ABOUT THE ARCHES & MOAB PHOTO WORKSHOP
Lose yourself in the magic of Arches, Canyonlands, and the star-studded skies of Moab, Utah.
Join renowned photographer Andy Cook for an unforgettable photography workshop—a journey into the heart of Moab's awe-inspiring landscapes. Set against the stunning backdrops of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, this experience is more than just a workshop; it's an opportunity to rediscover the joy of photography, to connect with nature, and to forge lasting friendships. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or a seasoned pro, Andy is dedicated to helping you capture your vision, not his own. Through personalized guidance and a spirit of levity, you'll challenge your skills, ignite your creativity, and immerse yourself in the pure, unadulterated pleasure of landscape photography.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Milky Way as it paints the night sky above Moab's iconic red rock formations. Learn advanced techniques to capture these celestial wonders, seamlessly blending them with the dramatic landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
SUNRISE AND SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY
Experience the transformative dance of light as it bathes the rugged terrains of Arches National Park at sunrise. Explore the panoramic vistas of Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point at sunset, discovering both renowned landmarks and hidden photographic treasures.
TIME-COMPRESSED IMAGERY
Master the art of time-compressed imagery in Arches National Park, where you'll capture the transition from dusk to darkness, blending multiple exposures in post-processing to showcase the park at different times of day in one stunning image.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
Master the precision of foreground illumination in your Milky Way and night sky photography. Dimmable light panels provide the finesse needed to selectively enhance landscapes outside park boundaries, crafting perfectly balanced and captivating nocturnal scenes.
WHY CHOOSE THIS WORKSHOP?
EXPERT GUIDANCE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Benefit from Andy Cook's personalized instruction, tailored to your photography level. Whether you're just starting or aiming to refine your skills, Andy is dedicated to helping you capture awe-inspiring images while fostering a fun and supportive learning environment.
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF ICONIC AND HIDDEN LOCATIONS
Capture the grandeur of iconic landmarks like Dead Horse Point, Mesa Arch, and Green River Overlook, while venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden gems both within and beyond the park boundaries.
UNFORGETTABLE SCENERY IN MOAB
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Moab, from its fiery red rock canyons to the sweeping, panoramic vistas. Moab's remarkable geology provides an unparalleled photography adventure.
OPTIMIZE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this workshop offers professional techniques and creative insights to elevate your night sky and landscape photography. You'll master essential skills for capturing Moab's awe-inspiring landscapes, including creating visually engaging compositions, mastering precise auto exposure bracketing, and perfecting Milky Way and night sky photography to ensure razor-sharp images. Plus, you'll learn valuable post-processing techniques that will help transform your captures into stunning, finished masterpieces.
WHY IS JULY IDEAL FOR THIS WORKSHOP?
July is the perfect month to experience the stunning landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands without the crowds of busier seasons. The comfortable nighttime temperatures make it an ideal time for capturing the Milky Way just after dark, eliminating the long waits typically required for it to align in the sky. Additionally, the cloud formations during this season create breathtaking opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography, adding depth and drama to your images. We also keep the hiking moderate, avoiding long or strenuous climbs. Any hikes we do are scheduled later in the day when temperatures start to cool, ensuring a comfortable experience.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
DAY 1, THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025:
5:00 PM: Kick off the workshop with a warm welcome and introductions. Join us for an in-depth discussion on photography techniques and workshop goals.
EVENING SESSION: Begin your photography journey with an evening shoot, capture a stunning twilight scene and early night sky.
LODGING: Comfort Suites, 400 N Main Street, Moab, UT 84532. 435-259-5455
Check-in Thursday, July 17, 2025; Check-out Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
DAYS 2-5, FRIDAY-MONDAY, JULY 18-21, 2025:
SUNRISE PHOTOGRAPHY: Capture the breathtaking beauty of Arches National Park and the dramatic landscapes of Canyonlands National Park as the sun rises. If we have photographed the Milky Way on the previous night we may choose to sleep past sunrise.
MIDDAY BREAKS: Enjoy personalized guidance and feedback sessions, along with downtime to review and refine your techniques.
SUNSET AND NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY: Photograph the vibrant colors of sunset and the spectacular Milky Way in various iconic and hidden locations around Moab.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: Engage in hands-on sessions with Time Compressed Imagery and dimmable light panels for enhanced night sky and landscape photography.
FINAL DAY, MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025:
EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION: Conclude the workshop with a final sunset shoot.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING:
PREVIOUS NIGHT WE PHOTOGRAPHED THE MILKY WAY: We'll enjoy a more relaxed start. We'll begin with a group breakfast at a local eatery before starting our day's activities.
PREVIOUS NIGHT WE DID NOT PHOTOGRAPH THE MILKY WAY: We'll arrive at a photography location before dawn to capture the blue hour and stay through sunrise. After the morning shoot, we'll head to a local restaurant for a hearty breakfast.
MIDDAY:
POST-PROCESSING SESSIONS: Following breakfast, we'll have detailed Photoshop discussions and hands-on demonstrations using your own images. Andy will guide you through essential post-processing techniques—from blending Time-Compressed images and bracketed exposures to stitching panoramas, enhancing light, and refining compositions—all aimed at maximizing visual impact. With personalized instruction, you'll discover how to transform your raw captures into polished, professional-quality masterpieces. To fully participate, bring your laptop with Photoshop installed and receive real-time, tailored assistance.
EVENING:
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS: Each evening, we'll visit a stunning photography location for several hours. On nights with cloud cover, we'll wrap up our session after sunset. On clear nights, we'll extend our shoot to capture the breathtaking Milky Way.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Don't miss this chance to elevate your photography skills in one of the most stunning locations in the world. Book now and prepare to create unforgettable images in Moab's iconic parks and beyond.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT $300 USD
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WORKSHOP DETAILS
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced Photographers (Advanced Content)
All skill levels are welcome, but this Moab workshop focuses on advanced techniques in night sky, sunrise, and sunset photography. Advanced post-processing methods will also be covered. Beginners should be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding experience as they grow their skills.
SMALL GROUP SIZE: To ensure personalized attention and an optimal experience during our hybrid night sky, sunrise, and sunset photography workshop, we target a group size of 8 participants. This allows for more focused guidance and a better opportunity to delve into advanced techniques.
EFFORT LEVEL: Light to Moderate - The workshop features light to moderate hiking. The longest hike is just over 0.5 miles each way with mild elevation gain. Participants will frequently navigate uneven, sloped rocks, so sure footing is recommended.
CONDITIONS: During the workshop, you can expect comfortable mornings for photography. Evening sessions may start very warm but cool down as the sun sets, making for pleasant night sessions. Shorts are often suitable, but be prepared for potential chilly rain and thunderstorms.
ELEVATION: The elevations of our photography locations range from 4,100 to 6,000 feet across Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Proper hydration is essential at these elevations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience while capturing stunning night skies, sunrises, and sunsets.
GETTING TO THE WORKSHOP
AIR TRAVEL: Likely airport choices are Moab, UT, Grand Junction, CO and Salt Lake City, UT.
Driving time from Grand Junction, CO to Moab, UT is about 2 hours.
Driving time from Salt Lake City to Moab, UT is about 4 hours.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: Paved roads. A standard rental car should be sufficient. We prefer participants car pool with each other to limit our impact and get to know one another.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
FOR ARCHES & CANYONLANDS:
LENS RANGE FOR SUNRISE & SUNSETS: At least 18mm to 400mm (after considering the lens multiplication factor). This versatility ensures you're ready for wide landscapes and long lens captures.
LENS RANGE FOR NIGHT SKIES: For full-frame sensors, use lenses at least 16mm wide. For partial-frame sensors (1.5 LMF), use lenses at least 10mm wide. Test the wide aperture performance of lenses in advance of the workshop: PDF How to test lens sharpness.
POLARIZING FILTER: Remove shine from rocks to enhance color saturation and create more contrast in skies.
TRIPOD: A sturdy, solid tripod with thick legs, ideally adjustable to your standing height without bending over.
LAPTOP: Bring a laptop with Adobe Photoshop installed for image processing.
PHONE APP: We highly recommend downloading the PhotoPills app for the night sky portion of the workshop.
OTHER: Sturdy hiking boots, the ability to carry plenty of water, and be prepared for cool down drafts and rain.
If you're passionate about capturing the Milky Way and want to experience an exceptional dark sky location, don't miss our Big Bend National Park Photography Workshop. Discover the stunning night skies of Southwest Texas.
Learn the post-processing skills to complement your night sky photography. Watch our tutorials on Blending a Milky Way Image With a Foreground Image Taken at Dusk and Master Milky Way Panoramas to see how you'll bring your images to life during and after this workshop.