Capturing the Cosmos with Far-Flung Outdoor Center 2025
June 17th through the 20th, 2025
Join us for a 3-night astrophotography workshop in the heart of West Texas, in partnership with Far Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua. This workshop will take you deep into the stunning landscapes of Big Bend National Park and its surrounding desert wilderness, where some of the darkest skies in the country set the stage for capturing breathtaking night images. From jagged mountain ranges to wide open basins, you'll experience a wide variety of dramatic locations perfect for sunset, blue hour, and Milky Way photography.
After a relaxing day by the pool and during the hands-on editing instruction, you'll be treated to included dinners each evening, including a special night at the iconic Starlight Theatre / Restaurant, a true Terlingua landmark. Lodging is provided by our partners at Far Flung Outdoor Center, offering a comfortable and convenient home base throughout the workshop. To make things even easier, all transportation during the workshop is included, so you can focus fully on the experience while we handle the travel to each carefully chosen shoot location.
This workshop is designed to help you grow as a night photographer, no matter your experience level. Instruction will cover the complete creative and technical process—starting with planning your shots, choosing strong compositions, and using natural terrain and celestial positioning to create compelling images. You’ll learn how to shoot during golden light at sunset, transition into blue hour, and capture the night sky at its peak.
We’ll dive deep into essential techniques like star tracking and image stacking, which help produce cleaner, more detailed astro images, as well as blending blue hour exposures to create dynamic foregrounds beneath starry skies. You’ll also get hands-on guidance with popular tools such as Planit Pro, PhotoPills, Starry Landscape Stacker and Sequator—all powerful resources to help streamline your planning, shooting, and editing process.
More than just a photography class, this is a complete experience—designed to immerse you in the quiet beauty of the desert, connect you with other passionate creatives, and help you build both your skillset and your portfolio. Whether you’re chasing your first Milky Way shot or perfecting your technique, you’ll leave Big Bend with new knowledge, stunning images, and unforgettable memories under the stars.
Michael Simmons Photography's workshops are an Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
Adventure Dates
June 17th–20th, 2025
GROUP SIZE
Limited to a small group of 12 students to ensure that everyone receives 1:1 attention
Experience Level
All skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, are invited to participate in this inclusive photography workshop.
HIKING
This workshop will involve moderate hiking, covering a distance of up to 2 miles roundtrip, across diverse terrain including rocky and sandy paths.
We will be standing or be on our feet for several hours (don't worry, you can bring chairs!)
MILKY WAY
In the heart of a dark sky, Big Bend, Texas gives us a better view of the stars. Dark skies are the key to Milky Way photography and this is home to the darkest skies in the lower 48.
Star Tracking
Get creative with learning the different ways of capturing the night sky from trackers to stacking and even the OG of single exposure shots!
GHOST TOWN
Exploring relics of the wild west, steeped in the rich mining history. Eating at the famed Starlight Restaurant and shopping in the Trading Post.
Editing Sessions
Discussions and topics from planning the shot to editing using Lightroom & Photoshop, Starry Landscape Stacker, Sequator, PhotoPills and PlanIt Pro.
Reserve your place now to guarantee your spot in this exclusive workshop that promises to unlock your creative potential.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Capture Unforgettable Moments
Big Bend National Park is a photographer's paradise, boasting a premier dark sky, diverse terrain, rugged mountains, the serene Rio Grande River, and stunning desert vistas. Our workshop offers you the chance to frame these natural wonders through your lens, creating masterpieces that will leave you in awe.
Explore Hidden Treasures
Discover the park's hidden gems, secret trails, and lesser-known viewpoints that only the locals know. We will also visit the unique ghost town of Terlingua. Our workshop will take you off the beaten path, revealing the in and out of the park's true essence through your lens.
Guidance from Seasoned Photographers
Learn from a team of skilled landscape photographers who have honed their craft in these very landscapes. Gain insights into composition, lighting, and advanced techniques that will transform your photography from ordinary to extraordinary
Golden Hour & Blue Hour Magic
Witness the magic of the golden hours as you capture the interplay of light and shadow against the unique features of Big Bend National Park. Stay up after sunset and learn how to infuse your photographs with depth and emotion during these enchanting moments.
Premier Dark Sky’s
Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a beginner, our workshops will empower you with the skills to capture stunning images of the Milky Way, constellations, and the universe above in an International Dark Sky Park, ensuring minimal light pollution for optimal stargazing conditions. Marvel at the Milky Way's intricate details and witness the majesty of the cosmos in all its glory.
The Team
We are excited to share our love of photography, nature, and adventures with you. Please check out our links below to learn more about us.
Included in the Workshop
PLANNING YOUR SHOT
– Scouting and evaluating conditions
– Composing an image to grab the viewer’s attention
– Composing an image with a person in the frame to show scale and tell a story
– How to work with light and how to find the best light for the scene
– Utilizing apps, such as PhotoPills, for more efficient planning
– Choosing the right lens, find your focal length
– How and when to use filters
– How to shoot with a plan or vision for editing
CAPTURING YOUR IMAGE
- Creative light painting techniques to bring your vision to life
– How to use and capture moonlight in your night scenes
– Histogram: How to read for perfectly exposed images
– Exposure control: How to use ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed in different scenarios
– Creative ways to use lens distortion
– Focus stacking & Focal Length Blends
– Bracketing and exposure blending
– Focusing at night to capture pin-sharp stars and foreground
– Blue Hour Blending: How to capture blue hour & Milky Way
– Stacking for Noise Reduction: how to shoot the proper frames to stack
BRINGING IMAGE TO LIFE
– Lightroom and Photoshop: Learn our post-processing workflow
– How to blend multiple images in Photoshop (Blue Hour Blends, Focal Length Blends, Exposure Blends, Composites)
– Luminosity Masks
– Dodging and Burning
– Blue-hour Blends
– Star-stacking: how to edit starry night skies with Starry Landscape Stacker (or Sequator)
– Understanding layers and masks
– Finishing touches using clone stamp and removing distractions
– Creating Orton glows and painting with light
– Sharpening: Creating sharpness in your final image
Lodging and Dinner for this workshop is included and we will be staying at the amazing Far-Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua. This cozy base will provide us with a comfortable and convenient place to unwind after a day of exploration and photography. You'll be able to enjoy the stunning desert vistas and share stories with fellow participants, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the region or poolside during the hot summer sun.
Join us for dinner as we kick off an engaging group editing session, where we’ll dive into processing the raw images captured during our shoots. This collaborative setting creates the perfect opportunity to share techniques, explore different editing styles, and learn from one another’s creative approaches—helping everyone grow their post-processing skills together.
During the heat of the day, when the stars are resting and the desert sun takes center stage, you'll have plenty of time to relax or explore at your own pace. Start your morning with a fresh brew from the Bella Bean Coffee Shop, just steps away from your lodging, or head out to discover the charm of the Big Bend area, from ghost towns to scenic drives. While breakfast and lunch aren't included in the workshop, the chance to unwind poolside absolutely is—a perfect way to recharge before another magical night under the stars. Whether you're cooling off in the water or soaking in the West Texas vibe with a cup of coffee, your downtime is yours to enjoy.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE EPIC ADVENTURE NOW!
Availability is limited, and reservations are first-come, first-served. The workshop is supported by a duo of accomplished photography instructors who will be in attendance throughout its duration. This setup ensures personalized, one-on-one guidance, allowing you to enhance specific areas of your skill set that you wish to refine.
