Voted Travelers' Choice 2024
Find Your Next Photo Adventure
Trip Calendar Most Popular Photography Tours 2024 Photography Tours 2025 Photography Tours 2026 Photography Tours 2027 Photography Tours Spring Photography Tours Summer Photography Tours Fall Photography Tours Winter Photography Tours Landscape Photography Tours Wildlife Photography Tours International Photography Tours
Stay Up To Date On All Things
Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Blog
From articles on the latest camera gear, to trip reports from our latest expeditions, our blog is meant for all interested in travel photography.Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.About Backcountry Journeys
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
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Travel Desk
You can review our various payment, and travel policies here, along with resources regarding international travel.Gift Certificates
Give the gift of photo adventure! We offer gift certificates that can be applied to any of our upcoming tours.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Desert Star Trails
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
[Block//Start Date %M j%+0] - [Block//End Date %M j, Y%+0]
[Block//Web Spots Left]
Trip Leader(s)
[Block//Trip Leader #1]
[Block//Trip Leader #2]
Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$495.00
[Block//Online Availability]
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
- Master the art of Star Trail Photography
- Perfect your exposure techniques for sharp stars and foregrounds
- Create stunning compositions centered around the North Star
- Learn to create both single and consecutive exposure star trail images
- Use external lighting to enhance your foreground and create a more dramatic image
- Master post-processing using Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop
- Small group of only seven photographers for personalized instruction
- Enjoy awesome meals and lodging included in the workshop
- Learn from the BEST and most fun photo instructors in the industry
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 us for an unforgettable experience under the stars at Joshua Tree National Park. Our Desert Star Trails photo workshop takes you to one of the most unique and awe-inspiring night sky photography destinations in the world. The park is home to thousands of iconic Joshua Trees, draped against a backdrop of massive boulders and rock formations. The boulder fields, full of smooth, weathered rocks, are just as impressive as the groves of trees.
Experience the magic of night photography and the allure of the desert southwest. Press the shutter and watch as the stars light up your camera LCD. There's nothing quite like it. Night photography is one of the most fun and challenging forms of photography, and on this workshop, we take you to the best location in the US for star trail photography. Our main focus is star trails, but we will also cover advanced night photography techniques, such as stacking for noise reduction and in-field low-level lighting.
Our Joshua Tree Star Trails Photo Workshop is action-packed with a ton of shooting and instruction. Joshua Tree not only offers some of the darkest skies in the world but also some of the most interesting landscapes for composing star trail images. The park's unique trees, boulder fields, and rock formations offer endless possibilities for capturing stunning images.
This workshop starts and ends in Palm Springs, CA, making it easily accessible with a commercial international airport, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). We stay at a unique and cool boutique hotel during the workshop (included), featuring a great restaurant.
Experience the magic of night photography and the allure of the desert southwest. Press the shutter and watch as the stars light up your camera LCD. There's nothing quite like it. Night photography is one of the most fun and challenging forms of photography, and on this workshop, we take you to the best location in the US for star trail photography. Our main focus is star trails, but we will also cover advanced night photography techniques, such as stacking for noise reduction and in-field low-level lighting.
Our Joshua Tree Star Trails Photo Workshop is action-packed with a ton of shooting and instruction. Joshua Tree not only offers some of the darkest skies in the world but also some of the most interesting landscapes for composing star trail images. The park's unique trees, boulder fields, and rock formations offer endless possibilities for capturing stunning images.
This workshop starts and ends in Palm Springs, CA, making it easily accessible with a commercial international airport, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). We stay at a unique and cool boutique hotel during the workshop (included), featuring a great restaurant.
As with every Backcountry Journeys workshop, you'll get ample one-on-one time with your instructor and improve your astrophotography skills in one of the most premier destinations on the planet. Aside from the fun you'll experience with your fellow photographers, you'll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories.
Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to photograph the landscape and night sky in one of America’s most unique National Parks – Joshua Tree!
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)
We will meet at our hotel in Palm Springs, CA the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner. After a short break, the action already begins! The daylight hours are short during the winter months so we will head to the park and setup at an awesome location featuring Joshua Trees and interesting rock formations. We'll spend the evening hours immersed in star trails!
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Sleep is on the schedule for the morning of Day Two. After breakfast, we will check out and head to our hotel for the remainder of the workshop at Twentynine Palms, CA…right outside the national park. Before and after lunch will be spent exploring the unique landscape of the park. The plan for tonight is an early dinner and a sunset shoot. After sunset, we will head out for more star trails. Then, back to the hotel for some rest.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On Day Three, we will spend the morning catching up on rest. We will get breakfast as a group and spend the early afternoon exploring the park or reviewing images from the last two night shoots. Another early dinner and sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden then the we head under the stars! Tonight, we’ll check out Arch Rock and Split Rock. Two of the most photogenic rocks in the park - these make for really cool compositions!
Day 4 (B,D)
After a late night, the Day Four morning will be used to catch up on rest. We’ll do some image review and check out some other spots in the park during the day, if we have energy! The night of Day Four will be our last time capturing star trails. We will check out a few more iconic rock formations and do some short walks.
Day 5 (B)
We will be out late shooting the night before so we will spend our last morning photographing in the park before heading back to the hotel. After we wrap our final night of photography we'll celebrate with a round of high fives & all the incredible new images! After packing up, we will return back to our starting point in Palm Springs.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
We will meet at our hotel in Palm Springs, CA the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner. After a short break, the action already begins! The daylight hours are short during the winter months so we will head to the park and setup at an awesome location featuring Joshua Trees and interesting rock formations. We'll spend the evening hours immersed in star trails!
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Sleep is on the schedule for the morning of Day Two. After breakfast, we will check out and head to our hotel for the remainder of the workshop at Twentynine Palms, CA…right outside the national park. Before and after lunch will be spent exploring the unique landscape of the park. The plan for tonight is an early dinner and a sunset shoot. After sunset, we will head out for more star trails. Then, back to the hotel for some rest.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On Day Three, we will spend the morning catching up on rest. We will get breakfast as a group and spend the early afternoon exploring the park or reviewing images from the last two night shoots. Another early dinner and sunset at Cholla Cactus Garden then the we head under the stars! Tonight, we’ll check out Arch Rock and Split Rock. Two of the most photogenic rocks in the park - these make for really cool compositions!
Day 4 (B,D)
After a late night, the Day Four morning will be used to catch up on rest. We’ll do some image review and check out some other spots in the park during the day, if we have energy! The night of Day Four will be our last time capturing star trails. We will check out a few more iconic rock formations and do some short walks.
Day 5 (B)
We will be out late shooting the night before so we will spend our last morning photographing in the park before heading back to the hotel. After we wrap our final night of photography we'll celebrate with a round of high fives & all the incredible new images! After packing up, we will return back to our starting point in Palm Springs.
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.
More Trips Like This
[Block//Trip Category (Destinations)]
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
[Block//Trip Length]
From [Block//Basic Pricing]
[Block//Author//First Name] [Block//Author//Last Name] | [Block//Published Date]
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
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 2024
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 2024