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TRIP DETAILS
All-Inclusive Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
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Start/End
Start: Palm Springs, CA at 5 pm
End: Palm Springs, CA at 12 pm
End: Palm Springs, CA at 12 pm
Group Size
Limited to 7 Guests
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TRIP OVERVIEW
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Photograph the mesmerizing night skies in one of the darkest places in the United States - Joshua Tree National Park.
- Capture world-class images of the Milky Way and the galactic core over breathtaking desert landscapes, leveraging the unique orientation of the stars during spring and fall.
- Explore the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, home to thousands of majestic Joshua Trees set against a backdrop of massive boulders and captivating rock formations.
- Experience the comfort and convenience of our all-inclusive workshop, starting and ending in Palm Springs, with a unique boutique hotel offering exceptional lodging and a fantastic on-site restaurant.
- Enjoy the intimate and personalized experience of our small group size, limited to just 7 photographers, ensuring ample one-on-one time with your instructor and a supportive learning environment.
Experience the mesmerizing allure of the incredible night skies in the southwest. There is a magical quality to capturing the stars and the Milky Way, as they illuminate your camera's LCD screen moments after pressing the shutter. Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary genre of photography as we take you to the ultimate destination for night photography in the United States—the desert southwest, specifically Joshua Tree National Park.
Renowned for its remarkably dark skies, Joshua Tree offers not only optimal conditions for astrophotography but also a great backdrop of landscapes. On this unique workshop, we leverage the orientation of the Milky Way and the phase of the moon to capture breathtaking images of the desert Milky Way and the celestial wonders of the night sky. In spring, we have the opportunity to photograph the galactic core suspended over awe-inspiring landscapes, while in fall, it reveals itself just after sunset, creating a different kind of celestial spectacle.
Joshua Tree National Park is home to one of the world's most distinctive trees—the iconic Joshua Tree. Although technically a succulent rather than a tree, its grandeur is undeniable. While Joshua Trees can be found in parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, the most impressive display can be witnessed within the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. Thousands of Joshua Trees stand proudly against a backdrop of immense boulders and rock formations, with the boulder fields showcasing weathered rocks that are as impressive as the groves of trees.
The combination of these elements makes Joshua Tree National Park one of the premier destinations for night sky photography worldwide. Late spring and fall provide the ideal conditions for photography, with comfortable temperatures, visible Milky Way core, and stunning light that bathes the landscape in a captivating glow.
Our workshop begins and ends in Palm Springs, CA, conveniently accessible via the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). During the workshop, we stay at a unique and exceptionally cool boutique hotel, which not only offers comfortable accommodation but also features a fantastic restaurant. At Backcountry Journeys, we believe that lodging and meals are integral parts of the overall workshop experience, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment throughout.
With Backcountry Journeys, you'll receive ample one-on-one time with your instructor, honing your astrophotography skills in one of the world's most exceptional destinations. Beyond the educational aspect, you'll forge lasting connections with fellow photographers and create a diverse portfolio of outstanding images, leaving you with cherished memories. Don't miss this opportunity to join us on a trip of a lifetime, capturing the breathtaking landscapes and celestial wonders of Joshua Tree National Park. Book your spot today!
Renowned for its remarkably dark skies, Joshua Tree offers not only optimal conditions for astrophotography but also a great backdrop of landscapes. On this unique workshop, we leverage the orientation of the Milky Way and the phase of the moon to capture breathtaking images of the desert Milky Way and the celestial wonders of the night sky. In spring, we have the opportunity to photograph the galactic core suspended over awe-inspiring landscapes, while in fall, it reveals itself just after sunset, creating a different kind of celestial spectacle.
Joshua Tree National Park is home to one of the world's most distinctive trees—the iconic Joshua Tree. Although technically a succulent rather than a tree, its grandeur is undeniable. While Joshua Trees can be found in parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, the most impressive display can be witnessed within the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. Thousands of Joshua Trees stand proudly against a backdrop of immense boulders and rock formations, with the boulder fields showcasing weathered rocks that are as impressive as the groves of trees.
The combination of these elements makes Joshua Tree National Park one of the premier destinations for night sky photography worldwide. Late spring and fall provide the ideal conditions for photography, with comfortable temperatures, visible Milky Way core, and stunning light that bathes the landscape in a captivating glow.
Our workshop begins and ends in Palm Springs, CA, conveniently accessible via the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). During the workshop, we stay at a unique and exceptionally cool boutique hotel, which not only offers comfortable accommodation but also features a fantastic restaurant. At Backcountry Journeys, we believe that lodging and meals are integral parts of the overall workshop experience, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment throughout.
With Backcountry Journeys, you'll receive ample one-on-one time with your instructor, honing your astrophotography skills in one of the world's most exceptional destinations. Beyond the educational aspect, you'll forge lasting connections with fellow photographers and create a diverse portfolio of outstanding images, leaving you with cherished memories. Don't miss this opportunity to join us on a trip of a lifetime, capturing the breathtaking landscapes and celestial wonders of Joshua Tree National Park. Book your spot today!
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Palm Springs, California
- Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
- Lodging outside workshop dates
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal items
- Gratuity for photography guide(s)
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
ITINERARY
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Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
We will meet at our hotel in Palm Springs, CA the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner. After a short break, the action already begins! We will head to the park and setup at an awesome location featuring Joshua Trees and interesting rock formations. As the Milky Way changes orientation in the sky, we will visit a few other locations before calling it a night and heading back to Palm Springs.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Sleep is on the schedule for the morning of Day Two. After breakfast, we will check out and head to our hotel for the remainder of the workshop at Twentynine Palms, CA…right outside the national park. Before and after lunch will be spent exploring the unique landscape of the park. The plan for tonight is an early dinner and a sunset shoot. After sunset, we will shoot the Milky Way. Then, back to the hotel for some rest.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On Day Three, we will spend the morning catching up on rest. We will get breakfast as a group and spend the early afternoon exploring the park or reviewing images from the last two night shoots. Another early dinner and sunset at a great location in the park then the Milky Way! Tonight, we’ll check out a few iconic rock formations in the park. Two of the most photogenic rocks in the park for astrophotography.
Day 4 (L,D)
After a late night, the Day Four morning will be used to catch up on rest. We’ll do some image review and check out some other spots in the park during the day, if we have energy! The night of Day Four will be our last time capturing the core of the Milky Way. We will check out a few more iconic rock formations and do some short walks.
Day 5 (B)
Day Five has quite a few possibilities. We may stay out late shooting the Milky Way the night before or we may call it an earlier night for a sunrise shoot on the morning of Day Five. Either way, we will spend our last morning photographing in the park before heading back to the hotel. After packing up, we will return back to our starting point in Palm Springs for afternoon flights home.
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
We will meet at our hotel in Palm Springs, CA the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner. After a short break, the action already begins! We will head to the park and setup at an awesome location featuring Joshua Trees and interesting rock formations. As the Milky Way changes orientation in the sky, we will visit a few other locations before calling it a night and heading back to Palm Springs.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Sleep is on the schedule for the morning of Day Two. After breakfast, we will check out and head to our hotel for the remainder of the workshop at Twentynine Palms, CA…right outside the national park. Before and after lunch will be spent exploring the unique landscape of the park. The plan for tonight is an early dinner and a sunset shoot. After sunset, we will shoot the Milky Way. Then, back to the hotel for some rest.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On Day Three, we will spend the morning catching up on rest. We will get breakfast as a group and spend the early afternoon exploring the park or reviewing images from the last two night shoots. Another early dinner and sunset at a great location in the park then the Milky Way! Tonight, we’ll check out a few iconic rock formations in the park. Two of the most photogenic rocks in the park for astrophotography.
Day 4 (L,D)
After a late night, the Day Four morning will be used to catch up on rest. We’ll do some image review and check out some other spots in the park during the day, if we have energy! The night of Day Four will be our last time capturing the core of the Milky Way. We will check out a few more iconic rock formations and do some short walks.
Day 5 (B)
Day Five has quite a few possibilities. We may stay out late shooting the Milky Way the night before or we may call it an earlier night for a sunrise shoot on the morning of Day Five. Either way, we will spend our last morning photographing in the park before heading back to the hotel. After packing up, we will return back to our starting point in Palm Springs for afternoon flights home.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Your 3 Unique Advantages
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PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
Backcountry Journeys
Our proven process for world-class photography workshops, tours, and safaris
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TRIP ENROLLMENT
Our team of Photo Adventure Specialists will guide you through onboarding and enrollment when you book a trip. Expect excellent customer service.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Enjoy a hassle-free experience with an all-inclusive package that takes care of all your needs, from transportation to meals and lodging.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Improve your photography skills with personalized guidance from professional photographers who are passionate about helping you succeed and getting you to the best locations.
BCJ COMMUNITY
Become part of our family - interact with BCJ guides and new friends. Share images, ask questions, talk about everything photography!
WE RECOMMEND TRIP INSURANCE
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.