- $695
Select to pay the $500 deposit Now and we will send you an invoice for the remaining balance owed - This will minimize any registration fees!
(As attendance is limited on this workshop deposits are non-refundable unless your space is able to be filled)
Workshop Dates: April 16 - 19, 2026
Arrival Date: April 16, 2026 by 3 PM in Moab, Utah
Departure Date: April 20, 2026 anytime from Moab, Utah
Click Here to Register
Participants: Limit 8
Tuition: $ 3,995.00
For Non-Photographer Guest- $695
Select to pay the $500 deposit Now and we will send you an invoice for the remaining balance owed - This will minimize any registration fees!
Experience Level: Who will benefit from this workshop?
Beginner I: Someone having a strong knowledge and firm understanding of their camera with "little to no" experience in astrophotography.
Beginner II: Someone having a strong knowledge and firm understanding of their camera and have "tried" their hand at astrophotography.
Intermediate: Someone having a strong knowledge and firm understanding of their camera with "some" experience in astrophotography.
Endurance Level: Moderate - All age levels are welcomed. Light hiking is involved, but nothing too strenuous. We’ll drive to each location then hike to the best position.
Arriving By Air:
Closest Airport - The closest major airport to Moab is located in Salt Lake City (236 miles from Moab - 4 hour drive).
Lodging:
4 Nights Included: Single Occupancy in Moab, Utah
Our home base hotel, the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn is located in the center of Moab offering easy access to restaurants, shops and galleries.
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn, 16 South Main, Moab, Utah 84532
What is Included?
This workshop DOES include:
- 4 Nights of single occupancy lodging in Moab, Utah.4 nights of instruction by Craig in Arches National Park.
- Welcome Dinner on our first day in the Moab, Utah.
- Final night group dinner Moab, Utah.
- Post processing instruction using Lightroom Classic CC.
- Permits and park entrance fees.
- Plus...all the Milky Way Bars you can eat! :-)
This workshop DOES NOT include:
- Transportation to and from the workshop Flights and rental cars
- Meals not listed as included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for resort staff and instructor(s)
Trip Insurance:
- To safeguard yourself against unforeseen circumstances, we highly recommend obtaining trip insurance. This can be conveniently from a range of other online providers at competitive prices.
- It is important to note that Mike's Camera, Inc. does not offer refunds or credits on deposits under any circumstances.
- Therefore, securing trip insurance is essential to cover any unexpected emergencies or situations that may necessitate cancellation.
- Protecting your investment in this manner is prudent and can provide peace of mind during your travels.
- One such company is World Nomads, which has earned a strong reputation among travelers for its comprehensive policies and reliable service
About Your Instructor: Craig Wennersten (Image 10 Photographic)
As a seasoned business owner, photographer, and educator, I have a deep-seated passion for everything related to photography.
I proudly advocate for the preservation of dark skies and am an active member of the International Dark Sky Association.
My expertise lies in capturing the beauty of the world above us, blending astrophotography with stunning landscapes, abstract art, and cityscapes to create a unique visual narrative.
Since 2010, I have traveled extensively, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm through a variety of photography workshops, clinics, and classes across the United States.
For me, photography serves as a vital practice that allows me to pause and contemplate what truly matters in life. It provides a much-needed opportunity to rejuvenate and reflect, and I am incredibly grateful for the role it plays in my journey.
Cancellation Policy:
> 90 days prior: Fully refundable.
< 60 days prior: No credit or refund
