Discover the creative possibilities of light painting—an art form that allows you to transform the darkness into a canvas of vivid colors and surreal shapes. Learn how to use various light sources to paint light onto your subjects, creating stunning and unique effects that blend seamlessly with the night sky. This is truly an art form of it’s own – and the best part is you don’t need to bring any special equipment for this workshop.

Unveil the mysteries of the night sky and unlock the art of light painting amidst the otherworldly landscapes of one of the best night sky location on the planet - Joshua Tree National Park! Backcountry Journeys is proud to offer this unique skills-based workshop designed to illuminate the captivating world of night sky photography and light painting techniques.

Imagine standing beneath the velvety expanse of the Joshua Tree night sky, with stars shimmering like diamonds. This workshop offers you the opportunity to master the techniques of capturing this celestial beauty not only through astro-photography but illuminating foregrounds to create surreal (and super fun!) masterpieces. Learn the intricate art of light painting to add a new dimension to your nocturnal compositions.

Have you been with us to Joshua Tree before? Our Light Painting Workshop is an entirely new & exciting course that focuses on a different set of skills and techniques that you can add to your repertoire.

Skill Development
Our experienced instructors guide you step by step, helping you understand the nuances of long-exposure photography and light painting techniques. From setting up your camera for long exposure shots to dialing in your focus in complete darkness and finding great compositions, you'll gain valuable skills that will elevate your photography to new heights.

Why Joshua Tree?
Situated deep in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California Joshua Tree National Park boasts some of the clearest weather for dark sky photography. In addition Joshua Tree is far away from any significant light pollution making the skies even more clear and dark. It’s surreal landscapes provide an otherworldly backdrop for night sky workshops (which is why we love it so much!) The iconic Joshua Trees themselves add an element of mystique to your compositions, while the vast desert landscapes offer an unobstructed view of the night sky, making it an ideal setting for honing your light painting skills.

Intimate Learning Experience
With our small group sizes (this trip is limited to seven), you'll enjoy personalized attention from our instructors, ensuring you grasp the techniques effectively. Benefit from in-the-field demonstrations and one-on-one guidance that will cater to your specific needs and skill level.
There will be a lot of time spent in single locations in order to maximize the time spent experimenting with your light creations – this is one of our most creative & hands-on workshops to-date. Expect to come home with some images that make your friends say “wow!”

Elevate your photography to new dimensions with Backcountry Journeys' Light Painting Workshop. Learn the art of capturing the stars and painting light onto the night canvas in the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. This workshop promises not only stunning images but also a strong fundamental understanding of light painting techniques. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey to master the magic of the night!