top of page
JessSantos_AlienThrone_Horizontal_edited.jpg

BISTI BADLANDS, NEW MEXICO

SHOOT ON ANOTHER PLANET, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

calendar vector Overlanding New Mexico Bisti photography workshop dates

TRIP DATES

SEPTEMBER 8TH - 13TH, 2026

These dates were chosen specifically to focus on astrophotography.

Group size vector New Mexico Bisti photography adventure

TRIBE SIZE

We only accept 8 students per workshop to give our students more 1-on-1 guidance.

Once it's full, it's gone!

Camera Vector Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Badlands photography workshop difficulty level

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

This photography workshop is open to all experience levels, from beginner to advanced all are welcome.

Hiking vector Overlanding New Mexico Bisti photography tour hiking expectation

HIKING 

This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 4 miles) through rocky or sandy terrain

Constellation icon representing Milky Way night photography at New Mexico Bisti Badlands overlanding workshop

MILKY WAY

This workshop takes place in some extremely dark skies, which means more time focused on capturing the stars.

x4 vehicle icon symbolizing overlanding base camps during New Mexico Bisti Badlands overlanding photography workshop

OVERLANDING

Having the freedom to base camp near our locations allows us more time out photographing in the field.

Hoodoo rock formations icon representing unique landscapes of the New Mexico Bisti Badlands photography overlanding workshop

HOODOOS

Such unique formations create a compositional playground. Learn visual storytelling through composition.

Navajo Diné cultural symbol icon representing local guided experience at New Mexico Bisti Badlands overlanding photo workshop

DINÉ GUIDE

Learn more about the land and local Diné culture from our private guide and visit an exclusive location.

ITINERARY

This Itinerary is subject to change as with any landscape photography adventure weather plays an important role in our shoots.

  • Day 1 – Arrive in Farmington: Meet at noon in Farmington, New Mexico for lunch, supplies, and logistics. We’ll setup camp in the badlands and photograph alien-like rock formations at sunset. After blue hour we’ll return to camp for a night of Milky Way photography under dark desert skies.

  • Day 2 – Ancient History & Hoodoos: A slow morning at camp, then a midday visit to a historic canyon of ancient ruins to explore and connect with the region’s history. Sunset shoot in a garden of hoodoos, then dinner and more night sky photography.

  • Day 3 – Reset in TownWe’ll break camp and head into Farmington for lunch and a check in at the Airbnb. This is a chance to restock and refresh. The afternoon and evening will be spent in an editing session before a well-earned night of rest in a real bed.

​​

  • Day 4 – Sacred Valleys: The morning begins with photo review and a classroom session. We’ll gather supplies then return to the badlands to meet with our Diné guide who will lead us into a sacred valley of stone spires. Afterward we return to camp for dinner and a night sky shoot in the desert silence.

  • Day 5 – Storytelling in Stone: After a late morning we move camp to a new location. This evening we head to our favorite hoodoo field that offers endless opportunities for creative compositions. After blue hour it's dinner and bed for an early morning.

  • Day 5 – Sunrise Transformation: At sunrise we capture the same landscape as last night, but with light that transforms these formations into something entirely new. After the shoot we pack camp and the workshop concludes in the late morning with memories and images to last a lifetime.

Blue Hour blend taken on New Mexico Bisti Badlands Astrophotography Workshop

LOGISTICS

Nearest Airport to Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Badlands Photo Workshop

NEAREST AIRPORT

You will want to fly into

ALBUQUERQUE AIRPORT, DURANGO AIRPORT or MONTROSE AIRPORT, arrive before 12pm the first day.

Map vector meeting location for Overlanding New Mexico Badlands photo workshop

MEETING LOCATION

FARMINGTON, NM (3hr Drive from Albuquerque Airport, 45 min. drive from Durango Airport)

Overlanding 4x4 vector Overlanding New Mexico Bisti workshop

4X4 REQUIRED

These are backcountry roads, this means a high clearance 4X4 vehicle is required.

ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS

Photography Instruction included Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Photography Workshop Vector

PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTRUCTION

In field photography instruction, Post processing instruction and photo critiques are the best part!

Pre Post Zoom sessions included Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Photo Workshop Vector

PRE & POST

ZOOM SESSIONS

Spend more time in nature. Then come back to relive those moments with a session in the digital dark room.

NOT INCLUDED

Transportation not included OverlandingNew Mexico Bisti Badlands photo tour vector

TRANSPORTATION

Flights / car transportation are not included we are helping attendees source capable, fully equipped vehicles

Meals, Food, snacks not included Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Photo Adventure

FOOD & DRINKS

We will provide breakfast and dinner, but you will be responsible for your own lunch and snacks.

Travel Insurance Not Included Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Photo Adventure Vector

TRAVEL INSURANCE

With any adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies

Overlanding 4x4 Vehicle Required Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Photo Tour Vector

OVERLAND VEHICLE RENTAL

If you do not own you own overlanding rig, please contact us to assist in securing a capable vehicle. No previous dirt road driving experience is required. We will show you the way.

Due to liability, rental and insurance agreements, clients will be responsible for fees and paperwork related to the rental vehicles. If you have your own overlanding rig this does not apply. Rental fees are NOT included in the tuition cost of the workshop and can range from $199 - $300 per day.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

How to plan your Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Badlands shot Vector

PLANNING YOUR SHOTS

  • Scouting and evaluating conditions

  • Composing an image to grab the viewers' attention

  • Composing an image with a person in frame to tell a story

  • Utilizing apps for more efficient planning

  • Choosing the right lens and filters for the job

  • How to shoot with a plan for editing

CAPTURING YOUR IMAGE

  • How to capture intimate details and abstract images

  • Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images

  • Exposure control. how to use ISO, aperture and shutter speed in different scenarios

  • Bracketing, Perspective blending and focus stacking

  • Long Exposure, how to capture blue hour

  • Creative uses of light at night

How to capture image properly in Overlanding New Mexico Bisti field Vector

BRING THE IMAGE TO LIFE

  • Lightroom & Photoshop, learn our post processing workflow

  • Luminosity masks

  • Dodging and Burning

  • Understanding layers and masks

  • Removing distractions

  • Creating the orton glow and painting with light

  • Build your social media presence, how to maximize engagement

Our Photoshop Lightroom Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Editing Workflow Vector
5BC5B8E7-E6CA-4578-8B11-DA9D9325DD4D_edited_edited.jpg
leanr editing post processing at New Mexico Bisti Badlands overlanding photo workshop
Vector Overlanding New Mexico Bisti Badlands Photo Tour iPhone Photopills Screenshot

PRE & POST
ZOOM SESSIONS

Before we set off, we’ll have a quick Zoom meet-up to get everyone geared up and ready for the adventure ahead. It’s our way of making sure you feel confident and prepared before the real fun begins.

 

After the field sessions we’ll come together for editing, where we’ll show you how to bring out the full potential in your photos. You’ll get practical techniques you can use right away, and since the session is recorded you can revisit it anytime at your own pace.

RECOMMENDED CAMERA & PERSONAL GEAR

  • DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Body

  • Wide, Fast Camera Lens (16mm - 35mm or Similar)

  • Mid-Range Camera Lens (24mm - 70mm or Similar)

  • Telephoto Lenses are optional, but useful for distant details, summer storms, wildlife or timelapse.

  • Sturdy Tripod and Ballhead

  • Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

  • Intervalometer (Wired or Built into your Camera)

  • Rain Cover for your Camera and Camera Bag

  • Laptop for Morning Editing Sessions

  • External Hard Drive for your Photos

  • Charger for Camera and Laptop

  • Sturdy Hiking Boots, Hiking Socks, Long Pants

  • Rain Jacket and/or Warm Jacket, it can get chilly!

  • Headlamp (preferably with a white light)

  • Sunscreen and Bug Spray

  • Hat & Sunglasses, Beanie & Gloves

  • Water Bottle

  • Hiking Poles if needed

WireFrame_MTN_BLUE_edited.jpg

MEET THE TEAM

 Be sure to check out our ABOUT page to learn more about our guild masters and your future favorite teachers ever!

The Image Guild Landscape Photo Workshop Instructor Jess Santos

JESS SANTOS

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
The Image Guild Landscape Photo Workshop Instructor Ryan Oswald

RYAN OSWALD

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
capture storms and cloudy conditions at New Mexico Bisti Badlands overlanding photo workshop

Ryan is an explorer of light and landscapes who helps photographers capture unforgettable moments.

Jess is a lifelong creator who brings the magic of wild places and the night sky to each and every workshop.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE

Spots for our New Mexico photography workshop are limited and filling fast. With two experienced instructors you’ll get personalized guidance, one-on-one time, and the support you need to take your photography to the next level. Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable adventure.All workshops close once full!

JOIN THE GUILD AND INVEST IN YOUR PASSION!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Discord

©2019 by The Image Guild Photography Adventures

bottom of page