Olympic National Park
July 22 – 28, 2026
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White Pocket Night Skies
Happening Now!
At a Glance
Location
Arizona, USA
Tuition
$7,995
Dates
June 10 – 16, 2026
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 5 Guests
Collections
- Signature Collection
- US National Parks and Wilderness
White Pocket Night Skies Photography Workshop
Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Under the Night Sky
June 10 – 16, 2026
- Swirling sandstone illuminated by the soft glow of the night sky
- 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 it, giving you 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, looking for order in complex rock, reading light as it shapes form and texture, and building sequences 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, and when we shift back to Flagstaff, we 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 Pro
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
June 10, 2026: Flagstaff Arrival, Night Photography
Fly into Flagstaff, Arizona, and catch the hotel shuttle to our hotel. We’ll meet in the lobby by 4:00 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 correctly to take advantage of the moonrise and the stars.
June 11, 2026: Early Image Review, Scenic Drive to White Pocket Camp
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. Depending 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 have dinner before venturing into the formations for sunset photography and our first star shoot.
June 12–13, 2026: Extended Stay at White Pocket, Sunset and Star Photography Sessions
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.
June 14, 2026: Return Journey to Flagstaff, Final Image Review Meeting
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.
June 15, 2026: Post-Production Techniques, Workshop Conclusion with Evening Dinner
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.
June 16, 2026: Departure Day, Safe Travels Home
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: Our camp is located within approximately one-eighth of a mile from the sandstone formations at White Pocket. Participants should be comfortable walking up to half a mile round-trip in soft sand, as well as moving confidently across exposed sandstone terrain.
The sandstone surfaces are highly irregular and can be slick due to a thin layer of windblown sand. In several areas, the rock forms steep rolls and drops that require careful movement. At times, you may need to sit and slide a few feet to safely enter or exit certain sections of the formation. Good balance, sure footing, and a willingness to navigate uneven, occasionally steep terrain are essential for exploring this area safely and comfortably.
Flights
Arrive at Flagstaff Pulliam International Airport (FLG), Flagstaff before 3:00 PM on June 10, 2026. Flights out can be made anytime on June 16, 2026. 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 $600 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 Matt Payne.
- 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 (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $600 supplement. (Hotel only)
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than March 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
All participants are required by the National Park Service to sign and return this Acknowledgement of Risk. Nothing in this Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement shall be interpreted as the participant and parent releasing Muench Workshops from liability for injuries, damage, death, or other loss to the participant or others that may occur within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and is caused by Muench Workshops negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct, including but not limited to any negligence with respect to Muench Workshops judgments and decisions, or Muench Workshops failure to take reasonable precautions to ensure it provides defect-free equipment.
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