Utah Badlands & Night Skies Photography Workshop — Hanksville
Surreal desert landforms, changing light, and dark skies in one of the most visually distinct regions of the American Southwest.
Workshop overview
Workshop video
About the Hanksville, Utah photography workshop
This photography workshop is based in the remote badlands near Hanksville, Utah—an area known for its sculpted clay hills, eroded ridgelines, and wide-open desert terrain. Over the course of the week, we photograph locations such as Moonscape Overlook, Factory Butte, and the Bentonite Hills, working with both expansive landscapes and smaller abstract scenes shaped by erosion, light, and texture. The workshop also includes a dedicated night session focused on photographing the Milky Way under some of the darkest skies in the region.
The emphasis of this workshop is learning how to work with unfamiliar terrain and subtle visual cues. The badlands don't rely on dramatic peaks or obvious subjects; instead, they reward careful observation, strong composition, and thoughtful use of light. We revisit key areas when conditions are favorable, allowing you to refine compositions, respond to changing light, and build confidence working scenes that are less literal and more interpretive.
Throughout the workshop, Andy Cook is there to guide the process—not to make his own photographs, but to help you improve your results. Some participants want frequent feedback in the field; others prefer space to work and check in when questions come up. Both fit. The workshop combines focused instruction with long stretches of time on location, so you can work through ideas, solve problems, and leave with a clearer understanding of how you approach desert landscapes.
April is an especially strong time to photograph the Hanksville area. Spring conditions often bring mild temperatures, dynamic cloud cover, and cleaner air than later in the year. The lower sun angle helps reveal texture and form in the badlands, and nights are typically cool and clear—well suited for night sky photography without the smoke common in other seasons.
Workshop Highlights
Sculpted desert landscapes
The badlands around Hanksville are defined by erosion rather than elevation. Rounded clay hills, sharp ridgelines, and layered sediment create scenes where line, shape, and tonal contrast matter more than scale. We focus on working these forms deliberately—finding compositions that rely on structure and light rather than obvious landmarks.
Working with subtle light and texture
Much of the photography in this region happens outside of dramatic peak light. Side light, overcast conditions, and soft transitions reveal surface detail and color relationships that are easy to overlook. Instruction emphasizes reading light direction, recognizing when contrast is doing the work for you, and adjusting compositions as illumination changes across the landscape.
Visual flow and composition in complex terrain
The badlands can feel visually chaotic at first. A key focus of the workshop is learning how to organize complex scenes—using erosion lines, repeating forms, and tonal pathways to guide the viewer's eye. We spend time breaking scenes down, refining framing choices, and learning when less information produces a stronger photograph.
Night sky photography in dark-sky conditions
One evening is dedicated to photographing the Milky Way over desert landforms. You'll learn how to plan night compositions, capture clean foregrounds at dusk, and blend them with later sky exposures for natural-looking results. Instruction covers camera settings, focus technique, exposure timing, and practical workflow for creating balanced night images.
Field-based instruction and image review
Instruction happens primarily in the field, where decisions matter most. Andy works alongside participants, offering guidance on composition, exposure choices, and problem-solving as scenes unfold. Select days also include image review and post-processing sessions focused on evaluating files, refining tonal balance, and improving clarity without overworking images.
Workshop itinerary and schedule
Lodging
After registration, we'll send the hotel details where the group is based in Hanksville. Most field locations are reached by short drives from town.
Daily outline
-
DAY 1, SUNDAY, April 19, 2026:
7:00 PM · Welcome & introduction: Meet at the hotel for a short orientation and group meetup. We'll review the plan for the week, discuss safety and road conditions, and answer questions about gear, night shooting, and the workflow we'll use in the field.
-
DAYS 2-5, MONDAY-THURSDAY, April 20-23, 2026:
Photography sessions: We photograph sunrise and sunset each day when conditions allow, with time built in for travel, scouting, and rest. Locations include a mix of wide badlands views and smaller abstract scenes shaped by erosion, texture, and light. One evening is reserved for night sky work. Instruction is field-based—composition, exposure decisions, timing, and problem-solving as the light changes.
Final sunset session: Thursday, April 23, 2026.
What to expect
A typical day
Days are built around light and conditions rather than a fixed itinerary. Most mornings start before sunrise, afternoons are used for rest, travel, or review, and evenings are spent back in the field. One night is dedicated to Milky Way photography, and the surrounding schedule may be adjusted to account for late hours. Plans remain flexible so we can respond to weather, light, and energy levels without rushing.
- Morning: We head out early to be in position for first light. Mornings focus on working desert forms as light moves across the terrain—ridge lines, drainage patterns, and layered hillsides. Time is spent refining compositions, adjusting camera position, and responding to subtle changes in contrast and shadow. When conditions allow, we may return to a location on multiple mornings to apply lessons learned rather than treating each stop as a one-time visit.
- Midday: These hours are typically used for rest, travel, or indoor sessions. On select days, we hold image review and post-processing discussions focused on evaluating files, understanding what worked in the field, and improving tonal balance and clarity without pushing images too far. These sessions are optional but recommended, especially if you want feedback on how your field decisions translate into finished photographs.
- Evenings: These are spent back in the field as light lowers and shadows lengthen across the badlands. Some evenings revisit familiar terrain under different light; others explore new areas depending on conditions. One evening is reserved for night sky photography, including dusk foregrounds and later sky exposures. Because of the late hours involved, the schedule before or after the night shoot may be adjusted to allow for rest.
Flexibility and pacing
Desert conditions can change quickly. Wind, cloud cover, and surface moisture all affect how scenes photograph, especially in clay-rich areas like the Bentonite Hills. The schedule is designed to adapt to these variables, prioritizing productive conditions over rigid timing. The goal is consistent time working in the field with enough space to think, adjust, and apply what you're learning as the week unfolds.
Registration
This workshop is designed for photographers interested in working carefully with desert landscapes and dark skies. This workshop is currently sold out. Contact us with questions or for waitlist.
→ Register for future dates, Hanksville Workshop
Registration is completed on the next page using secure PayPal checkout. You may pay as a guest with a credit or debit card—no PayPal account is required.
Workshop details
- Experience level
- This workshop is open to photographers ranging from beginner to advanced. You do not need prior desert or night sky experience to participate. Beginners will focus on building strong fundamentals in composition, exposure, and working with light, while more experienced photographers can concentrate on refining technique, working complex scenes, and improving composition. Instruction is adjusted to your background and goals rather than delivered as a fixed curriculum.
- Group size
- The workshop is limited to a small group, with a target of eight participants. This allows for meaningful one-on-one guidance in the field, flexibility when working locations, and enough space for everyone to work without feeling crowded.
- Effort and terrain
- Effort ranges from light to moderate. Most photography locations are accessed from roads or short walks, but the terrain is uneven and variable. Expect soft clay soil, loose rock, shallow gullies, and low ridgelines. One location may involve a mostly level walk of approximately one mile each way. Sure footing and basic mobility are important for working safely and comfortably in the field.
- Conditions
- Spring conditions in the Hanksville area can vary widely. Mornings and evenings are often cool, while mid-day temperatures can be warm, especially in direct sun. Wind is common in open areas such as Moonscape Overlook and Factory Butte. Although rain is infrequent, even small amounts of moisture can make Bentonite terrain slick. Warm layered clothing, sun protection, and a wind-resistant jacket are strongly recommended.
- Elevation
- Most photography locations range between approximately 4,500 and 5,500 feet in elevation. This is not extreme altitude, but participants should stay hydrated and pace themselves if they are not accustomed to working at elevation. Breaks and schedule adjustments are built into the week as needed.
Getting to the workshop
Air travel
Nearby airports are Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).
Drive time from Grand Junction: ~2 hr 30 min
Drive time from Salt Lake City: ~3 hr 45 min
Driving and carpooling
Workshop locations are reached via a combination of paved highways and graded dirt roads. Most sites can be accessed without 4WD, but due to the nature of the terrain—especially near Bentonite Hills and Moonscape Overlook—a high-clearance SUV is highly recommended. In wet conditions, some areas may become muddy or impassable, particularly in the Bentonite region, where even light rain can make the clay soil very slick.
We strongly encourage participants to rent or bring an SUV for maximum flexibility and safety.
Whenever possible, during the workshop, we encourage participants to carpool to minimize our impact and foster camaraderie among attendees.
Recommended gear
Lenses
For the best results in the varied desert terrain around Hanksville, we recommend a lens range of at least 24mm to 400mm (full-frame equivalent). Wide-angle lenses are ideal for expansive views at places like Moonscape Overlook and the Bentonite Hills, while telephoto lenses are invaluable for isolating distant ridgelines, erosion patterns, and compressing the layered landscape.
Polarizing filter
A polarizer can be helpful, but use it carefully. In many locations—particularly when photographing subtle tones and clay textures—a polarizer may have limited effect or may even diminish natural surface reflections that enhance the scene. If you use one, we recommend experimenting and reviewing results in the field to determine its benefit in each scene.
Footwear
The terrain in this region is dry, open, and often rugged—expect gritty clay soil, small rocks, and uneven footing. We recommend sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles and to keep dust and debris out. Traction is especially important when exploring Bentonite hills after any moisture.
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.
Watch these videos to learn techniques to bring your night sky composites to life:
FAQ
- Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
-
Yes. This workshop is open to photographers with a wide range of experience levels. If you're newer to landscape photography, instruction focuses on building strong fundamentals—composition, exposure, and working with light in the field. If you're more experienced, the emphasis shifts toward refining technique, organizing complex scenes, and improving consistency. Instruction is adjusted to your background rather than delivered as a one-size-fits-all program.
- How much instruction is there versus time to work independently?
-
Instruction is available throughout the workshop, but it isn't constant or directive. Some participants prefer frequent feedback in the field; others like time to work on their own and check in when questions come up. Both approaches are supported. Guidance is offered where it's most useful—during composition decisions, changing light, and review sessions—rather than controlling every frame.
- Will we revisit the same locations more than once?
-
Yes, when conditions support it. The badlands often photograph very differently depending on light, cloud cover, and time of day. Revisiting locations allows you to refine compositions, apply what you've learned, and see how small changes in light or viewpoint affect the scene, rather than treating each stop as a single opportunity.
- How physically demanding is the workshop?
-
The overall effort level is light to moderate. Most locations are reached from roads or short walks, but the terrain is uneven and can include soft clay, loose rock, and small rises. One location may involve a mostly level walk of about one mile each way. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and standing for extended periods.
- What should I expect from the night sky session?
-
One evening is dedicated to photographing the Milky Way. We focus on capturing foregrounds at dusk and photographing the night sky later, then blending those exposures for natural-looking results.We focus on capturing foregrounds at dusk and photographing the night sky later, then blending those exposures for natural-looking results. Prior night photography experience is not required.
- Are drones allowed during the workshop?
-
Participants are welcome to bring drones, but no drone instruction is provided. Drones must be used responsibly, launched and landed away from others, and flown in accordance with FAA regulations and local restrictions. Drone use should not interfere with the experience of other participants.