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

CAPTURE THE BISTI BADLANDS 2027
5-Day Milky Way & Landscape

Photography Workshop

September 22–26 (Wednesday-Sunday)

The Ultimate Adventure in this Ancient Land of the Navajo People
(Small Group – Five Students with a NatGeo Awarded Navajo Guide)
(Single Occupancy Room Reserved)

Explore the shadowy hoodoos, ancient legends, and vibrant cultural heritage of the Bisti Badlands, and experience the breathtaking dark skies, ideal for capturing stunning nightscapes. This workshop unveils an amazing locations accessible only with our Navajo guide, showcasing the Badlands' unique sandstone formations. Immerse yourself in a landscape rich in history, tradition, and geological wonders. Don't miss this unique chance to capture photographic treasures from this unforgettable place.

Trip Features icons

FEATURES OF THIS TRIP

WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL

Bisti 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.

Large sandstone mushrooms with the Milky Way

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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 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!

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.

September 22-26, 2027 (Wednesday–Sunday)
Five Day Landscape and Milky Way Photography Workshop
$2,295—Single Occupancy Room Reserved
(Only a deposit required if booked 120+ days in advance)

CAPTURE THE BISTI BADLANDS 2026

FAQ

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, Bisti Badlands

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

Sandstone rock garden with the Milky Way overhead

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