Capture the Night 2024
ARCHES & CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARKS
August 27-30 (tuesday-Friday)
$2,230 all inclusive
Enjoy Three-Days/Three Nights Exploring Exquisite Locations for Astro and Landscape Photography
(Limited to Five Students)
It doesn’t get better than summer nights under the stars in both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks! Join me for three days and three nights of breathtaking nightscape and landscape photography in Utah. These magnificent parks are located near Moab, and travelers come the world over to visit these amazing geological wonders. It’s the kind of place you won’t easily forget! We will grow our nightscape photography skills in fabulous natural settings, and will make sure to capture epic sunset and sunrise opportunities along our journey, including the ever popular Mesa Arch.
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Arches National Park
Sculpted over millions of years, this red rock landscape is nature’s masterpiece. There are 2,000 natural stone arches in the park! There are four different categories of arches to look for: cliff wall arches, free-standing arches, pothole arches, and natural bridges. Some of the most famous arches in Arches National Park are free-standing or classic arches. Delicate Arch is the most popular, even gracing the Utah license plate.
Landscape Arch is the longest arch in the world, with a gravity-defying span of 306-feet across and the narrowest point is only six feet thick.
Although Arches only gets 8-10 inches of rainfall each year, there are 700+ plant and animal species that thrive in this harsh arid environment. Most wildlife in Arches National Park is nocturnal, however, mule deer, bighorn sheep, cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, and numerous birds of prey can be spotted during the daylight hours.
Fun Fact: At least 11 movies were filmed in Arches. Thelma & Louise, Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, and Hulk, have used this jaw dropping landscape as a backdrop for their blockbusters.
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, located in Utah, covers 337,598 acres of deep canyons, unique geological formations, and stunning vistas. In addition to the beauty you will witness by day, Canyonlands N.P. is also designated as a “dark sky park,” where it is possible to see thousands of stars throughout the night.
The park is home to a number of unique geological features, including the Island in the Sky, a mesa that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the Needles, with its stunning spires and towers.
Fun Fact: Butch Cassidy & His Wild Bunch Had A Hideout In Canyonlands
Canyonlands is connected to one of the most notorious outlaw gangs of a bygone era. In fact, “Robbers Roost” was the nickname given to the canyon and surrounding area in southern Utah where the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy and his “Wild Bunch Gang” would often meet up and hide out after one of their big heists.
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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 Night, 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 during our time 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: August 27–30, 2024 (Tuesday–Friday); three-days/three-nights under dark skies
PRICE PER PERSON: $2,245 (Includes all lodging) (Three days/Three nights) (Deposit of $1,125 to hold your place, with final payment due May 27, 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 roads.
ALTITUDE: 3,700’ – 7,120’
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate activity with treks approximately two miles round trip on sandy/rocky, hilly terrain
CLIMATE: Typically clear skies. Highs in August average 97°F; Lows 64° (This is a mostly nocturnal trip, but stay hydrated)
Nearest Town(s): Moab, UT
AIRPORT(S): Salt Lake City, Canyonlands Regional Airport
VEHICLE: All locations are accessible by standard passenger vehicles
ACCOMMODATIONS: Comfort Suites in Moab; please reference Christine Kenyon Workshop when checking in.
itinerary snapshot
TRIP VITALS: Tuesday, August 27 we meet at 2:00 p.m. in Moab, Utah (TBD). We will say our goodbyes after shooting sunrise on Friday, August 30. Detailed itinerary is emailed to you 14 days in advance of our start date
SHOOTING SCHEDULE: Our featured locations are approximately 30 and 60 minutes from our accommodations. We will be out until around 1:00 a.m. shooting the Milky Way each night, and will have one very early morning to arrive for Mesa Arch at sunrise before the crush of humanity. Plan to leave the hotel at approximately 3:00 a.m. to shoot Mesa Arch sunrise. Always be sure to dress for the temps, and bring snacks, and beverages.
LODGING: Your reservations await you at the Comfort Suites in Moab; please reference Christine Kenyon Workshop when checking in.
astronomical snapshot
MORNING
Blue Hour: 6:17 a.m. - 6:27 a.m.
Golden Hour: 6:27 a.m. - 7:20 a.m.
Sunrise: 6:44 a.m.
EVENING
Golden Hour: 7:20 p.m. - 8:12 p.m.
Sunset: 7:55 p.m.
Blue Hour: 8:12 p.m. - 8:22 p.m.
Milky Way: 9:31 p.m. - 1:00 a.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 these two incredible national parks! 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):
Canyonlands National Park
Green River Overlook for Sunset & Milky Way
Mesa Arch for Sunrise
Shaffer Canyon Overlook Sunset
Arches National Park
The Windows for Sunset & Milky Way
The Windows: Double Arch for Sunrise
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
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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