A Red Rock Wonderland Under Moonless Skies
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 August 2025 under moonless skies in Arches National Park to capture some of the most stunning geologic formations that make this a monumental backdrop for epic night sky photography.
This is a four night in-depth instruction and guidance astrophotography workshop that will teach you how to find your way around in the dark, how to find the best composition using PhotoPills, what exposures to use for night photography and how to focus in the dark. We'll also learn how to capture stunning star trail images.
Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks.
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: $ 3,795.00
For Non-Photographer Guest- $495
Select to pay the $300 deposit Now and we will send you an invoice for the remaining balance owed - This will minimize any registration fees!
This is the only Arches Astrophotography Workshop we are offering in 2025. Space is limited.
Workshop Dates: August 23 - August 26, 2025
We will get started at noon on the 23rd with a group lunch and finish up in the early morning of the 26th.
Click Here to Register!
Participants: Limit 8
Tuition: $ 3,795.00
For Non-Photographer Guest- $495
Select to pay the $300 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.
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:
-Milky way Photo instruction by Craig Wennersten at multiple locations
-Introduction to star trail photography and in field instruction
-Photo editing classroom instruction using Lightroom Classic CC
-Classroom Editing session using StarStaX
-Welcome reception on our first night
-Dinner in Moab on our second night
-Park entrance fees and permits
-4 Nights single occupancy lodging in Moab
-All transportation from hotel to shooting locations
-Unlimited Milky Way Bars to Enjoy!
This workshop DOES NOT include:
-Meals not listed above
-Flights or car rentals
-Gratuities for resort staff and instructors
-Alcoholic Beverages
Hope To See You There! ~ Keep Looking Up! Please feel free to contact Craig if you have any questions or need any help with your gear or equipment requirements.
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: 1/2 of Tuition refundable as credit.
< 30 days prior: No credit or refund.