Big Bend National Park, West Texas Night Photography Workshop - Milky Way Time Compressed Imagery August - Not currently on schedule Instructor: Andy Cook Andy
will be leading a night photography workshop to capture the stunning
beauty of the Milky Way above the premier, dark sky national park. Join
us as we photograph iconic southwest landscapes within Big Bend
National Park while the Milky Way dances overhead. On the plus side,
we've schedule this workshop in August because as soon as it
gets dark the Milky Way will be in position and we can start shooting,
about 10 pm. We don't have to be up all night, typically we will be
finished shooting and heading back to the hotel by 11 pm. But, yes,
there is a small downside, it may be hot, especially during the day on
the desert floor. The good news, during the day we will be
in air conditioning at the Chisos Mountain Lodge; higher elevation,
cooler location.
Itinerary Outline
In
advance of the workshop consider arriving in TX on Saturday, August ____ and
drive to Alpine, TX for the 1st night. Alpine, TX is a college town
with many hotel choices, but schools are returning to session so book early. The
driving time from Alpine, TX to the Chisos Mountain Lodge is about 2
hours.
The workshop starts on Sunday, August_______ at 3:00 PM with an introduction and discussion. Afterward, we will photograph at sunset and into the stars. The formal workshop ends after photographing late on Friday night / early Saturday morning (August________). In the event we have six clear night we have six wonderful Milky Way locations selected. However, if it looks like it will be cloudy we will seek out sunset opportunities. On several nights participants can expect to leave the hotel in time to capture a sunset (about 8:27 PM) and we'll stay out until we've finished. Then we return to the hotel for sleep. Participants will require different amounts of sleep so we will not schedule a group breakfast, but Andy will usually go to breakfast 1 hour before they stop serving breakfast. Every midday Andy will be available to instruct / aid with night sky post processing using Adobe Photoshop. Then we will have another break before it's time for a group dinner and more photography. Be cautious about an early departure flight on Saturday August ________ as it is a long drive to an airport and most should sleep in to be properly rested before driving. Consider scheduling a return flight on Sunday, August ________.  TCI - One of our photo locations.
This workshop does involve some hiking and elevation gain to arrive at certain shooting locations,
while other shooting
locations will be just beyond the parking lot. The elevation range of
our photography locations is 3,000 to 6,000 ft. The trail hiking may
be deemed vigorous activity or light activity based upon one's
condition.
Trail hiking surfaces and those beyond the parking lot are generally
uneven, ankle high hiking boots are recommended.
Our longest hike is about 1/2 mile each way. One doesn't have to be
in
tip-top shape, but one's enjoyment
will be
enhanced by good health and preparation. Participants should consult
with their
doctor before attending our workshop or venturing to higher elevations. The hotel is about 5300 feet in elevation.
Proper hydration is a must. Without it one will lose strength, energy and may develop a headache. We will provide bottled water in the field. Be prepared for possible temperature extremes and sudden changes in weather. Be aware that night in the desert will be cooler than daytime temperatures. In August temperatures on the desert floor may range from a low in the eighties to a high above one hundred. Please bring a flashlight. We will provide packaged snacks to eat while in the field.
 Possible Sunset Location Equipment Recommendations:
Bring all camera
equipment
including
the camera's manual. Typically a wide angle lens with a max aperture of
f/2.8 or bigger (smaller number) is required. For cameras with full
frame sensors the lens should be at least 16mm wide. For cameras with
partial frame sensors (1.5 LMF) the lens should be at least 10mm wide.
One should test the wide aperture performance of their lens in advance
of the workshop; find lens testing information at this webpage: Field Lessons and Handouts
Generally, a newer camera will have better high ISO performance than an older camera, so if you've been thinking about a new camera, it may make sense to buy it before this workshop. One should shoot with a sturdy outdoor tripod that can adjust from standing height, without cranking up a center post, to very close to the ground. This type of tripod does not have attachments connecting the legs to the center post; i.e. the legs can move independently. Unless your camera has a built-in level, we recommend having a 2 axis flash shoe bubble level, it is the easiest way to make sure photos are level. Please buy these at a reputable dealer; they run about $35.00. To obtain post processing aid please bring a laptop with Photoshop installed. For sunset photography the information below applies: We recommend having a polarizing filter to use with some of the photographs on this workshop. Andy combines images of various exposures in post processing. Andy will be happy to teach participants his field and post processing techniques for doing so (requires a cable release with some cameras). A lens range from 17 mm to 400 mm after the lens multiplication factor is recommended. However, we think participants should bring their entire range of lenses. 
TCI - One of our photo locations.
 2022 Group Photo - TCI
 Possible Sunset Location To
be as prepared as possible for this workshop, please review the 2
videos, 7 lessons and 10 workshop handouts found at the link below:
Below please find the PDF handouts recommended for this workshop. One needs to print or download to a digital device these documents before the workshop from the link above. For this workshop we recommend that participants: *Print: Blank Workshop Locations Visited. *Print or download to field digital device: Night Photography Rule of 400. *Print or download to field digital device: CFDER Field Reminder (This is useful to those new to our workshops and/or trying to develop a useful field workflow.) *Print or download to field digital device: Steps to Capture Panorama Photographs (If the tripod is properly set up before shooting, one can take panoramas of the locations we visit, even at night.) *Print or download to field digital device: Hyperfocal chart for camera’s LMF. (Unless you already have a depth-of-field app on your smart phone.) *Print or download to digital device: Andy’s Camera Settings (Only if unsure about what the camera’s settings should be.) *Print or download to digital device: Tripod Tips and Techniques (Only if one is new to tripod use or are considering a tripod purchase.)
Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Big Bend National Park.
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