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Utah’s Badlands and Beyond 2027
Milky Way & Landscape Photography Workshop
May 2-6 (Sunday-Thursday)
Step into another world in Utah’s remote Badlands
Among the Southwest’s most iconic and otherworldly landscapes
Small group of five participants • Single Occupancy Room Reserved
Journey into Utah's wildest and most remote landscapes, where bentonite hills ripple in otherworldly colors and the desert night sky comes alive with stars. We'll explore hidden gems across Capitol Reef and the surrounding Badlands, capturing vivid sunsets, dramatic textures, and the magic of the Milky Way. This workshop offers the perfect blend of wide-open adventure, peaceful solitude, and expert guidance to elevate your creative vision.
From golden-hour light sweeping across sculpted desert formations to the Milky Way arching overhead beneath some of Utah's darkest skies, every day presents new opportunities to create extraordinary images. It's an experience that will stay with you long after the workshop is over.
Instruction is immersive and hands-on throughout the workshop, with an emphasis on composition, Milky Way photography, creative vision, and post-processing techniques. I'll work alongside you in the field, helping you strengthen your technical skills, refine your artistic eye, and build the confidence to continue creating compelling images on your own.
Join me for an unforgettable experience in one of the most extraordinary and remote landscapes in the American West.
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Utah 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 rocks towers, and spires which are a product of extensive weathering, spires are highly eroded rock towers that are composed of a harder rock above layers of softer, less resistant strata. The formations, colors, and textures offer a wide range of photographic compositions at all times of day, and provide fascinating foregrounds for nightscape photography.
The Mars Societyoperates afacility (Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)) in the badlands. Here, interplanetary travel can be simulated with a crew of 6 to 8 people for several months at a time. Note the MDRS is a closed scientific facility and is not open to the public, so please respect their work and do not wander onto their campus
Capitol Reef National Park
What’s so special about this park? You discover the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic wrinkle on earth! Located in south-central Utah, in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. It’s not a large park, but it packs a visual punch, offering numerous locations for stunning nightscapes. This park is stunning in peak fall color!
UTah USA
May
2-6, 2027
$2,195
5 Participants
Moderate
Rent a 4X4/AWD
Trip Snapshot
Weather, local conditions, and other factors may require changes to the itinerary.
May 2, 2027: Arrival in Hanksville, Welcome Gathering, Sunset and Stars at Factory Butte
We will meet at 2:00 p.m. at Duke’s Slick Rock Grill in Hanksville for introductions and a workshop overview. Participants staying at Whispering Sands Motel may be able to check in early, depending on room availability. We will then head to the Factory Butte area to scout our Milky Way compositions. After returning to Hanksville, you'll have time to enjoy dinner, relax, and get some rest before we regroup later that evening. We will then head back into the badlands to photograph the spectacular Milky Way arching over this mesmerizing landscape.
After returning to Hanksville, you'll have time to enjoy dinner, relax, and get some rest before we regroup later that evening. Plan on a late night beneath the stars as we head back into the badlands to photograph the spectacular Milky Way arching over this mesmerizing landscape.
May 3, 2027: Sunrise at Skyline Rim and Capitol Reef National Park
After a well-deserved morning to rest and recharge, we'll gather following breakfast for an image review and an informal discussion on composition, creative techniques, and post-processing, with plenty of time to answer questions.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll travel to a dramatic rock spire surrounded by towering sandstone walls. Where we’ll enjoy a moderate hike, explore the area, and photograph the changing light through golden hour and sunset, before returning to Hanksville for the evening.
May 4, 2027: Sunrise at Factory Butte and Capitol Reef National Park
Before dawn, we'll return to the badlands to photograph the landscape during blue hour and sunrise, capturing a sweeping landscape panorama that beautifully complements the Milky Way panorama from the first night.
In the afternoon, we'll make our way to Capitol Reef National Park, where we'll explore and photograph the park before enjoying dinner together. We'll then continue our adventure with another unforgettable starlit night. This evening will be our second and final late-night session.
May 5, 2027: The Pinnacle at Sunset and Under the Milky Way
Following a later start and breakfast, we'll regroup to create our blue hour blend, combining our Milky Way and sunrise panoramas into a single finished image.
After lunch, we'll gather for an image review, where you'll have the opportunity to refine your images, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance.
May 6, 2027, 2026: Optional Sunrise and Farewell Breakfast
On our final morning, we'll leave in time to arrive before blue hour at the Bentonite Hills, where we'll explore and photograph the landscape as the morning light unfolds.
Over breakfast at Duke’s Slick Rock Grill, we’ll reflect on our adventure and say our goodbyes.
Note: Drone photography is allowed at select workshop locations where regulations permit.
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Allow Me to Introduce Myself
It is my privilege to share my knowledge of photography with you—a passion instilled in me by my late father and mentor, Lowell Anson Kenyon, who served as Chief of the Office of Photography for the Smithsonian Institution.
My teaching style is upbeat, enthusiastic, and encouraging. Whether you're seeking hands-on instruction or thoughtful guidance, I strive to create a positive learning environment that nurtures your creativity while building a strong foundation in photographic technique. My goal isn't simply to help you take better photographs—it's to help you see the landscape more intentionally, recognize compelling opportunities, and develop the confidence to create images that reflect your own unique vision.
I hope to share not only my passion for creating compelling photographs, but also the joy of allowing yourself to be captivated by the beauty of the landscape—to slow down, connect with nature, and appreciate the remarkable places we have the privilege to explore.
These workshops are designed for photographers who enjoy adventure and want to maximize their time in the field. Rather than spending valuable daylight hours indoors, I reserve more formal instruction and image review for a post-workshop group Zoom session. By then, you'll be rested, have had time to review your photographs, and can select your favorite images for thoughtful discussion and feedback. The session also includes a post-processing tutorial, where I share techniques specifically suited to the subjects and conditions we photographed during the workshop.
I hope you'll join me, where creating lasting memories is every bit as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images.
See What Other Workshop Participants
Had to Say About Their Experience
Use code USA250
to Save $250—Ends August 15
Testimonials
Matt R.
★★★★★
Arches N.P. Workshop – 2019
I attended Christine’s “Capture the Night” workshop in Arches National Park during the Nightscaper Conference. Christine was great to work with and made sure that everyone walked away with a photo they were happy with. She pushed me to try new techniques and get out of my comfort zone. During the workshop, I generated my first blended foreground using some tips from Christine. The result is my favorite photo from my trip to Arches, and it was nominated as a finalist in an international photo competition! I thoroughly enjoyed shooting and chatting with Christine until the early light of dawn.
Kialo Winters, Navajo Tours USA
★★★★★
Christine Kenyon has a good eye for composition. Her workshop participants are so lucky!
Dan. D.
★★★★★
Capture Colorado Fall – 2021
Aside from Christine's infectious enthusiasm for landscape photography, she has incredible command of all aspects of the field of photography. This includes technical competency with any type of camera/gear, artistic composition, and post processing expertise.
We plan to explore breathtaking scenery:
Factory Butte, Moonscape Overlook, the Pinnacle,
Bentonite Hills, and Capitol Reef
I can’t wait to share some of my favorite locations!
Behind the Scenes
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL: Beginner-Advanced
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate activity with treks approximately two miles round trip on sandy/rocky terrain
TERRAIN: Sandy and rocky terrain, generally flat, with dangerous cliffs in some areas. All locations will be accessed by paved and dirt roads
ALTITUDE: 4,300’
CLIMATE: Typically clear skies. Average daytime temps: H: 75˚ L: 48° — Dress in layers
NEAREST TOWN(S): Hanksville, UT
AIRPORT(S): Salt Lake City International Airport, Canyonlands Regional Airport
TRANSPORTATION: All locations are accessible by stock high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles
ACCOMMODATIONS: Your room is reserved at the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville, UT. Please reference the Christine Kenyon workshop to access our group reservations. A credit card will be required to secure your booking.
ASTRONOMICAL SNAPSHOT (approximate)
MORNING
Blue Hour: 5:49 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
Golden Hour: 6:00 a.m. - 6:54 a.m.
Sunrise: 6:17 a.m.
EVENING
Golden Hour: 7:36 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sunset: 8:13 p.m.
Blue Hour: 8:30 p.m. - 8:42 p.m.
Milky Way: 12:11 a.m. - 4:51 a.m.
What’s Included?
Professional photographic guiding and instruction.
Detailed itinerary is emailed to you approximately 45 days before your trip. Includes “Capture the Night” my guide to nightsky photography (PDF).
Pre-trip Zoom orientation scheduled approximately 30 days prior to the workshop start date..
Post-workshop virtual image review and post-processing session for the group, scheduled two-three weeks following the trip.
What’s Not Included?
Lodging. While private single occupancy lodging is reserved for you, the cost of your stay must be paid by you at the time of check-in.
No ground transportation, or transportation to or from the workshop.
No food/beverages will be provided
There may be little or no cellphone coverage at the workshop locations
Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
Travel Medical
Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
What to Bring?
Please reference my: Prepping for Your Workshop
Is Anything Required?
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. I truly desire for you to get the most out of your workshop.
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 three miles per day over uneven, hilly terrain.
Realistically assess your overall physical conditioning
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!
Payment Terms
Your deposit of $1,195 will reserve your spot.
The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the workshop.
All standard Terms and Conditionsapply.
Use code USA250
to Save $250—Ends August 15
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