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Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
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About Our Company
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Night Skies of the Southwest
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
Don't See The Dates You're Looking For?
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$750.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
St. George, UT / St. George, UT
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Explore some of the darkest skies on Earth in Utah and Arizona, where a diverse range of landscapes provides the perfect canvas for your night photography endeavors.
- Craft stunning desert Milky Way photos by leveraging the unique orientation of the Milky Way and the magic of spring, when the galactic core casts its ethereal glow over awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors and enjoy ample one-on-one time to refine your photography skills and expand your creative vision.
- Forge lasting connections with fellow photographers who share your passion, and return home with an exceptional portfolio that showcases the wonders you've captured under the mesmerizing night skies of the southwest.
- Enjoy the intimate and personalized experience of our small group size, limited to just 7 photographers, ensuring ample one-on-one time with your instructor and a supportive learning environment.
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:
Unlock the secrets of night sky photography and elevate your skills to new heights on our Night Skies of the Southwest photo workshop. If you're an aspiring landscape photographer yearning to capture the magic of the cosmos, this workshop is tailor-made for you.
Photograph the night skies of the enchanting southwest, where the act of pressing the shutter ignites a celestial spectacle on your camera's LCD. Night photography is a realm of boundless possibilities, and our workshop takes you to one of the premier locations in the United States for capturing the wonders of the night—the desert southwest.
Venture into the depths of Utah and Arizona, where you'll encounter not only the darkest skies on Earth but also a diverse array of landscapes that lend themselves beautifully to night photography. Our expertly crafted itinerary harnesses the unique orientation of the Milky Way and moon phases, enabling you to craft stunning desert Milky Way photos. During the spring, the galactic core graces the skies above breathtaking landscapes, presenting an excellent opportunity to capture its ethereal beauty.
Delve into one of the world's most breathtaking and iconic regions, where you'll receive personalized guidance and ample one-on-one time with your experienced instructor. Together, you'll refine your photography skills and expand your creative vision amidst the unparalleled beauty of the southwest. Forge lasting connections with fellow photographers who share your passion, and return home with an exceptional portfolio that showcases the wonders you've captured.
Join us today on a journey to witness the marvels of the Milky Way as it illuminates the landscapes of the southwest. Don't miss this chance to master the art of night sky photography in one of the world's most remarkable destinations.
Photograph the night skies of the enchanting southwest, where the act of pressing the shutter ignites a celestial spectacle on your camera's LCD. Night photography is a realm of boundless possibilities, and our workshop takes you to one of the premier locations in the United States for capturing the wonders of the night—the desert southwest.
Venture into the depths of Utah and Arizona, where you'll encounter not only the darkest skies on Earth but also a diverse array of landscapes that lend themselves beautifully to night photography. Our expertly crafted itinerary harnesses the unique orientation of the Milky Way and moon phases, enabling you to craft stunning desert Milky Way photos. During the spring, the galactic core graces the skies above breathtaking landscapes, presenting an excellent opportunity to capture its ethereal beauty.
Delve into one of the world's most breathtaking and iconic regions, where you'll receive personalized guidance and ample one-on-one time with your experienced instructor. Together, you'll refine your photography skills and expand your creative vision amidst the unparalleled beauty of the southwest. Forge lasting connections with fellow photographers who share your passion, and return home with an exceptional portfolio that showcases the wonders you've captured.
Join us today on a journey to witness the marvels of the Milky Way as it illuminates the landscapes of the southwest. Don't miss this chance to master the art of night sky photography in one of the world's most remarkable destinations.
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 St. George, Utah
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 St George, UT at 5 pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
After dinner, we will head out to the east side of Zion National Park to shoot the Milky Way. We have a few locations to choose from this evening, with all highlighting the incredible geology of Zion.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will use to the morning to recover before exploring more of the Zion Canyon. After lunch at a local favorite, we will explore Zion and prepare for a night of astrophotography in the park. This evening will include Milky Way and/or star trails photography and instruction.
Day 3 (B,D)
For our night sky shoot, we will travel to an amazing location on the Colorado Plateau - locations could include badlands, buttes, hoodoos, and more!
Day 4 (B,D)
We will sleep in on the morning of Day 4 and do some processing after breakfast. We will do some image review, but also cover essential astrophotography processing in Lightroom and Photoshop. That night, we will head out to Colorado Plateau again for some amazing night skies. We will go out late for the Milky Way or focus on star trails after enjoying a sunset. Either way, we will be photographing some of the darkest skies in the entire United States.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
It’s rinse and repeat for Day 5. We will get some rest, do processing if there’s time, or perhaps explore some landscapes around the Page area, depending on the light. Our night shot is another great desert locale. Many of the buttes and sandstone around this area feature vibrantly colored rocks and otherworldly structures, that’s our focus! If possible, we will experiment with low level lightning and shoot into sunrise of Day Six.
Day 6 (B)
The morning of Day 6 could feature numerous locations. We may travel back to Zion National Park or visit another location close to the Kanab/Lake Powell area. After breakfast, we will travel back to St George, UT and say our goodbyes after a great trip.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
We will meet at our hotel in St George, UT at 5 pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
After dinner, we will head out to the east side of Zion National Park to shoot the Milky Way. We have a few locations to choose from this evening, with all highlighting the incredible geology of Zion.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will use to the morning to recover before exploring more of the Zion Canyon. After lunch at a local favorite, we will explore Zion and prepare for a night of astrophotography in the park. This evening will include Milky Way and/or star trails photography and instruction.
Day 3 (B,D)
For our night sky shoot, we will travel to an amazing location on the Colorado Plateau - locations could include badlands, buttes, hoodoos, and more!
Day 4 (B,D)
We will sleep in on the morning of Day 4 and do some processing after breakfast. We will do some image review, but also cover essential astrophotography processing in Lightroom and Photoshop. That night, we will head out to Colorado Plateau again for some amazing night skies. We will go out late for the Milky Way or focus on star trails after enjoying a sunset. Either way, we will be photographing some of the darkest skies in the entire United States.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
It’s rinse and repeat for Day 5. We will get some rest, do processing if there’s time, or perhaps explore some landscapes around the Page area, depending on the light. Our night shot is another great desert locale. Many of the buttes and sandstone around this area feature vibrantly colored rocks and otherworldly structures, that’s our focus! If possible, we will experiment with low level lightning and shoot into sunrise of Day Six.
Day 6 (B)
The morning of Day 6 could feature numerous locations. We may travel back to Zion National Park or visit another location close to the Kanab/Lake Powell area. After breakfast, we will travel back to St George, UT and say our goodbyes after a great trip.
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
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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
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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.
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."
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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."
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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."
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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