NEW MEXICO BADLANDS
ONE STEP INTO THIS DESOLATE WORLD WILL TRULY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'VE LEFT PLANET EARTH!
Investigate the alien landscape of New Mexico on this overlanding photography workshop. Hidden valleys of towering hoodoos and extraterrestrial slate formations create the perfect foreground for photographing the cosmos. During this photography workshop we will chase the Milky Way through New Mexico's remote badlands. Using advanced astrophotography techniques you will learn to capture stunning images of the night sky. Your experiences in the dark skies of this vast desert will inspire you to create imagery that truly tells a stellar story.
TRIP DATES
SEPTEMBER 16TH - 21ST, 2025
These dates were chosen specifically to focus on astrophotography.
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to a small group of 10 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives 1:1 attention.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This photography workshop is open to all experience levels, from beginner to advanced all are welcome.
HIKING
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 4 miles) through rocky or sandy terrain
MILKY WAY
This workshop takes place in some extremely dark skies, which means more time focused on capturing the stars.
OVERLANDING
Having the freedom to base camp near our locations allows us more time out photographing in the field.
HOODOOS
Such unique formations create a compositional playground. Learn visual storytelling through composition.
NAVAJO GUIDE
Learn more about the land and local Navajo culture from our private guide, and visit exclusive locations.
THIS WORKSHOP
IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Explore in your very own overlanding rig. Don't have an overlanding vehicle? Let us help you secure one.
Meals around the campfire?
Leave the cooking up to us, Breakfast and dinner are included in your tuition costs.
If you want to take this workshop, but do NOT want to camp, please reach out so we can help you arrange accomodations!
DAY 1
Meet and Greet, Sunset, Blue Hour, and Milky Way
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The photography adventure kicks off in Farmington, NM at 12:00. We will set out for our first sunset shooting session. Then we setup camp and take full advantage of the dark skies.
DAY 2
Sunrise, Sunset, Blue Hour and Starry Night Fun
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After a long night of shooting the night skies, you’ll wake up to a freshly cooked meal, camp style. Once we're all rested and fed, we pack our gear and adventure out to photograph our all-time favorite rock formations.
DAY 3 & 4
Exploring Ancient Culture & Alien Landscapes
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We'll start both these days exploring an ancient Native American sites. Then we're heading out to photograph the alien landscape during sunset. We'll head back into town to check into a hotel and get a good night's rest.
(Hotel Room Included)
DAY 4
Iconic Locations and Unforgettable Night Shooting
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After checking out of the hotel, we’ll head out to our last spot, one of the most iconic places in the New Mexico Badlands. After setting up camp for the night we will then set out for another unforgettable night of shooting the sunset and stars.
DAY 5
Magical Sunrise and Farewell Breakfast
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Our last morning together is spent exploring and photographing the hoodoos of this magical world. After shooting our last sunrise together, we'll wrap up our amazing time over breakfast before breaking down camp and heading out.
NAVAJO
GUIDED TOUR
This year we have two amazing new locations for you guys. One of these you won't find on any other New Mexico Badlands workshop, here you'll find hoodoos that tower tall above you and be amongst the first to photograph this hidden valley of treasures.
The New Mexico badlands are not just a bunch of cool rocks and dirt, they're also the stomping grounds of the Navajo People. And guess what? You get an exclusive tour to learn all about the land and their culture. That means you'll be able to check out spots the average Joe can't even dream of reaching.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
TIMELAPSES
SEPTEMBER 9TH - 11TH | $900
WITH ROBERT OLEYSYCK
Are you ready to add time-lapse photography to your repertoire? Come with us as we explore the unique landscapes of the New Mexico Badlands with time-lapse photography in mind. Robert Oleysyck, the time-lapse master, shows you how to capture the dance of light, shadow, and motion that we can't see with the naked eye. You will capture sunrises and sunsets melting into the horizon, dramatic cloud formations, and the Milky Way streaking across the night sky. Discover the expert settings and techniques you need to create stunning time-lapse videos!
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
PLANNING YOUR SHOTS
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Scouting and evaluating conditions
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Composing an image to grab the viewers' attention
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Composing an image with a person in frame to tell a story
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Utilizing apps for more efficient planning
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Choosing the right lens and filters for the job
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How to shoot with a plan for editing
CAPTURING YOUR IMAGE
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How to capture intimate details and abstract images
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Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images
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Exposure control. how to use ISO, aperture and shutter speed in different scenarios
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Bracketing, Perspective blending and focus stacking
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Long Exposure, how to capture blue hour
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Creative uses of light at night
BRING THE IMAGE TO LIFE
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Lightroom & Photoshop, learn our post processing workflow
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Luminosity masks
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Dodging and Burning
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Understanding layers and masks
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Removing distractions
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Creating the orton glow and painting with light
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Build your social media presence, how to maximize engagement
PRE & POST
ZOOM SESSIONS
Before we hit the ground running, we'll have a virtual rendezvous on Zoom. Trust us, we're like ninjas when it comes to photography, and we only have one shot (pun intended) to capture the perfect shots. So, we want to make sure you're well-equipped and ready to rock 'n' roll!
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After we've done some serious shutter clicking, it's time for the main event! We're talking an epic editing session where each instructor will spill their secrets and show you how to turn your photos into masterpieces. And the best part? You get to kick back, relax, and soak it all in because we're recording everything for you to binge-watch at your leisure.
MEET THE TEAM
Our goal is to leave you confident, motivated and passionate about photography with a new set of ideas and perspective. Be sure to check out our ABOUT page to learn more about our guild masters and you future favorite teachers ever!
JESS SANTOS
RYAN OSWALD
GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE
NEAREST AIRPORT
You will want to fly into
ALBUQUERQUE AIRPORT, DURANGO AIRPORT or MONTROSE AIRPORT, arrive before 12pm the first day.
MEETING LOCATION
FARMINGTON, NM (3hr Drive from Albuquerque Airport, 45 min. drive from Durango Airport)
4X4 REQUIRED
These are backcountry roads, this means a high clearance 4X4 vehicle is required.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
BREAKFAST
& DINNER
Leave the cooking up to us, breakfast and dinner are provided on this workshop in true camping style.
PHOTOGRAPHY
INSTRUCTION
In field photography instruction, Post processing instruction and photo critiques are the best part!
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
Flights / car transportation are not included we are helping attendees source capable, fully equipped vehicles
LUNCH & SNACKS
We will provide breakfast and dinner, but you will be responsible for your own lunch and snacks.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
With any adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies
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.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
We've got limited space and it's filling up faster than a rocket launch, so make like a shooting star and be the first one to snag your spot. And don't worry, with not one, but TWO photography gurus at your beck and call, you'll have more one-on-one time than a astronaut stuck in the space station with their chatty roommate. We'll help you improve those skills you've been neglecting faster than you can say "Houston, we have a problem".
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JOIN THE GUILD AND INVEST IN YOUR PASSION!
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