Wildly dark skies with stars so bright, they’ll cast a shadow.

Prepare to be whisked away from the city lights into a realm where darkness reigns supreme. We're talking about a place so alien, even E.T. would be like, "Whoa, dudes!" It's like stepping onto another planet, where slot canyons are intricately carved and arches defy the laws of gravity. Yep, you'll be feeling more like an astronaut than a photographer.

This workshop is a little different...

Every attendee will have their own self-contained room on wheels! We are securing overland rigs (or similar) for this adventure because having the freedom to base camp near our locations allows us more photography time.

Together we will take you on a backcountry journey that will leave you with wild photographs and wild experiences. Many of the photography locations in this workshop are hidden amongst a vast system of backcountry trails in the Rocky Mountains and there is no better way to explore than outfitted with your very own overlanding rig.

Pack your camera, your sleeping bag and your favorite pillow... leave the rest up to us! Even the cooking, breakfast and dinner are provided on this workshop in true camping style.

(Please see adventure inclusions below for more info and/or send us a message)

TRIP DATES

May 13 - 17, 2026

TRIBE SIZE

Limited to an small group size of 10 students with 3 instructors to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

All experience levels are welcome

HIKING REQUIREMENTS

This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 3 miles) through rocky or sandy terrain

ITINERARY

Pre-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session

Prior to the start of the workshop, we will hold a zoom classroom session. We will show examples of images from the locations we will be visiting so you know what to expect and how to best compose images using advanced techniques, focus blending and other tips and tricks to make for the best composition. We only get to visit each place once and we want you to be fully prepared so you can get the best images possible while in these iconic places.

Day 1

Beginning at 12:00PM with a meet and greet in Escalante, Utah

Sunset and bluehour at a waterfall in a desert oasis.

Nightfall brings our first Milky Way shoot.

Day 2

Mid Morning adventure through a slot canyon

Then off to capture unique rock formations during sunset, blue hour and those starry night skies, from our next base camp.

Day 3

Sunrise surrounded by sandstone hoodoos, it feels like your walking through a garden of statues.

After grabbing lunch, we head out for out night shoot, amongst stars.

Day 4

Capture the rising sun through a playground of rock features.

Then off to our night's events at a huge sandstone arch.

Day 5

Our last morning we will get creative with granite boulders and an aptly named Arch.

Optional Group breakfast before we head back to reality.

* We will be chasing conditions and constantly monitoring the weather. The itinerary may change based on what conditions are during the workshop.

Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session

We will hold our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on seeing the best and most iconic places New Mexico has to offer, we chose to prioritize locations over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will hold live online classroom sessions answering any questions you may have. These will also be screen recorded for you to be able to finish your images at your leisure.

WHAT TO EXPECT

MEET THE TEAM

Ian Lauer

Ian is an astronomer, astrophotographer, adventurer, and public speaker with a passion for sharing the wonders of the night sky. 

With a background in astrophysics, Ian has worked with the top telescope manufacturers and retailers in the world, building telescope systems for private & professional observatories, astrophotographers, government projects and educational institutes.

Our goal is to leave you confident, motivated and passionate about photography with a new set of ideas and perspective! We will teach simple and actionable techniques to scout out incredible compositions and the process of how to approach and execute unique photos in any environment or conditions. The classroom portion of this adventure will teach you combination of Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and methods that allow you to create some powerful images we decided to keep the group small and intimate, thus allowing us to focus and give you much more access to the 3 instructors and 1-on-1 attention. Instructors will be with the group providing thoughts and real time critique as the light changes from sunset to the enchanting night skies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Nearest Major Airport

You will want to fly into

LAS VEGAS or ST. GEORGE AIRPORT

Meeting Location

We meet in the town of Escalante, Utah (4.5hr Drive from Las Vegas Airport)

4x4 High Clearance Vehicle is REQUIRED

These are backcountry roads, this means a High Clearance Vehicle with 4 Wheel Drive is REQUIRED. We are helping attendees source capable and equipped vehicles if they do not own their own, please contact us if you need assistance in securing a capable vehicle. No previous dirt road driving experience required.

Rental fees are NOT included in the tuition cost of the workshop and can range from $199 - $300 per day.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Cost: $3,499

Deposit: $900 to reserve your spot

Space is limited and filling up quickly on a first come, first serve basis. With three photography instructors present for the duration of the workshop, you will have plenty of opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction to improve the skills you feel you need to work on!

Join Our Tribe and Invest in Your Passion!