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Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography tour, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
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About Our Company
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Astro Magic: Star Trails & Light Painting
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$500.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Palm Springs, CA / Palm Springs, CA
Length
5 Days/4 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
Unique Combination: Capture a variety of night sky images, from star trails to creative scenes with light painting.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from one-on-one time with professional photographers who are well-versed in both astrophotography and light painting.
Stunning Location: Joshua Tree's dark skies and iconic landscapes offer the perfect canvas for your creativity.
Skill Enhancement: Elevate your photography, learning to capture the night sky and paint with light in ways you've never imagined.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Join Backcountry Journeys for an unparalleled photography workshop where the splendor of star trails meets the artistry of light painting, set against the ethereal backdrop of Joshua Tree National Park. This unique workshop blends the celestial dance of the stars with the vibrant creativity of light painting, offering an unmatched experience in one of the most visually stunning settings on Earth.
Unveiling the Night Sky's Mysteries
Dive into the world of astrophotography as we explore the pristine, dark skies of Joshua Tree, renowned for its clear, pollution-free views. Learn to capture mesmerizing star trails as they arc over the iconic Joshua Trees, set against the park's surreal landscapes of massive boulders and rock formations. Our expert guides will introduce you to advanced techniques, including stacking for noise reduction and mastering low-level lighting to bring out the best in your nocturnal shots.
The Art of Light Painting
Discover the captivating world of light painting, where you'll learn to use various light sources to craft vivid and surreal images under the night sky. This workshop will teach you to illuminate the park's otherworldly landscapes, creating dynamic compositions that blend the cosmic with the creative. Whether you're a novice or an experienced photographer, our hands-on approach ensures you'll master these techniques, adding a new dimension to your photographic skills.
An Intimate, Hands-on Experience
Our workshop is designed for small groups, ensuring personalized instruction and ample time for experimentation. With our experienced instructors by your side, you'll delve deep into long-exposure photography, learning to fine-tune your camera settings and compose stunning images in complete darkness.
The workshop begins and ends in Palm Springs, CA, with accommodations provided at a unique boutique hotel. All levels of photography enthusiasts are welcome, and you'll leave with not just stunning images, but also new skills and unforgettable memories.
Join us on this extraordinary journey to merge the science of astrophotography with the art of light painting, all within the mesmerizing environment of Joshua Tree National Park.
Secure your spot and prepare to capture the night in ways you've never seen before!
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Transportation to and from Palm Springs, California
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive and transfer to our hotel in Palm Springs, CA. After a warm welcome and a delightful dinner, dive into the adventure with a nocturnal photography session in Joshua Tree National Park. Experience the thrill of capturing the park's enchanting landscapes under a blanket of stars, introducing you to the magic of star trails and the vibrant art of light painting.
Days 2 - 4 (B,L,D)
A typical day will involve some rest in the morning and some daytime excursions to Joshua Tree National Park. As dusk falls, the landscape transforms into a photographer's dream, offering a new canvas for capturing stunning star trails and experimenting with mesmerizing light painting techniques. There are no shortage of locations, from groves of Joshua Trees to polished granite boulders and arches. Each night will have a different focus and the opportunity to capture a wide array of night images.
Day 5 (B)
Your final day begins with an early session to capture the serene beauty of the park's sunrise or add finishing touches to your light painting portfolio. As the workshop concludes, return to the hotel, where farewells are exchanged, and you depart back to Palm Springs, carrying with you not just photographs, but memories and new skills that will last a lifetime.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
BUSINESS
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
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Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025