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March 13 – 18, 2026
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White Pocket Night Skies
At a Glance
Location
Arizona, USA
Tuition
$7,995
Dates
May 4 – 10, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 8 Guests
Collections
- Signature Collection
- US National Parks and Wilderness
White Pocket Night Skies Photography Workshop
Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Under the Night Sky
May 4 – 10, 2027
- Short walk from camp to the swirling sandstone formations
- Fully outfitted camping for unparalleled access to remote locations
- Learn astrophotography, from planning and shooting to post-production
Wind moves softly across the high desert as evening light fades from the Vermilion Cliffs. At White Pocket, bands of sandstone twist and fold like frozen waves, their pale ridges catching the last color before the stars rise. In the quiet that follows, the sky opens wide. The formations hold still beneath skies, providing clean foregrounds, clear horizons, and a sense of scale that rewards careful composition from dusk through the small hours.
We begin after dark at Wupatki, where ancient dwellings sit under clear skies. It is an ideal warm-up for working at night, setting a measured pace as you learn the timing of twilight, the rhythm of the stars, and simple ways to keep the process of shooting the night sky repeatable. From there, we move into the backcountry.
At White Pocket, three nights in a fully outfitted high-desert camp put you on location for first light, last light, and, when conditions allow, the Milky Way. Days are spent exploring the sandstone, near the White Pocket formation and if weather permits, we venture out to the Vermillion Cliffs overlooks, looking for order in complex rock, reading light as it shapes form and texture, and building images that show both the grand and the intimate. After dark, we work quietly with the landscape and sky, letting the scene determine the approach.
The group is small, so field time is unhurried and access is generous. Signature image reviews will help you refine what you shot. When we shift back to Flagstaff, we will continue that work with a practical, no-nonsense post-processing session focused on getting the most out of your files. You will leave this workshop with a cohesive set of photographs that shows White Pocket by day and by night.
Our camp complies with all the standards of a National Monument commercial use permit.
Your Pros
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
May 4, 2027: Arrival in Flagstaff, Shuttle to Hotel, Night Photography Workshop
Fly into Flagstaff, Arizona, and catch the hotel shuttle to our hotel. We’ll meet in the lobby by 5:00 PM to review the workshop itinerary and set plans for photographing the night skies below ancient pueblo ruins on this night. We’ve timed this workshop to take advantage of the moonrise and the stars.
May 5, 2027: Image Review, Scenic Drive to White Pocket, Sunset and Star Photography
After an early breakfast, we’ll conduct our first image review in our private meeting space at the hotel. We’ll review images captured from the previous night, allowing you to learn the process of night photography so that you are well-prepared for the spectacular scenery out in White Pocket.
We’ll leave the hotel by 11:00 AM get some lunch and begin our drive to our White Pocket Camp. The drive is a few hours out to the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and there are a few stops along the way. Depneding on the weather, we’ll visit a scenic overlook on the rim of the 2,000 foot high cliffs overlooking the Colorado River below. Once we arrive at camp, we’ll all settle into our tents and receive a snack before venturing into the formations for sunset photography and our first star shoot.
May 6–7, 2027: Extended Stay at White Pocket, Day and Night Shoots
We’ll have three nights in camp at White Pocket, giving us plenty of time to capture the various compositions in different lighting conditions. We’ll also explore some of the surrounding locations covered with bonsai-looking juniper trees that grow from small cracks in the rocks.
Each day will be filled with warm and hearty meals, cool drinks, and warm afternoon sun. We’ll walk around to view rock art and large caves, and if the weather permits, venture out to the edge of the Vermillion Cliffs that overlook the Colorado River below.
May 8, 2027: Sunrise Photography, Return Trip to Flagstaff, Image Review Session
After sunrise and a hearty meal in camp, we’ll pack a lunch and our personal items and begin our drive back to Flagstaff. After a nice warm shower and rest, we’ll meet in a private meeting room to review our images from the shoot.
May 9, 2027: Deep-dive on Post-processing for Night Sky Images
After a refreshing sleep and hot shower, we’ll meet in our private room again to assemble the images that we selected the previous night. You’ll learn how to assemble night sky images, including masking and focus stacking. We’ll take a quick break for lunch and then conitinue until dinner. The workshop concludes after dinner.
May 10, 2027: Departure Day, Flights Home from Flagstaff
Flights home anytime today.
Life in Camp
During this workshop, you will be camping for three nights in our fully outfitted wilderness camp. Each person will be in a large tent (large enough to stand up in) shared with another guest. Everyone is provided with a cot, thick comfortable pad, and sleeping bag, and some lighting is provided inside the tents.
A separate dining tent with tables for eating will be available for everyone at all hours. Plenty of cool or hot water is available at all times, along with snacks, including fresh fruits. The outfitters are trained in wilderness cooking and wilderness first aid. Sanitary hand washing stations are set up for use.
Fitness
Moderate: Short walks on rocky terrain in the dark.
Flights
Arrive at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), Flagstaff, Arizona before 5:00 PM on May 4, 2027. Flights out can be made anytime on May 10, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $625 supplement. (Hotel only)
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Guided camping with custom meals and comfortable tents.
- Camp bedding: cot, sheet and sleeping bag
- Many hours of basic and advanced Lightroom instruction.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $625 supplement. (Hotel only)
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than December 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll learn techniques for capturing night skies, including timing twilight and shooting the Milky Way. You'll also practice reading light and building compositions in complex rock formations, and refine your skills in post-processing with Lightroom.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. If you cancel more than 150 days before the start date, you receive a full refund. Cancellations between 150 and 91 days receive a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90 and 61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are given within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
The workshop is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and ample time with the professional photographers.
A moderate fitness level is needed, as you'll be taking short walks on rocky terrain in the dark. It's important to be comfortable with this level of activity to fully enjoy the experience.
Pack comfortable clothing suitable for both warm days and cool nights, sturdy hiking boots, and a headlamp for night photography. All camping gear, including tents and sleeping bags, is provided.
Medical evacuation insurance is required, and travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is recommended to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind.
All meals, soft drinks, and snacks are included during the workshop. The camp provides hearty meals, and there are snacks and drinks available at all times.
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