Capture the Utah Badlands Fall 2024
October 21-24 (monday–Thursday)
$2,295 all inclusive
This Lunar-Like Landscape is the Perfect Setting for this Three-Day/Three-Night
Astrophotography and Landscape Workshop
(Limited to Five Students)
Join me for three days and three nights of nightscape and landscape photography in some of the most rugged and otherworldly terrain in Utah. These magnificent badlands are located in south central Utah and owe their geological formation to volcanic ash deposits that have been sculpted and carved into fantastic forms. The continuous action of wind and water falling in infrequent but torrential downpours continues to create this lunar-like playground. It’s the kind of place you won’t easily forget! We will enjoy three nights under the stars, with sunset and sunrise opportunities on each of our three days.
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Utah Badlands
Definition of Badlands: A type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded. They are characterized by steep slopes, minimal vegetation, lack of a substantial regolith, and high drainage density. Ravines, gullies, buttes, hoodoos and other such geologic forms are common in badlands. The numerous geological features include rocks towers, and spires which are a product of extensive weathering, spires are highly eroded rock towers that are composed of a harder rock above layers of softer, less resistant strata. The formations, colors, and textures offer a wide range of photographic compositions at all times of day, and provide fascinating foregrounds for nightscape photography.
The Mars Society operates a facility (Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)) in the badlands. Here, interplanetary travel can be simulated with a crew of 6 to 8 people for several months at a time. Note the MDRS is a closed scientific facility and is not open to the public, so please respect their work and do not wonder onto their campus.
Before You Book Your Trip,
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Allow Me to Introduce Myself
It is my privilege to share with you my knowledge of photography, which was instilled during my childhood by my late father and mentor, Lowell Anson Kenyon, Chief of the Office of Photography for the Smithsonian Institution.
My style is upbeat, and enthusiastic, and l provide a positive learning environment that nurtures your art, and grounds you in best practices through personalized instruction. My tips and time-tested techniques will help you pursue your brand of photography with greater purpose and with more intentional creativity.
I hope to share with you my passion, not only for capturing compelling photographs, but also for allowing yourself to be “captured” by the beauty and awe of this place – to connect with nature, and appreciate the relevance of our great western treasures.
These workshops are adventurous, and you will enjoy maximum time in the field.
There is no arguing that golden hour light is wonderful, but you will also learn how to maximize any lighting scenario, simply because we don’t always have the luxury of creating images in golden hour, or under perfect light for that matter. You will also be encouraged to use all of your lenses, whether that be a macro for Autumn still life compositions, or a telephoto to capture intimate landscape details otherwise far from view. Remember, you can always rent lenses if you don’t already own them.
To ensure you receive a well-rounded educational experience, following this workshop, I provide you with two-hours of HD video content from my Digital Darkroom series. The series is suitable for all skill levels in post processing, and use both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. If you are uncomfortable with Photoshop, please know there will be content processed solely in Lightroom.
So join me on Capture the Utah Badlands, where filling you with memories is as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images.
Trip Overview
Utah isn’t just the place for the “Greatest Snow on Earth,” it also boasts epic beauty in the western United States. Bring your curiosity, your creativity, and of course, your camera, and get ready for a great time, with like minded folks, in this spectacular region of the west!
This workshop is primarily focused on nightscape photography, however we will be sure to shoot sunrise and sunset on each of our days together. I have scheduled a limited number of destinations in order to give you ample time to explore a variety of compositional approaches.
workshop snapshot
DATES: October 21-24, 2024 (Monday–Thursday); three-days/three-nights under dark skies
PRICE PER PERSON: $2,295 (Includes all lodging) (Deposit of $1,295 to hold your place, with final payment due July 21, 2024)
GROUP SIZE: Limit 5 Students
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL: Beginner-Advanced
TERRAIN: Sandy and rocky terrain, generally flat, with dangerous cliffs in some areas. All locations will be accessed by paved and dirt roads
ALTITUDE: 4,300’
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Light to moderate activity with treks approximately two miles round trip on sandy/rocky gently sloping terrain
CLIMATE: Typically clear skies. Highs in May average 72°; Lows 37° — Dress in layers
Nearest Town(s): Hanksville, UT
AIRPORT(S): Salt Lake City, Canyonlands Regional Airport
VEHICLE: All locations are accessible by stock high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles
ACCOMMODATIONS: Your room is reserved at the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville, UT. Please reference Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.
itinerary snapshot
TRIP VITALS: Monday, October 21 we meet at 1:30 p.m. in Hanksville, Utah (TBD). We will wrap things up, and say our goodbyes after shooting sunrise on Thursday, October 24. A more detailed itinerary will be emailed to you 14 in advance of the trip.
SHOOTING SCHEDULE: Our featured locations are within one hour of our accommodations. Plan to rise early for sunrise on a most mornings. Be sure to dress for the temps, and bring snacks, and beverages.
LODGING: Your reservation awaits you at the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville, UT. Please request Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.
astronomical snapshot
MORNING
Blue Hour: 7:12 a.m. - 7:22 a.m.
Golden Hour: 7:22 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Sunrise: 7:39 a.m.
EVENING
Golden Hour: 5:59 p.m. - 6:52 p.m.
Sunset: 6:35 p.m.
Blue Hour: 6:52 p.m. - 7:03 p.m.
Milky Way: 8:05 p.m. - 9:28 p.m.
We plan to explore breathtaking scenery,
and I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite locations!
Hope you can join us!
This Workshop Includes
Photographic Instruction: Imparting to you my knowledge of photography and sharing a little inspiration. Enjoy an adventurous exploration of the Utah Badlands! Please rest assured that I will give you my full attention, so that you get the most out of each photographic opportunity.
We Will Explore (subject to change):
The Hanksville, badlands area, including amazing spires, dramatic vistas, towering buttes, and painted hills
Nightscapes/Astrophotography/Sunrises/Sunsets
The Pinnacle – Milky Way (One of the most popular destinations in the area)
Factory Butte – Milky Way
The Skyline Rim Overlook (Moonscape Overlook) – Sunrise
Factory Butte – great opportunity for your telephoto to capture intimate landscapes
Topics of Instruction to Include:
Learn to scout and plan: The power of apps
Dynamic composition through leading lines
Creativity in the field, “seeing vs. looking”
Intimate landscapes: Framing details with a telephoto lens
Exposure bracketing for extended dynamic range
Focus stacking
Full nightscape and Milky Way in-the-field workflow
Optimal camera setup: Nail the shot by knowing exposure, focus, histogram, white balance, rule of 500
Blue Hour Blends
Low Level Lighting to enhance foreground elements
Acquiring critical focus in the dark
Long exposure blends
Multi-exposure star stacking
Star Trails
Astro-Panos
Tips for success in the field
instructional nightscape GUIDE
You will receive, via email, my “Capture the Night” guide to nightscape photography (PDF)
instructional “Digital Darkroom” Videos
Video instruction from my Digital Darkroom series is included at no additional charge. Topics range from:
My Post Processing Techniques and workflow in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, including my favorite plugins
Milky Way post processing, including blue hour blends
Strengthening composition through processing
Finessing your image with Lightroom and Photoshop techniques, including greater dynamic range.
Prepping files for output
Follow the link to learn how you can receive a discount when you book private virtual sessions with me.
This Workshop Does Not Include
No ground transportation, or transportation to or from the workshop
No food/beverages will be provided
There is no insurance provided to cover your travel, trip, your gear, or your vehicle. (Trip insurance is recommended)
No camera gear is provided
There may be little or no cellphone coverage in the workshop locations
What to Bring
Gear
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with a wide aperture (i.e., f/2.8 or wider) lens.
Lenses: Wide angle: 14-24mm, Mid-range: 24-70mm, Telephoto: 70-200mm, 80-400mm, etc.(as noted in full frame focal lengths)
Solid tripod and head
Wired shutter release or wireless remote release, for long bulb-mode exposures (if camera is not equipped)
Extra batteries for everything that takes batteries. You’ll thank me.
Extra memory cards, so you don’t miss a single shot
Lens cleaner/blower to save you from dust gremlins
Circular Polarizer (if you only have one filter in your bag, this is it)
3-stop or variable neutral density (nice to have, but not required)
Laptop, or other system to backup your images each day
Personal
Headlamp (did I say bring extra batteries?)
Camera bag + rainfly (yes, even in the desert)
Bring layered, warm, breathable, clothing, including a waterproof shell
Comfortable supportive footwear, wicking socks (wool or synthetic) (keep your feet happy)
Dress for the temps. Layers are recommended. Always check the local forecast as it varies.
Bring snacks and stay hydrated (hydration especially important at altitude)
Consider hand warmers for those early morning shoots, plus warm gloves or fingerless mittens
Trekking poles (better safe than sorry)
Bug repellant (highly recommend Picaridin by Sawyer for the local DEET-resistant night gnats)
Sun Glasses, hat, handkerchief (Desert sand especially hard on the eyes, handkerchief for dusty wind)
Toiletries
Requirements
You are responsible for knowing your way around your camera and its menu system. My time with each of you will be spent learning to capture great images. Please do not burden others, and get less out of this event yourself – know and practice your camera, especially if you will be using any new gear on this trip.
Ability to shoot in a variety of weather and environmental conditions from bright sun to summer storms and at elevations ranging from near sea level to over 10,000 feet in elevation, depending on the workshop.
The ability to hike one to two miles per day over uneven, hilly, and at times rough terrain, however, most locations do not involve much hiking at all.
The ability to remain flexible to make the most out of the often changing environmental conditions.
The ability to work well with others in a group setting.
Our group must stay together. Please do not wander off without telling me of your where abouts. We will be in areas with potential hazards that include exposed cliffs, unstable terrain, and wildlife.
You are responsible for knowing and following all park or jurisdictional rules. Leave No Trace. Let’s leave it better than it was! Thank you!
Please Note: Deposits/payments are non-refundable. Should you cancel, your deposit (in full) will go toward a future workshop, and is good as a credit for two years from the first day of the cancelled workshop. Trip/travel insurance is highly recommended as no refunds are provided.
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