Rocky Mountain National Park Milky Way & Meteors Photography Workshop
Rocky Mountain National Park Milky Way & Meteors Photography Workshop
Experience the thrill of the celestial skies in the Rocky Mountains during a special double event.
Quick Facts
Skill Level i
All Levels
Fitness Level i
Moderate
Terrain
Elevation Changes , High Altitude , Uneven Terrain , Trip or Fall Hazards
Location
Estes Park CO
Tuition
$1,995
The Experience
Experience the breathtaking night skies of Rocky Mountain National Park during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower and Milky Way season. This four-night photography workshop combines immersive instruction, stunning alpine locations, and the welcoming charm of Estes Park. Whether you are just beginning your astrophotography journey or have loved photographing the night sky for years, you will enjoy capturing celestial scenes above mountain peaks, quiet lakes, and dramatic Colorado landscapes.
Together, we’ll explore beautiful night-sky locations, refine compositions, and work through the unique challenges of photographing after dark. There is something special about standing under a canopy of stars with a group of photographers, sharing ideas, solving problems, and watching the sky come alive. From Milky Way core images and meteor shower opportunities to quiet nightscapes framed by mountain silhouettes, this workshop is designed to help you build confidence, expand your creative vision, and come home with images that reflect both the beauty of the park and the wonder of the night sky.
What You Will Learn
In the Field
- Star focusing and infinity calibration
- Milky Way composition planning
- Including strong foreground elements
- Balancing sky and landscape exposure
- Light painting with subtle control
- Capturing Perseids meteor trails
- Creating intentional star trails
- Working in low-light conditions
- Managing headlamps and night vision
- Tripod stability and vibration control
Beyond the Capture
- Planning with PhotoPills and TPE
- Understanding Milky Way timing
- Tracking meteor activity
- Moon phase and darkness planning
- Scouting compositions before dark
- Nightscape editing workflow
- Exposure blending for sky and foreground
- Image stacking for lower noise
- Star trail processing techniques
- Organizing and reviewing night captures
Through The Lens
Planning Your Trip
Nearest Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Lodging Suggestions
Our base hotel is Best Western Silver Saddle Plus in Estes Park CO
Transportation
In-Field Transportation provided by two leaders, although use of a participant's vehicle is allowed.
What's Included:
- Professional Instruction
- Pre-Workshop Zoom Session to Prepare for the Workshop
- Post-Workshop Zoom Session to Share Editing Techniques
- Access to the Benton Downs Alumni Community
- On-location Field Transportation
- One Group Dinner
What's Not Included:
- Lodging
- Meals
- Airfare
- Transportation to/from Estes Park
- Travel or Medical Insurance
Itinerary
Day 1 (August 11): Arrival Day & Sunset Shoot
We will meet at the designated location late in the afternoon to meet & greet workshop participants and share an early meal. As a group, we will plan to capture sunset, blue hour and night skies in one of our RMNP locations.
Day 2-4 (August 12-14): Daily Agenda – Each day will provide the opportunity to sleep in after a late night. Your early afternoons will be available for touring around Estes Park, editing or your choice of activities. We will meet daily for sunset, blue hour and night skies photography in various locations.
Departures: Any time on 8/15 or later.
