.

ARCHES & CANYONLANDS
NATIONAL PARKS
2025

August 18–21 (Monday–Thursday)

Enjoy Four Days Exploring Exquisite Southwest Locations During
an Adventurous Milky Way and Landscape Photography Workshop

(Small Group Limited to Five Participants)

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 sunrise 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! Grow your nightscape photography skills in fabulous natural settings, and capture epic sunset and sunrise opportunities along our journey, including the ever popular Mesa Arch. This trip avoids the daytime heat, focusing on sunrise, sunset and Milky Way.

Trip Features small groups of five, a pre-trip Zoom meetup, a free Astrophotography guide, photo coaching, post processing instruction, and the best locations

FEATURES OF THIS TRIP

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.

An other worldly scene with the Milky Way rising over a badlands canyon

Before You Book Your Trip,
Sign Up with the K-Group for FREE
It Will Save You Money on This Workshop!

Christine Kenyon with her Black Lab Tuffy
Christine Kenyon takes phots in a sunset storm

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! 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 trip icons
  • Workshop Snapshot

    DATES: August 18–21, 2025 (Monday–Thursday); three-days/three-nights under dark skies
    PRICE PER PERSON: $2,345 (Includes all lodging) Deposit of $1,195 to hold your place, with final payment due approximately 120 days prior to the trip.
    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 18 we meet at 2:00 p.m. in Moab, Utah (TBD). We will say our goodbyes after shooting sunrise on Thursday, August 21. Detailed itinerary is emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to 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 (approximate)

    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.

ARCHES & CANYONLANDS
NATIONAL PARKS
2025

August 18–21 (Monday–Thursday)
Four Day Landscape and Milky Way Photography Workshop
(Small Group – Five Students)
$2,345 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

Sandstone walls tower over the landscape at sunset

We plan to explore breathtaking scenery
The best of Arches and Canyonlands N.P.,
including: Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook

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

Puddles reflect a sandstone monument at sunrise

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