Southwest Night Sky & Landscape Photo Workshop: Big Bend, TX
Desert sunsets, rugged mountains, and Milky Way composites—Big Bend under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Workshop overview
Workshop video
About the Big Bend National Park photography workshop
Join our 2026 Big Bend National Park photography workshop in the heart of the Southwest's Chihuahuan Desert, where patience and timing matter more than speed, particularly when working with desert light and night skies. Big Bend's remoteness, along with its lack of air traffic, creates a quiet, dark-sky environment well suited to night photography. From desert sunset vistas to planned night sky composites, participants work with light and terrain to create strong images. The workshop explores this International Dark Sky Park region with an emphasis on decision-making in the field and refinement during post-processing.
Workshop emphasis
This Southwest photography workshop focuses on sunset and night sky photography, including golden desert light, twilight foregrounds, and star-filled skies. We prioritize evening sessions and astrophotography, with one or two sunrise outings scheduled when conditions make them worthwhile. From the Chisos Mountains to wide desert basins, participants refine composition, low-light technique, and processing decisions so images hold together visually and technically.
Night sky photography
Milky Way composite technique
Foregrounds are photographed during twilight, then paired with night sky exposures captured later and blended in Photoshop. This method allows for greater control over detail, balance, and final presentation. Photographers new to night work learn a solid, repeatable workflow, while experienced participants refine efficiency, consistency, and creative control. No prior astrophotography experience is required.
Advanced post-processing
Andy provides guidance on exposure selection, seamless blending, color balance, noise management, and creative compositing in Photoshop. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop with Photoshop installed for individual, hands-on support. Post-processing is treated as an extension of field decisions, not a separate or optional step.
Sunset and landscape photography
Big Bend's desert terrain comes alive at dusk, with warm tones, layered geology, and rapidly changing light. We stay flexible with weather and cloud conditions, creating expressive photographs in both color and black-and-white. Subjects range from rugged mountain forms to expansive desert vistas, with an emphasis on composition, timing, exposure and the steps needed to finish each image.
Workshop itinerary and schedule
Schedule overview
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Workshop start (Sunday, May 10)
Introduction at , followed by a sunset shoot in Big Bend's expansive desert landscape.
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Photography sessions (Monday–Thursday, May 11–14)
Sessions are tailored to weather and sky conditions so we can prioritize the best opportunities for sunsets, twilight foregrounds, and Milky Way nights.
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Workshop conclusion (Thursday evening, May 14)
The workshop wraps up after an evening session (and potentially Milky Way work, conditions permitting).
Lodging
Far Flung Outdoor Center23310 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852
Lodging website · (432) 371-2633
Lodging details: A group booking is arranged. After registration, you'll receive instructions and a link to reserve your room from our block.
Departure tip: Because the area is remote (and we may photograph the Milky Way on Thursday night), we recommend scheduling your return flight for . If you must leave on , plan for a long drive to the nearest airport.
What to expect
A typical day
- Morning: Most mornings start at a relaxed pace. We reserve early starts for special conditions at key locations. Otherwise we'll have breakfast, review images, discuss goals, and prep for the day ahead.
- Midday: We're indoors for post-processing instruction and image reviews—especially for blending Milky Way composites and creating high-dynamic range results from bracketed exposures.
- Evening: After dinner, we head out for sunset and twilight to build strong foreground compositions. Later at night, when skies are clear, we'll photograph the Milky Way for combining with twilight foregrounds in post.
Registration
If Big Bend has been on your list, you'll want to photograph it. It's a special place to spend a few nights under the stars. Spaces are limited to keep instruction personal and focused. Photograph desert sunsets and pristine night skies while learning advanced techniques in a friendly, supportive environment.
→ Register for the Big Bend workshop
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Workshop details
- Experience level
- Beginner to advanced (advanced content). No matter your starting point, you'll get a clear workflow and practical coaching in the field and in post.
- Group size
- Small group (target of 6 participants) for focused help and deeper instruction.
- Effort
- Varies. Most locations are within ¼ mile of parking. A few walks reach ½ mile with mild elevation gain. Conditions permitting we'll hike 2.5 miles with ~1100 feet of elevation gain for one sunset. If you have concerns, contact us.
- Conditions and elevation
- May averages range from about 61°F to 81°F. Days are warm; evenings can be chilly—pack layers. Shooting locations span roughly 3,000 to 7,000 feet—hydrate and pace yourself.
Getting to the workshop
Air travel
The most convenient airports are El Paso International (ELP) and Odessa/Midland International (MAF).
Drive time from El Paso to Big Bend: ~6 hr 15 min
Drive time from Odessa/Midland to Big Bend: ~4 hr 15 min
Arrival recommendation
We recommend arriving in Texas on . Many participants stay in Alpine, TX (a charming college town with multiple hotel options). The drive from Alpine to Terlingua is about 2 hours—book early if it's graduation season.
Driving and carpooling
Big Bend National Park features paved roads, and a standard rental car is sufficient. We encourage carpooling during the workshop to reduce impact and build camaraderie.
Recommended gear
Night sky photography
Cameras: Full-frame is ideal, but crop-sensor bodies work well with a sufficiently wide lens.
Lenses: A wide lens (16mm or wider) is recommended for capturing the Milky Way. If you're using a crop-sensor camera, account for the crop factor so you have a true wide option—typically around 10 to 12mm on APS-C or 7 to 8mm on Micro Four Thirds.
Lens performance
Test your lens's wide-aperture sharpness before the workshop. (See PDF: How to test lens sharpness.)
Sunset photography
Lens range: At least 16mm to 400mm (after crop factor).
Polarizer: Useful for reducing reflections and managing color—especially on hazy or reflective afternoons. As always, we'll talk through when it helps and when it doesn't.
Tripod and software
Tripod: Sturdy and tall enough for standing-height use without bending over.
Software: Bring a laptop with Photoshop installed. We also recommend the PhotoPills app for planning Milky Way sessions.
Footwear and safety
Wear ankle-high hiking boots for uneven terrain and cacti. Consider snake gaiters for added protection from thorns and desert hazards. If our long hike takes us to one of our selected locations you'll find that snake gaiters provide needed protection from low vegetation.
Water
Plan to carry at least 3–4 quarts of water for the longest hike.
Related workshops and learning resources
If you're fascinated by night sky photography and want to explore another incredible location, consider joining our Arches & Moab Night Photography Workshop. Capture the Milky Way over Utah's stunning red rock landscapes.
The vast skies of Big Bend deserve thoughtful post-processing. Learn the techniques to bring your captures to life:
Workshop community
FAQ
- Is this workshop more about shooting or learning?
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It's both, with an emphasis on making strong photographs through better decisions. You'll spend real time photographing productive locations in the right light, with instruction available whenever you want it. Some participants work independently; others ask questions, especially as conditions change. The goal isn't constant teaching, but learning that fits naturally into the field.
- Do I need prior night sky or Milky Way experience?
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No. If you're new to night photography, we'll walk through a clear, repeatable approach. We'll cover planning, camera setup, and capture without assuming prior experience. If you've done Milky Way work before, the focus shifts to consistency, foreground quality, and blending techniques that hold up in post-processing. Instruction adapts to where you are.
- How demanding is the pace and schedule?
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The pace is measured, not aggressive. Most mornings are relaxed, with early starts reserved for specific conditions. Evenings and nights are where Big Bend really shines, and we structure the schedule to support that. If we photograph late, we adjust the following day so people can rest and stay sharp.
- What kind of conditions should I realistically expect?
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Big Bend is a desert environment. Days can be warm, evenings cool quickly, and wind is always a possibility. Clear skies are common, but clouds don't always cooperate. We plan around conditions as they unfold and focus on making strong images with what we're given, rather than forcing a fixed plan.
- How much post-processing instruction is included?
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Post-processing is an important part of this workshop, especially for Milky Way composites. Time is set aside for reviewing images and working through blending, exposure control, and refinement in Photoshop. You're welcome to follow along closely or just absorb what's useful for you. There's no pressure to edit every image during the week.
- Will I get individual feedback on my images?
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Yes. With a small group, there's plenty of opportunity for one-on-one conversations in the field and during image reviews. Feedback is practical and specific. We look at what's working, what could change, and what to try next time. The emphasis is on helping you develop your own judgment, not steering you toward a single “right” result.