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BISTI BADLANDS MASTERCLASS
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AN EXPLORATION OF THE BISITI, VALLEY OF DREAMS, AND SHIPROCK
When: June 23-28, 2025
Style: Astro-Landscape
Activity Rating: Moderate
Max Students: 10
Includes: Lodging, Meals, and Transportation During Workshop!
Valley of Dreams New Mexico Milky Way
Shiprock New Mexico Stars
Shiprock New Mexico Milky Way
Valley of Dreams New Mexico Milky Way
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PLEASE NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP DOES INVOLVE HIKING
The 319 Photography team is proud to present this SIX DAY, FIVE NIGHT opportunity for adventurous photographers who wish to explore one of the most fascinating areas of the American West: The Bisti Badlands of NW New Mexico!
This Masterclass will cover all aspects of astro-landscape photography with in-depth, interactive, and hands on classroom training as well as in-field photography training. Our instructors will be 100% focused on our students during this adventure and you will not only come away with stellar images, but a heightened level of knowledge and skill as a photographer!
The Bisti Badlands in and of itself is a vast landscape full of a ridiculous amount of other-worldly rock formations and structures. We will visit some of the most beautiful areas, a few of which are not accessible or available to the general public!
Located on Navajo Tribal Land, the Valley of Dreams is an area deep in the Bisti Badlands that is choc full of some of the most unique hoodoos and rock formations you will ever see! This landscape is a truly special place and a sacred site for the Navajo people. We are proud to offer this workshop in partnership with the amazing folks at Navajo Tours USA. They will join us during all in-field portions of this workshop and will provide cultural information as well as ensure the safety of the landscape.
Not too far away from Valley of Dreams, the imposing Shiprock formation impressively stands like a sentinel watching over the valley. The remnants of a millions-of-years old volcano, Shiprock has a strange weathered face and jagged appearance that makes it an amazing foreground subject. Like Valley of Dreams, Shiprock is steeped in lore and tradition and a sacred site for the Navajo people.
Outside of the Valley of Dreams and Shiprock, we will visit other remarkable locations that will yield stunning compositions and images. Some of these areas are unknown to the general public and through our relationship with the Navajo and our guides, we have access to these areas but will not publish the names or exact locations.
We look forward to having you join us for this exclusive opportunity to photograph these lands and learn more about the art of astro-landscape photography!
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN TUTION?
Your tuition for this workshop covers the following:
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THREE Professional Photography Instructors!
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SIX Nights Lodging (Additional Nights Available)
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Meals from Day One though Final Day
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Transportation During Workshop
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Photography Guide Service
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Navajo Tribal Guide Service
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In-Field Photography Instruction
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Classroom Instruction
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Classroom Materials
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Time and Talent of Professional Instructors
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN TUITION?
Tuition DOES NOT include the following:
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Travel to and from host hotel in Farmington, NM
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Meals (Outside of those provided)
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Incidentals & Alcohol
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Travel and/or Equipment Insurance
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Gratuity for Navajo Guides
WHAT WILL I LEARN DURING THIS WORKSHOP?
During this workshop, you will receive hands-on, direct instruction on several topics related to astro-landscape photography, to include:
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Planning & Scouting Astro-Landscape Images
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Camera Operations & Settings
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Best Practices for Astro-Landscape Photography
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Capturing Foreground (Landscape) Images
- Capturing Night Sky and Milky Way Images
- Use of a Equatorial Tracking Mount (Star Tracker) for night sky images (if you decide to bring one)
- Stacking Night Sky Images for Noise Reduction using Starry Landscape Stacker (MAC) or Sequator (PC)
- Post Processing for both Foreground and Night Sky Images unsing Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop
- Composite (or blending) Foreground and Night Sky Images to Create a Stunning Final Image
- Preparing Your Images for Print & Social Media Use!
WHY DOES 319 TEACH COMPOSITE / BLENDING AND STACKING?
In short, stacking images for noise reduction combined with composite blends yields higher quality images.
It is part of 319 Photography's ethos to present and teach the best practices that yield the best results. Composite blending paired with image stacking for noise reduction are certainly two approaches that far exceed the quality of images yielded from light painting. Moreover, many National Parks have (or soon will be) banning the use of artificial light during nighttime photography.
When we say we "teach," we actually mean it. We do not do a simple overview or demonstration on how to composite or stack images, we actually teach it and you get hands on experience with doing it in the classroom on your own computers during our dedicated classroom time! This is something you will only find at a 319 Photography UNIQUE / Workshop!
PHYSICAL FITNESS & ACTIVITY LEVEL ADVISEMENT
THIS WORKSHOP INVOLVES HIKING.
HIKES TO PLANNED SHOOTING LOCATIONS ARE RATED AS
"EASY," "MODERATE," AND "MODERATELY STRENUOUS."
The areas we will visit are inaccessible by vehicle, but we will park the vehicles as close as possible. We will traverse MOSTLY flat terrain that will see a mix of gradual elevation gains, step-ups over rocks, narrow paths, sandy areas, and loose areas of rock.
Farmington, NM (where we base the workshop out of) is located at elevation and our hikes will take us to slightly higher elevations. Please note the elevations below:
Farmington, NM Elevation: 5306 ft.
Highest Elevation of the Bisti Badlands: 6300 ft.
Our hikes will not take us to the height of the 6300 ft., but there will be some gradual elevation gains during the hikes into the shooting locations. If you are not used to hiking at elevation, please be aware of this and prepare accordingly.
Overall, students SHOULD BE ABLE TO WALK A DISTANCE OF 2.5 MILES (ONE WAY), UNASSISTED, WITH THEIR CAMERA GEAR from where the vehicle will be parked to the shooting area.
In Addition, the following normal physical ability requirements of our workshops apply. Students should be able to:
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Walk unassisted over uneven terrain while carrying their camera equipment
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Traverse and manage terrain that includes uneven rocks, loose sand/gravel, and level changes
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Stand or be on their feet several hours (don't worry, you can bring chairs!)
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Successfully maneuver and negotiate walking at night by flashlight in a rocky, desert environment
If you have specific questions about the physical aspects of our workshops, contact Tony via email at tony@319photography.com
WHAT SKILL LEVEL IS REQUIRED?
Our workshops are specifically designed to cater to photographers of ALL SKILL LEVELS! We simply ask that you have at least a basic understanding of how your camera functions and that you bring the required and recommended equipment that we suggest so that you may get the most out of this workshop!
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Day 1 - Monday, June 23, 2025
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10AM - 5 PM Meet in Hotel Conference Room
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Initial Introduction
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Overview & Orientation
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Initial Classroom instruction
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5PM - Break for Dinner
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7PM - TBA - In-Field Shooting and Instruction
Day 2 - 5 June 24-27, 2025
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Each day will see an ample amount of time in-field shooting landscapes and/or night skies!
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In addition, each day will provide classroom time for post-processing training and image editing/review!
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The daily schedule will remain flexible as to allow us to visit specific locations at the right time of the day or night!
Day 6 - Saturday, May 28, 2025
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10AM - 3PM Meet in Hotel Conference Room
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Classroom instruction
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Post-Processing
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Final Image Editing
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Preparing for Print
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Image Review
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Final Wrap Up
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NOTE: Our itineraries are always fluid and may change due to shooting conditions or opportunities. We will always strive to put our students in the best positions and locations to capture epic images. Outside of Day 1 of the workshop, specific times of the above-listed itinerary may change as necessary.
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
The following is the basic gear you will need for our workshops. When you register you will receive a specific gear list by email.
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DSLR or Mirrorless Camera capable of ISO 10000
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Wide Angle lens capable of at least f/2.8
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Medium Telephoto Lens
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Quality, Sturdy Tripod
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Wired or Wireless Intervalometer
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Memory Cards & Card Reader
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Camera Batteries
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Laptop Computer (PC or Mac) with at least:
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Adobe Lightroom Classic (latest version)
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Adobe Photoshop (latest version)
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Starry Landscape Stacker (Mac Only)
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Sequator (PC Only)
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Quality, climate appropriate clothing
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Hiking Poles
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Quality footwear with ankle support
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
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Equatorial Mount (Star Tracker)
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Second Camera Body, Lens, Intervalometer, and Tripod
HAVE SPECIFIC GEAR QUESTIONS?
We want YOU to get the most you possibly can from our UNIQUE / Workshops.
Part of getting the most you can from our Workshops is making sure you have the right gear for this style of photography. Unfortunately, not all digital cameras and lenses are made equal.
If you have any questions, whatsoever, concerning cameras, lens, tripods, intervalometers, laptops, or other accessories, please reach out to Tony via email at tony@319photography.com and he will gladly help you choose the right gear for the workshop.
WHICH NIGHTS ARE INCLUDED AND WHERE ARE WE STAYING?
Tuition for this workshop INCLUDES SIX NIGHTS lodging! This allows you to arrive the night before the workshop begins so you are rested and ready for the workshop! For this workshop, tuition covers the following nights:
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Sunday, June 22, 2025 (Night BEFORE Workshop Begins)
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Monday, June 23, 2025
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Tuesday, June 24, 2025
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025
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Thursday, June 26, 2025
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Friday, June 27, 2025 (Last Lodging Night. Workshop ends June 28, 2025)
Once you register, you DO NOT need to call the hotel to set up your accommodations. We will take care of that for you!
If you would like additional lodging nights, simply let us know on your Workshop Registration form when you register for this workshop. Additional nights will be added to your final tuition payment at a rate of $165.00 + tax per additional night.
We are staying at the newest hotel in Farmington, NM, the Home 2 Suites by Hilton. We LOVE this hotel and have an awesome relationship with hotel management and staff! Here's the address:
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
777 S. Browning Pkwy
Farmington, NM 87401
We will host the workshop out of the Home 2 Suite's Conference Room.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
This workshop is for photographers of ALL SKILL LEVELS who LOVE hiking, the night sky, stunning landscapes and have the desire to capture amazing images all while improving their abilities as an artist!
Our workshops are designed to TEACH first and foremost! If you are looking to learn and grow as a photographer, our workshops are the right choice for you!
HOW DOES TUITION WORK?
The total tuition for this workshop is $3475.00.
A deposit of $500.00 is required at booking to reserve your slot.
This deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE and will guarantee you a slot in the workshop.
Final tuition payments are required by May 15, 2025.
Transactions are completed via either PayPal or Credit Card and are Secure Transactions.
If you use the PayPal Method, you do not need a PayPal account to complete your
registration as you can use any credit cart through PayPal.
If you would prefer to fulfill your tuition in an alternate manner, please email tony@319photography.com to arrange this.
CAN I BRING A NON-PHOTOGRAPHER SPOUSE / GUEST?
YES! You may bring a guest along with you if you so choose. The only two things we ask is that your NON-PHOTOGRAPHER guest does not attend classroom sessions and MUST stay in your same room. They are welcome to join us out in the field to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the night sky. Note, space may be limited in our transport vehicles and you and your guest may have to follow along in their own vehicle.
Guest Supplemental Fee $600 and covers meals and Navajo Guide Fees for this workshop.
On the registration form, please indicate if you will be bringing a guest and please provide their name.
IMPORTANT STUFF WE SHOULD TELL YOU ABOUT
319 Photography, LLC. is certified and authorized by the National Park Service (NPS) to host and conduct photography workshops within National Parks.
319 Photography, LLC. is First Aid and CPR certified through the American Heart Association and we carry medical supplies with us during our workshops.
Our transactions are secured via PayPal for your peace of mind! No PayPal account needed!
Your personal information is secure. 319 Photography, LLC. grantees that we will never sell or otherwise provide your information to anyone. Any information obtained from you will be used solely by 319 Photography, LLC. for administrative, advertising, and contact purposes.
GET IN TOUCH
We'd love to hear from you
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