Sandstone rock garden at sunset
Large Mushroom like hoodoos with the Milky Way
Bird like sandstone feature
Lunar landscape with Milky Way overhead

BISTI & SAN JUAN BADLANDS 2026

October 6-10 (Tuesday-Saturday)

Explore a land where geology becomes art, and where ancient legacy endures
Unforgettable Five Day Milky Way and Landscape Photography Workshop

(Small Group – Five Students with a NatGeo Awarded Navajo Guide)


Venture into the untamed beauty of New Mexico’s badlands, where the Earth’s oldest stories are etched into stone.
We’ll photograph giant hoodoos, volcanic remains,, and endless night skies alive with a million stars. Come explore both the surreal landscapes of Bisti and the geological wonders of the San Juan Basin.

This workshop promises raw beauty, quiet wonder, and endless inspiration in the land time forgot.

Trip Features icons

FEATURES OF THIS TRIP

WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL

Bisti and San Juan 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 the remnants of volcanos, buttes, stone wings, hoodoos, and many unusual rock structures.

The Bisti and San Juan Badlands adjoin the great Navajo Indian Reservation, and features, such as Shiprock hold great significance as both spiritual and cultural monuments. Always respect these areas, some of which are restricted to visitors, unless accompanied by a Navajo guide.

The formations, colors, and textures offer a wide range of photographic compositions at all times of day, and provide fascinating foregrounds for landscape and nightscape photography.

Large sandstone mushrooms with the Milky Way

Before You Book Your Trip,
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Christine Kenyon with her black Lab Tuffy
Christine Kenyon takes photos of stormy sunset

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 Bisti & San Juan Badlands, where filling you with memories is as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images.

Star trails circle a craggy rock monolith

Trip Overview

In October 2026, we'll venture deep into New Mexico’s Bisti and San Juan Badlands, capturing magnificent rock formations, and wide-open night skies. This photography adventure promises surreal textures by day and unforgettable stargazing at night — a perfect blend of creativity and exploration.

Gear up to enjoy the beauty of this sacred Navajo land, as we are led by a NatGeo awarded guide. Explore a land rich in history, tradition, and graced with abundant geological wonders, accessed by dirt roads to remote locations. You don’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity!

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This trip is rated as strenuous, due to the two to three mile (roundtrip) hikes across uneven, and sandy terrain, while traversing in the dark, with gear, for our Milky Way photography. If you are in generally decent condition, this trip should pose no problems.

  • WORKSHOP SNAPSHOT

    DATES: October 6-10 (Tuesday-Saturday); five days under dark skies for Milky Way and landscape photography
    PRICE PER PERSON: $3,295 (Includes all lodging) Deposit of $1,695 to hold your place, with final payment due approximately 120 days prior to the trip.
    GROUP SIZE: Limit 5 Students (I am accompanied by a Navajo guide)
    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: 6,300’
    ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate activity with treks approximately two-three miles round trip on sandy/rocky, hilly terrain
    CLIMATE: Typically clear skies. Highs in October average 67°; Lows 42° — Dress in layers
    NEAREST TOWN(S): Farmington, NM
    AIRPORT(S): Farmington, Durango
    VEHICLE: All locations are accessible by stock high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles
    ACCOMMODATIONS: Your lodging is reserved at the Comfort Suites in Farmington. Please request Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.


    ITINERARY SNAPSHOT

    TRIP VITALS: Tuesday, October 6 we Meet & Greet at 2:00 p.m. at the Comfort Suites Hotel in Farmington, N.M. Our trip ends, and we say our goodbyes, on Saturday, October 10, after a sunrise shoot in the badlands. Detailed itinerary is emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to our start date.

    SHOOTING SCHEDULE: Our featured locations for Nightscape photography are within an hour of our accommodations, and we also plan to shoot sunrise on select mornings. Be sure to dress for the temps, and bring snacks, and beverages.

    LODGING: Your reservation awaits you at the Comfort Suites in Farmington. Please request Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.


    ASTRONOMICAL SNAPSHOT (approximate)

    MORNING
    Blue Hour:
    6:43 a.m. - 6:53 a.m.
    Golden Hour: 6:53 a.m. - 7:43 a.m.
    Sunrise: 7:09 a.m.

    EVENING
    Golden Hour:
    6:21 p.m. - 7:11 p.m.
    Sunset:
    6:55 p.m.
    Blue Hour: 7:11 p.m. - 7:21 p.m.
    Milky Way: 8:22 p.m. - 10:43 p.m.

BISTI & SAN JUAN BADLANDS 2026

October 6-11 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Five Day Landscape and Milky Way Photography Workshop
(Small Group – Five Students)
$3,295 Lodging Included

FAQ

  • This Workshop Includes 

    I love sharing my knowledge of photography, and I trust these amazing places will inspire you. So come and enjoy an exciting, educational, and fun western adventure, all the while knowing that I am there to guide you through each photographic opportunity.

    PLEASE NOTE:We will schedule apre-trip Zoom meeting approximately 30 days prior to the workshop start date


    Workshop Instruction to Include

    I will guide you through my workflow in the field, the art of approaching the scene, compositional techniques, scouting and strategy, and some creative philosophy to help you elevate your photography to new heights. From scouting and planning using my recommended phone apps, to my complete Milky Way workflow in the field, you will come away equipped with the knowledge, creative insight, and practical applications to achieve your goals.

    Instructional Nightscape Guide

    You will receive, via email, my “Capture the Night” guide to nightscape photography (PDF). This guide will review camera setup and settings that optimize your photography for both daytime and night photography.


    Digital Darkroom Instruction

    At no additional charge, each workshop includes a two-hour post processing Zoom session for the group in approximately two to three weeks following the trip. All attendees are encouraged to attend, as we will go through my Milky Way blue-hour-blend workflow. Every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule when we schedule our session. Should you be unable to attend, you will receive an email with the link to an HD video download of the session.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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: All deposits/payments received are non-refundable. Should you cancel your trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund (minus a $250 cancellation fee), provided your spot can be filled before the workshop begins. However, there is no guarantee that your spot will be filled. If you are not eligible for a refund, your deposit (workshops only) may be used as a credit toward another workshop* (minus a $250 cancellation fee), for the current year, and 50% of any unused credit balance may be used for the following year. Should the credit be used toward a workshop of greater value, you are responsible for the difference.

    Trip/travel insurance is highly recommended, and we can provide a reference.We cannot guarantee a refund.
    *Please refer to my complete Terms & Conditions when you click on Book Now.

See What Other Workshop Participants
Had to Say About Their Experience

Student vehicles in a badlands foreground with the Milky Way rising

We plan to explore breathtaking scenery:
Shiprock, Alien Throne, Cracked Eggs,
Stone Wings, San Juan Badlands

I can’t wait to share some of my favorite locations!
Hope you join us!

Sandstone rock garden with the Milky Way overhead

Follow the Link Below to Learn How You Can
Receive a Discount When You Book
Personalized Online Post Processing