Astrophotography Workshops
Westcliffe, Colorado
Watch our full workshop walkthrough video
A Unique Workshop
Westcliffe is Colorado’s first Dark Sky Community and the second highest in the world, which makes it an excellent place for astrophotography. All of the sites used on the workshop are located on private cattle ranches that are not open to the public, and no hiking is required to reach our destinations.
One of the things I like the most about astrophotography is watching all of the transitions throughout the night. I enjoy seeing the stars and the Milky Way become visible as the sky darkens and witnessing the morning twilight and sunrise. I often think about how many people don’t get to experience these wonders because they’re either asleep, or they live in an area with a high level of light pollution. I encourage my students to spend some time away from their cameras so they can take a moment to be fully present and gaze up at the sky in one of the darkest places they’ll ever visit.
As a board member of DarkSky Colorado, I am committed to preserving and enjoying our night skies while teaching others how to use light responsibly.
Upcoming 2026 Workshop Dates
Saturday, May 16 ~ Saturday, June 13 ~ Satrurday, July 11 ~ Saturday, Aug 15 ~ Saturday, Sept 12
all workshops start at 7pm and end after sunrise the next morning
Sign-up for an Astrophotography Workshop in Westcliffe, CO
For the 2026 season, I have decided to break the workshops into three parts: Classroom, In-Field and Post-Production/Critque. You can register for just the in-field session, the classroom plus the in-field session, the in-field session and the post-production session, or all three. Choose the appropriate dates from the selections below.
in-Field Session Only - $400 - Limited to 8 students. We will meet at a rental cabin in Westcliffe and visit three to four locations in the area that are located on private cattle ranches. This option is designed for photographers who feel they do not need the classroom and post-production sessions. The cabin is available to any students who want to get some rest before driving home after the workshop.
Class Session and Field Session - $475 - This option includes a two-hour Zoom class to teach students everything they need to know to get great photos during the in-field session. Class sessions will be held on the following dates at 7 pm MT: April 13, May 11, June 8, July 6, Aug 10, Sept 8.
Field Session and Post-Production/Critique Session - $475 - This option includes the in-field workshop plus a two-hour Zoom session to teach students how to edit their photos as well as an image critique. Post-Production classes will be held on the following dates at 7 pm MT: May 20, June 22, July 15, Aug 19, Sept 16.
Class, In-Field Session and Editing/Critique Session - $525 - This option includes all three sessions.
Sign Waiver and Release Before Workshop
Sign-up for a Night-Sky Photography Workshop in Westcliffe, CO
Workshop Topics
How to photograph the Milky Way and the stars as points of light.
How to photograph star trails
Light painting techniques (lights will be supplied).
Tracking techniques using the Move Shoot Move and StarAdventurer trackers
Stacking techniques to reduce noise
Westcliffe
Second highest designated dark-sky community in the world
Westcliffe is Colorado’s first International Dark Sky Community and the world’s second highest. It is an excellent place to view and photograph the night sky and the Milky Way, and it’s still my favorite place to visit in Colorado.
Westcliffe is a former mining town that sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet above sea level in the middle of the Wet Mountain Valley about 1.5 hours southwest of Colorado Springs. The views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from Westcliffe are spectacular.
Please consider supporting DarkSky Colorado.
Watch video on Westcliffe
Westcliffe Cabin
Our basecamp in the foothills for the workshop
The cost of the workshop includes use of a rental cabin in Westcliffe. The cabin is a completely renovated 1970’s A-frame that we mainly use as a meeting place and classroom. We do not plan to sleep at the cabin, but it will be available if anyone needs to get some rest during the night or before driving home. Pets are not allowed.
If you need additional accommodations, consider getting a room at any of the motels or rental homes in Westcliffe and Silvercliff.
Watch video on Westcliffe cabin
The Workshop
A one-of-a-kind workshop capturing the beauty of the Milky Way and the night sky
Explore the wonders of astrophotography in a captivating natural setting! Join us on this photographic adventure as you hone your skills and capture breathtaking images of starry night skies.
Attendance is limited to 8 participants to maximize the quality of your experience.
The tentative schedule for each workshop is as follows:
6:00 PM – Check in (Please do not arrive early)
7:00 PM – Gear check and preparation for the evening
9:00 PM – Photographing the night sky at up to 4 locations through sunrise
7:30 AM – Breakfast at the Silver Cliff Inn
Times are subject to change based on weather, sunset conditions and the times the Galactic Core of the Milky Way is visible.
Watch video on our workshop
What to Bring
Camera Gear
You should be familiar with your camera gear and have the knowledge to adjust your aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, etc. while in manual mode. You should know how to switch from auto to manual focus and view the histogram on your LCD screen. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with all of your equipment before attending a workshop and suggest that you practice operating your camera in the dark so that you get a feel for where the buttons and dials are located.
Camera – your camera should be capable of shooting at 6400 ISO in order to get photos of the Milky Way and stars as points of light.
Camera manual
Extra batteries for your camera and other battery-operated devices
STURDY tripod! – Need a good tripod? Get at 10% discount on Explorer tripods through my retail site AdventureCam Photo. Use code SAVE10 at checkout.
Remote or Intervelometer – A remote with a locking shutter or a way to set a bulb timer is necessary for exposures longer than 30 seconds.
Lenses – Lenses in the 14-24mm range will produce good results for the night sky. You will need a lens that opens to f/2.8 or larger in order to photograph the stars as points of light. Bring other lenses for sunset, sunrise and wildlife photos.
Other Important Gear
Warm clothes – It’s best to dress in layers with insulating layers close to your body. Windproof jackets and pants are recommended to keep you warm in windy conditions. Watch the video below to learn how to dress in layers. Not dressing properly is one of the biggest issues I come across with my workshop students, especially those who live in warm locations like Texas and Florida.
- Watch our video on wearing layers
Gloves and a winter hat – It’s not unusual for temperatures to drop down into the 30’s and 40’s at high elevations during the summer months. Having these items will help keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Sturdy boots or hiking shoes
Rain gear – A lightweight poncho will do fine as well as a waterproof parka and waterproof pants.
Headlamp/Flashlight
Water – It’s important to stay hydrated at high altitudes
Snacks
Thermos for coffee or tea
Camping chair
Important Information
Weather & Safety
We’ll keep an eye on the weather, but we don’t have any control over Mother Nature. If the sky is cloudy, we will spend time photographing the barns and the windmill at three of our locations and practicing light painting techniques. If the weather is poor, we will spend time discussing post-processing techniques at the rental cabin. It is rare that bad weather will last an entire evening.
All attendees must sign a waiver and release agreement to participate in these workshops.
Activities will take place between 7,800 and 9,300 feet. If you are visiting from out of state, it is recommended that you first spend some time during your visit to Colorado at lower elevations and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Food
We will not be serving meals at the rental house, but you are welcome to bring food with you to eat or prepare.
Those wishing to stick around for the sunrise portion of the workshop can join us at the Silver Cliff Mountain Inn for breakfast. Meals are not included in the price of the workshop.
Refunds
Refunds are not given unless the workshop is cancelled. In case of bad weather, we will do our best to place students in another workshop, depending on available space.
Need Extra Help?
Do you think you’ll need extra help to prepare for the workshop? If so, you can hire Mike for a one- or two-hour Zoom session to brush up on your camera skills or discuss your equipment needs. Message Mike to make arrangements for a pre-workshop session. If you aren’t sure, take the Questionnaire and we will reach out to you.
