Experience the thrill of the celestial skies in the Rocky Mountains during a special double event.
Workshop Leaders: DeLania Truly, Certified Professional Photographer & David Begis
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 offers immersive instruction, stunning locations, and the charm of Estes Park. Whether you are just beginning your astrophotography journey or have been an avid fan for years, you will love the celestial skies over mountains and lakes.
Key Features
- Astrophotography Focus: Milky Way core photography, Perseids meteor shower, star trails, and nightscapes.
- Iconic Locations: Includes great locations such as Moraine Park, Bear Lake, Irene Lake, Sprague Lake, Trail Ridge Road, and Upper Beaver Meadows.
- Instruction: Hands-on guidance, editing sessions, and personal coaching based on your skill level.
- Skill Level: All experience levels welcome.
During our journey, you can enjoy:
- Sunset & Golden Hour Sessions: Learn and practice natural light techniques and composition.
- Night Skies Sessions: Create eye-catching images featuring the Milky Way, stars and meteors.
- Hands-on Learning: Small group tutorials with personalized feedback.
- Wildlife: The National Park offers sightings of wildlife for you to capture.
Location:
Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas will be the focus of our workshop. You’ll enjoy the mountainous setting that offers dark skies and beautiful lakes to reflect the night skies. Estes Park is a great mountain town with plenty to offer for dining and shopping, as well as deer and elk walking around town.
Workshop Topics
- Composition for landscapes and architectural details
- Focus stacking and depth of field creativity
- Using filters for landscape and mid-day photography
- Blue Hour composition (for blending with night skies)
- Milky Way & Meteor photography (and blending)
Workshop dates
August 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM - August 15, 202,6 at 9:00 AM
Location
Estes Park, CO.
What’s Included:
- One group meal to wind down, connect with the other participants and talk about our favorite passion of photography.
- Ground transportation during the workshop, as needed. We will carpool to our designated locations daily.
- Admission to Rocky Mountain National Park (if you are with the official vehicles)
- A pre-workshop Zoom meeting will be held to support preparation and provide details for the workshop (typically 3-4 weeks ahead of the workshop dates).
- A post-workshop Zoom Meeting to share images and editing ideas.
- The full itinerary for the best locations to photograph landscapes, wildlife, Milky Way and meteors.
- Field Instruction and support, as needed, based on skill level.
What’s Not Included:
- Transportation to Estes Park: For those flying, Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest large airport for those flying in. It is approximately 1.5 hours drive to Estes Park.
- Transfers between airport and hotel.
- Lodging (we will reserve a block of rooms in Estes Park at the lowest rate available). If you need extra days before or after the workshop dates, please let us know at the time of registration.
- Meals and drinks during the workshop (except for one group meal).
- Personal expenses or additional excursions you plan on your own.
Additional workshop details
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Physical Requirements
Elevation is the primary consideration for this trip. It is critical to hydrate and prepare for the elevation. Estes Park is 7500 feet elevation. Rocky Mountain National Park ranges from 7500-14,000 feet elevation. Please note: It is highly recommended that you acclimate to the elevation at least one or two days before the workshop to avoid elevation sickness. We will be at locations that may require short hikes that increase in elevation. Some rocky areas are also included. If you have specific questions about the physical requirements for this workshop, contact DeLania Truly at truly@bentondowns.com.
Agenda
Example Agenda (may vary as needed)
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.
Transportation
You should plan to drive to Estes Park or fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). Arrival at the hotel should be by 2pm on the first day. We will provide field transportation via carpool during the workshop.
Recommended photography gear
| DSLR or Mirrorless camera: Whether you have a Crop Sensor or Full Frame, you will be able to capture great photos. Be sure to learn more about your camera’s features before you arrive so you can optimize them during the workshop. Lenses – Your primary lens for the night skies should be a wide angle (14-24mm) that is fast (aperture 2.8 or faster). This workshop will take advantage of most lenses, from wide angles to telephotos, ranging from 14mm to 200mm or more. A longer lens or macro lens are optional based on your desire to capture specific images. Sturdy Tripod: Tripods don’t have to be expensive, just sturdy. This is especially important for long exposure images and evening photography. There will be some excursions that will not require the use of a tripod … just your camera and a few lenses. Filters: If you have a variety of filters, bring them! Polarizers will help with the beautiful adobe and sand colors, fall aspens in the area, or strong glare. Neutral density filters provide you with an opportunity for some longer exposures to capture moving clouds, etc. Intervalometer or remote shutter (if your camera doesn't have Extra batteries (cold temperatures drain batteries faster) Extra memory cards Headlamp with red light mode Lens warmer or hand warmers (to prevent lens fogging) Clothing layers (warm afternoons and cool nights as low as 40-50 degrees, even in summer) Hiking boots or sturdy shoes Personal water bottle Snacks for night shoots |
Pricing
- $1995 for the four nights of photography and field transportation
- A $500 deposit secures your spot for the workshop. The balance will be due May 1, 2026.
Reserve your spot!
If you are an Alumni, don't forget to enter your Alumni Discount code!!!
Important info! We encourage you to create an account when you register so future workshop forms will be prepopulated with your data. Shortly after registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and a separate email allowing you to pay your registration online. You are not fully registered until your payment is received.
If you pay with a deposit, you will be billed the final amount on May 1, 2026. All payments are subject to our regular cancellation policy, which is:
Cancellation Policy
You will receive a full refund (less 3% processing fee) if cancelled more than 180 days before the workshop date. A partial refund of 90% is available for 90-180 days before the workshop dates. NO REFUND is available if less than 90 days before the start of the workshop. We highly recommend travel insurance to cover your costs in the event of sickness, cancellation, or travel issues.
