Milky Way Photo Expedition

Instructor: Frank Kraljic

Although camping within the Petrified Forest National Park is permitted in limited areas, mobility after park hours is not. This nightscape photographer workshop will take participants inside the park under a moonless night sky for a privileged photography opportunity using the Milky Way as a backdrop to the unique and other-worldly landscape attractions found exclusively in the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.

This workshop is open to novice and experienced astrophotographers. Field tutorials including camera operation and setup, shot planning, scene lighting and capturing, as well as general photo processing using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop will be available to those wanting to learn more, while those already familiar with the art and craft may proceed with their photographic plans.

Participants should be in decent physical shape capable of navigating “off-the-beaten path” with only a headlamp and flashlight carrying their photographic equipment. Expect to trek a couple miles over the course of the night.

We’ll first meet at the Painted Desert Visitor Center at 3:00 pm at the north park entrance gate to review our night plan and prepare to set up camp at a designated park location. We’ll spend some of the afternoon scouting photogenic locations before returning to the campsite for some astrophotography basics as we wait for our moonless sky. Participants can expect to be photographing until midnight or later.

Class Categories

Schedule

• Meet at 3:00 pm
• Finish the following day by noon

Cost

• $159 – Non-Member
• $130 – Member *Learn more at PFMA site

Class Notes

• Maximum number of participants: 10
  
• Minimum age: 12 (must be accompanied by guardian)

Equipment Requirements:

• SLR or DSLR camera (preferably low light sensitive) with media cards
• Sturdy tripod
• Headlamp and flashlight
• Mobile device with GPS
• Water bottle and snacks
• Cold weather clothing
• Backpack and carry case for all equipment
• Overnight camping gear (tent, bedroll, etc)

Optional Equipment:

• Additional camera and tripod
• Cable release (depending on camera)
• Battery powered light panels with stands
• Light diffusion and gels
• Laptop computer (processing of photos may be done at home)