Workshop FAQ's

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What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Weather in the desert can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to cloud cover. While our goal is always to photograph the night sky, cloudy conditions don’t mean the trip is lost.

We adapt.

If the stars aren’t visible, we shift our focus to:

• Sunsets and sunrises

• Blue hour photography

• Foreground composition

• Unique weather patterns and dramatic skies

Some of the most memorable images come from conditions you can’t plan. No matter what the sky gives us, we’ll make every effort to create strong, compelling photographs.

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Workshops are not canceled due to weather conditions unless those conditions create a safety concern for participants. Because weather is an inherent part of outdoor and landscape photography, refunds will not be issued due to cloudy skies, rain, lack of visible stars, or other unfavorable photographic conditions. In the event weather impacts our planned activities, we will adjust our itinerary and make every effort to photograph alternative subjects, including sunsets, sunrises, blue hour scenes, unique weather conditions, and landscape features.

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Can I use my cell phone for the workshop?

Modern smartphones are capable of capturing impressive images, especially with today’s night modes and apps.

That said, this workshop is primarily designed around the use of DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Our instruction focuses on:

• Manual camera control

• Long exposures

• Advanced shooting techniques

• Post-processing workflows tailored to RAW files

While you’re welcome to bring and use your phone, the shooting and editing portions of the workshop are built around dedicated camera systems, and you’ll get the most out of the experience with one.

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How much hiking is involved?

Some hiking is required during the workshop.

Most locations involve:

• Short to moderate walks no more than 2.5 miles round trip.

• Uneven terrain

• Dirt or rocky paths

• Shooting in low-light or nighttime conditions

Many of the areas we photograph do not have paved or fully accessible trails, which can make them difficult for wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility devices.

If you have any concerns about the physical requirements, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to discuss specific locations and help you determine if the workshop is a good fit.

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What about food and meals?

When meals are included, we make every effort to accommodate common dietary needs, including food allergies and vegetarian preferences. If you have specific dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

We also make a point to support local restaurants and food establishments whenever possible, giving you a chance to experience the local flavor of the area while we’re on the workshop.

Please note:

• Alcohol is not provided

• Snacks and additional personal food items are the responsibility of each participant

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What is the lodging situation?

We strive to provide single-occupancy lodging for all participants so you have your own space to rest and recharge after long nights of shooting.

If you would prefer to share a room (for example, with another photographer), please let us know ahead of time and we’ll do our best to arrange a double-occupancy option.

Family members or loved ones are always welcome to join you on the trip, however:

• They may not attend photography field sessions or editing sessions, as those are part of the paid workshop experience

• They are more than welcome to enjoy the lodging amenities

• They can explore the area on their own while we are shooting

• Or spend time with you during downtime throughout the workshop

This allows everyone to enjoy the experience while keeping the workshop focused and valuable for participants.

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What can I expect from the editing sessions?

Our editing sessions are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re just getting started or already have experience.

We begin with the basics, walking through our full editing workflow step-by-step, including the software and apps we use to create our final images. The goal is to show you not just how we edit, but why, so you can take those techniques and incorporate them into your own artistic style.

These sessions are meant to be practical, approachable, and easy to follow, giving you a solid foundation you can build on after the workshop.

For those who want to go deeper, we’re always happy to cover more advanced techniques and take a more detailed approach to editing later in the workshop. There’s plenty of opportunity for one-on-one help and deeper dives based on your experience level and interest.

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What if I don't have a camera?

While we strongly encourage participants to bring their own camera equipment, we understand that not everyone has access to a camera system when they are first getting started in photography.

If absolutely necessary, we have a Sony camera, Sony lens, and tripod available for limited use during the workshop. Availability is not guaranteed and should be discussed with us prior to the workshop.

That said, we highly recommend investing in your own camera equipment if you plan to continue your photography journey after the workshop. Learning on your own camera allows you to become familiar with its controls, capabilities, and settings, making it much easier to continue practicing and applying what you've learned once you return home.

If you're unsure what equipment to purchase, we're happy to provide recommendations based on your budget, experience level, and photography goals.