CAPTURE THE BISTI BADLANDS 2026
4-Day Milky Way & Landscape Over-Land Photography Adventure
September 7-10 (Monday-Thursday)
Experience Otherworldly Landscapes with a NatGeo Awarded Navajo Guide
The Bisti Badlands of New Mexico is a stunning destination and we'll explore the breathtaking and otherworldly geological formations of the Navajo Badlands region. These landscapes offer countless opportunities for captivating compositions, whether you're photographing by day or night. Join us as we delve into these cultural and geological marvels for some of the best photography in the United States. We’ll camp under the stars within the Bisti Wilderness, close to the action.
Throughout this journey, you'll traverse remote dirt roads to hidden locations, gaining insights into the rich history and geology of each site. So bring home the magic of the Bisti Badlands in both your memories and your photographs.
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Bisti (De-Na-Zin) 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 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.
Buckle Up—Here We Go!
I can’t wait to share with you the places that inspire me to return each year! It’s my passion to not only capture compelling photographs, but to let the beauty of this place capture you.
So join me on Capture the Bisti Badlands, where filling you with memories is as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images!
Trip Overview
In September 2026, our group will photograph the alien beauty of New Mexico’s Bisti Badlands by day and night, guided by expert instruction and empowering support. From hoodoos to starlit skies, this experience is designed to ignite your creativity and build lifelong connections under the desert stars.
*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.
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WORKSHOP SNAPSHOT
DATES: September 7-10, 2026 Monday-Thursday); four days under dark skies for Milky Way and landscape photography
PRICE PER PERSON: $1,075 (Includes 90-minute aprés-trip Zoom post processing session). Navajo guide fees will be split. Deposit of $575, with final payment of $500 due approximately 120 days prior to the trip.
TERRAIN: Sandy and rocky terrain, with dangerous cliffs in some areas; All locations will be accessed by paved and dirt roads, which require high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle.
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 September average 79°F; Lows 52°
NEAREST TOWN(S): Farmington, NM
AIRPORT(S): Farmington, Durango
VEHICLE: All locations accessible by stock high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles. Consider Outdoorsy for over-land rentals.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Over-landing
ITINERARY SNAPSHOTTRIP VITALS: Monday, September 7 we Meet & Greet at 2:00 p.m. in Farmington, N.M. TBD. Our trip ends, and we say our goodbyes, on Thursday after sunrise, September 10.
SHOOTING SCHEDULE: Some of our featured locations for Milky Way photography are within walking distance of our camp or within an hour of our campsite.
ASTRONOMICAL SNAPSHOT (approximate)MORNING
Blue Hour: 6:19 a.m. - 6:30 a.m.
Golden Hour: 6:30 a.m. - 7:21 a.m.
Sunrise: 6:46 a.m.EVENING
Golden Hour: 7:03 p.m. - 8:53 p.m.
Sunset: 7:37 p.m.
Blue Hour: 7:53 p.m. - 8:03 p.m.
Milky Way: 9:08 p.m. - 12:33 a.m.
CAPTURE THE BISTI BADLANDS 2026
September 7-10 (Monday-Thursday)
Four-Day Landscape and Milky Way Photo Adventure
Over-Land Adventure Photographers
$1,075* includes aprés-trip Zoom post processing
*Navajo guide fees will be split among participants
FAQ
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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
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This Trip Does Not Include
No ground transportation is provided
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
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With Christine Kenyon's unmatched cancellation policy, your workshop investment remains secure and flexible. If you're unable to attend, you may receive a refund (if your seat is filled), or apply your payment as a credit toward future workshops for up to two years—giving you peace of mind and full control over your plans.
Refunds and Credits
Should you cancel your trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund, minus a $250 cancellation fee, provided your seat can be filled prior to the workshop commencing. However, there is no guarantee that your seat will be filled.
If your seat cannot be filled, your deposit (for non-custom group workshops only) may be applied as a credit toward another workshop within the same calendar year, minus a $250 cancellation fee, provided a seat is available. If any portion of your credit remains unused, up to 50% of the balance may be carried over for use in the following year. All remaining credit expires after that time. Should the credit be used toward a workshop of greater value, you are responsible for the difference.
In the event of more-than-one cancellation within the two-year credit window, all remaining credit, including any additional payments toward the second cancellation, will be forfeited. We strongly encourage clients to confirm availability and commitment before rescheduling.
All workshops purchased using a cancellation credit are not eligible for any other discount. After the credit is applied to a new workshop, the remaining balance due is to be paid in accordance with the standard trip payment schedule.
Should cancelling a workshop, at any time prior to its commencement, result in Christine Kenyon incurring any nonrefundable costs or fees (i.e., group accommodations, AirBNB, third party bookings, etc.), Christine Kenyon will deduct these costs from any existing credit applicable toward future bookings.
Cancellation requests must be made in writing - via mail or email. No refunds will be given for any delays or cancellations for reasons of inclement weather, cancelled or delayed flights, or other events/disasters, acts of God, or for any circumstance beyond Christine Kenyon’s control, either before, during, or after the workshop.
See What Other Participants
Had to Say About Their Experience
We plan to explore breathtaking scenery:
Shiprock, Alien Throne, Cracked Eggs,
Stone Wings, and more
I can’t wait to share some of my favorite locations!
Hope you join us!
Photographers are serious about their art