BISTI BADLANDS MASTERCLASS
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AN EXPLORATION OF THE BISITI, VALLEY OF DREAMS, AND SHIPROCK
When: May 12-17, 2026
Style: Astro-Landscape
Activity Rating: Moderate
Max Students: 10
Includes: Lodging, Meals, and Transportation During Workshop!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP DOES INVOLVE HIKING
Embark on the Ultimate Astro-Landscape Adventure in the Bisti Badlands!
Join the 319 Photography team for an epic SIX-DAY, FIVE-NIGHT journey into one of the most surreal and untamed landscapes of the American West—The Bisti Badlands of Northwest New Mexico! This isn’t just a workshop; it’s an adventure designed for photographers hungry to capture the extraordinary.
Under a vast, star-studded sky, you'll dive deep into the world of astro-landscape photography with immersive, hands-on training both in the classroom and out in the field. Our expert instructors will be fully dedicated to helping you hone your skills, ensuring that you leave with not only jaw-dropping images but also an elevated mastery of your craft.
Explore Otherworldly Landscapes Few Have Ever Seen
The Bisti Badlands is an alien realm of bizarre, wind-carved rock formations and dramatic terrain. But we’re not stopping at just the well-known spots—you’ll gain exclusive access to hidden locations that aren’t available to the general public!
One of our most breathtaking destinations is the Valley of Dreams, a sacred land for the Navajo people, overflowing with unique hoodoos and geological wonders. In collaboration with Navajo Tours USA, we’ll explore this mystical landscape under expert guidance, learning about its cultural significance while ensuring its preservation.
And just beyond, Shiprock rises like an ancient guardian over the desert—a volcanic monolith that’s as eerie as it is awe-inspiring. This legendary formation, steeped in Navajo lore, provides an incredible foreground for nightscapes and dramatic compositions.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! We’ll journey into other remote and extraordinary locations, that have rarely been photographed and few know about. Thanks to our deep connections with the Navajo community, we have special access to places few will ever see—ensuring your portfolio is filled with rare and breathtaking images.
This is your chance to push the boundaries of your photography, capture the extraordinary, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure under the stars.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN TUTION?
Your tuition for this workshop covers the following:
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FOUR Professional Photography Instructors!
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SIX Nights Lodging (Additional Nights Available)
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Meals from Day One though Final Day
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Transportation During Workshop
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Photography Guide Service
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Navajo Tribal Guide Service
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In-Field Photography Instruction
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Classroom Instruction
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Classroom Materials
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Time and Talent of Professional Instructors
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN TUITION?
Tuition DOES NOT include the following:
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Travel to and from host hotel in Farmington, NM
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Meals (Outside of those provided)
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Incidentals & Alcohol
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Travel and/or Equipment Insurance
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Gratuity for Navajo Guides
WHAT WILL I LEARN DURING THIS WORKSHOP?
During this workshop, you will receive hands-on, direct instruction on several topics related to astro-landscape photography, to include:
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Planning & Scouting Astro-Landscape Images
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Camera Operations & Settings
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Best Practices for Astro-Landscape Photography
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Capturing Foreground (Landscape) Images
- Capturing Night Sky and Milky Way Images
- Use of a Equatorial Tracking Mount (Star Tracker) for night sky images (if you decide to bring one)
- Stacking Night Sky Images for Noise Reduction using Starry Landscape Stacker (MAC) or Sequator (PC)
- Post Processing for both Foreground and Night Sky Images unsing Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop
- Composite (or blending) Foreground and Night Sky Images to Create a Stunning Final Image
- Preparing Your Images for Print & Social Media Use!
WHY DOES 319 TEACH COMPOSITE / BLENDING AND STACKING?
In short, stacking images for noise reduction combined with composite blends yields higher quality images.
It is part of 319 Photography's ethos to present and teach the best practices that yield the best results. Composite blending paired with image stacking for noise reduction are certainly two approaches that far exceed the quality of images yielded from light painting. Moreover, many National Parks have (or soon will be) banning the use of artificial light during nighttime photography.
When we say we "teach," we actually mean it. We do not do a simple overview or demonstration on how to composite or stack images, we actually teach it and you get hands on experience with doing it in the classroom on your own computers during our dedicated classroom time! This is something you will only find at a 319 Photography UNIQUE / Workshop!
PHYSICAL FITNESS & ACTIVITY LEVEL ADVISEMENT
THIS WORKSHOP INVOLVES HIKING.
HIKES TO PLANNED SHOOTING LOCATIONS ARE RATED AS
"EASY," "MODERATE," AND "MODERATELY STRENUOUS."
The areas we will visit are inaccessible by vehicle, but we will park the vehicles as close as possible. We will traverse MOSTLY flat terrain that will see a mix of gradual elevation gains, step-ups over rocks, narrow paths, sandy areas, and loose areas of rock.
Farmington, NM (where we base the workshop out of) is located at elevation and our hikes will take us to slightly higher elevations. Please note the elevations below:
Farmington, NM Elevation: 5306 ft.
Highest Elevation of the Bisti Badlands: 6300 ft.
Our hikes will not take us to the height of the 6300 ft., but there will be some gradual elevation gains during the hikes into the shooting locations. If you are not used to hiking at elevation, please be aware of this and prepare accordingly.
Overall, students SHOULD BE ABLE TO WALK A DISTANCE OF 2.5 MILES (ONE WAY), UNASSISTED, WITH THEIR CAMERA GEAR from where the vehicle will be parked to the shooting area.
In Addition, the following normal physical ability requirements of our workshops apply. Students should be able to:
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Walk unassisted over uneven terrain while carrying their camera equipment
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Traverse and manage terrain that includes uneven rocks, loose sand/gravel, and level changes
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Stand or be on their feet several hours (don't worry, you can bring chairs!)
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Successfully maneuver and negotiate walking at night by flashlight in a rocky, desert environment
If you have specific questions about the physical aspects of our workshops, contact Tony via email at tony@319photography.com
WHAT SKILL LEVEL IS REQUIRED?
Our workshops are specifically designed to cater to photographers of ALL SKILL LEVELS! We simply ask that you have at least a basic understanding of how your camera functions and that you bring the required and recommended equipment that we suggest so that you may get the most out of this workshop!
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Day 1 - Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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10AM - 5 PM Meet in Hotel Conference Room
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Initial Introduction
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Overview & Orientation
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Initial Classroom instruction
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5PM - Break for Dinner
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7PM - TBA - In-Field Shooting and Instruction
Day 2 - 5 May 13-16, 2026
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Each day will see an ample amount of time in-field shooting landscapes and/or night skies!
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In addition, each day will provide classroom time for post-processing training and image editing/review!
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The daily schedule will remain flexible as to allow us to visit specific locations at the right time of the day or night!
Day 6 - Sunday, May 17, 2026
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10AM - 3PM Meet in Hotel Conference Room
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Classroom instruction
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Post-Processing
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Final Image Editing
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Preparing for Print
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Image Review
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Final Wrap Up
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NOTE: Our itineraries are always fluid and may change due to shooting conditions or opportunities. We will always strive to put our students in the best positions and locations to capture epic images. Outside of Day 1 of the workshop, specific times of the above-listed itinerary may change as necessary.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
The following is the basic gear you will need for our workshops. When you register you will receive a specific gear list by email.
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DSLR or Mirrorless Camera capable of ISO 10000
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Wide Angle lens capable of at least f/2.8
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Medium Telephoto Lens
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Quality, Sturdy Tripod
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Wired or Wireless Intervalometer
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Memory Cards & Card Reader
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Camera Batteries
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Laptop Computer (PC or Mac) with at least:
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Adobe Lightroom Classic (latest version)
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Adobe Photoshop (latest version)
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Starry Landscape Stacker (Mac Only)
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Sequator (PC Only)
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Quality, climate appropriate clothing
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Hiking Poles
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Quality footwear with ankle support
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
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Equatorial Mount (Star Tracker)
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Second Camera Body, Lens, Intervalometer, and Tripod
HAVE SPECIFIC GEAR QUESTIONS?
We want YOU to get the most you possibly can from our UNIQUE / Workshops.
Part of getting the most you can from our Workshops is making sure you have the right gear for this style of photography. Unfortunately, not all digital cameras and lenses are made equal.
If you have any questions, whatsoever, concerning cameras, lens, tripods, intervalometers, laptops, or other accessories, please reach out to Tony via email at tony@319photography.com and he will gladly help you choose the right gear for the workshop.
WHICH NIGHTS ARE INCLUDED AND WHERE ARE WE STAYING?
Tuition for this workshop INCLUDES SIX NIGHTS lodging! This allows you to arrive the night before the workshop begins so you are rested and ready for the workshop! For this workshop, tuition covers the following nights:
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Monday, May 11, 2026 (Night BEFORE Workshop Begins)
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Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Friday, May 15, 2026
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Saturday, May 16, 2026 (Last Lodging Night. Workshop ends June 28, 2025)
Once you register, you DO NOT need to call the hotel to set up your accommodations. We will take care of that for you!
If you would like additional lodging nights, simply let us know on your Workshop Registration form when you register for this workshop. Additional nights will be added to your final tuition payment at a rate of $165.00 + tax per additional night.
We are staying at the newest hotel in Farmington, NM, the Home 2 Suites by Hilton. We LOVE this hotel and have an awesome relationship with hotel management and staff! Here's the address:
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
777 S. Browning Pkwy
Farmington, NM 87401
We will host the workshop out of the Home 2 Suite's Conference Room.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
This workshop is for photographers of ALL SKILL LEVELS who LOVE hiking, the night sky, stunning landscapes and have the desire to capture amazing images all while improving their abilities as an artist!
Our workshops are designed to TEACH first and foremost! If you are looking to learn and grow as a photographer, our workshops are the right choice for you!
GETTING TO FARMINGTON, NM
Farmington, NM is located in the NW corner of New Mexico. Many people often drive their personal vehicles, but if you are looking to fly into the area, below are the closest reasonable options for airports. Airports are listed in distance from our host hotel, the Home 2 Suites in Farmington, NM. 1 - DRO - Durango-La Plata County Airport Distance from Hotel: 47 miles - 1 hour drive 1000 Airport Rd Durango, CO 81303 Website: https://www.flydurango.com/1748/Airport Phone: (970) 382-6050 Rental Car Companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National NOTE: DRO is serviced by United Airlines (from Denver, CO and Houston, TX) and American Airlines (from Dallas/Fort Worth, TX and Phoenix, AZ). 2 - ABQ - Albuquerque International Sunport Distance from Hotel: 181 miles - 2 hour 45 min drive 2200 Sunport Blvd Albuquerque, NM 87106 Website: https://www.abqsunport.com Phone: (505) 244-7700 Rental Car Companies: All major rental car companies available NOTE: While this airport option is furthest away, it is usually the most reasonable and cost-effective option that offers the most airlines. Transportation to and from the airport is not included in workshop tuition and you will be responsible for your own transport to and from the host hotel. Transportation during the workshop is included.
CAN I BRING A NON-PHOTOGRAPHER SPOUSE / GUEST?
YES! You may bring a NON-PHOTOGRAPHER guest along with you if you so choose.
The only two things we ask is that your NON-PHOTOGRAPHER guest stays in your same room and does not attend classroom sessions. They are welcome to join us out in the field to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the night sky.
Note: space may be limited in our transport vehicles and you and your guest may have to follow us in their own vehicle. If your guest chooses to join us in the field and participate in meals, there is a supplemental fee of $500 to cover meals and park fees.
On the registration form, please indicate if you will be bringing a guest and if they will participate in meals.
HOW DOES TUITION WORK?
The total tuition for this workshop is $3850.00.
A deposit of $500.00 is required at booking to reserve your slot.
This deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE* and will guarantee you a slot in the workshop.
Initial Deposit Transactions are completed online via the 319 Photography booking system. Payment methods for initial deposits include all Major Credit Cards or PayPal. Transactions are secure transactions.
If you would prefer to fulfill your initial deposit in an alternate manner (check, Venmo, CashApp, etc), please email tony@319photography.com to arrange this.
Final tuition payments are required by April 1, 2026.
Final Tuition Invoices will be sent out approximately one mont prior to final tuition payment due date. Checks are preferred for Final Tuition payment fulfillment. Final tuition payments made via an electronic method (Credit/Debit Card, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, etc.) will incur a 3% electronic payment fee.
IMPORTANT STUFF WE SHOULD TELL YOU ABOUT
319 Photography, LLC. is certified and authorized by the National Park Service (NPS) to host and conduct photography workshops within National Parks.
319 Photography, LLC. is First Aid and CPR certified through the American Heart Association and we carry medical supplies with us during our workshops.
Our transactions are secured via PayPal for your peace of mind! No PayPal account needed!
