Capitol Reef National Park and Hanksville Utah May 4th - 7th, 2027
Spencer's Camera is very excited to provide a collaborative workshop including incredible nightscape photographer Brandt Ryder. His unique style of integrating a crisp, sharp, and eye catching foreground with the surrounding landscape, as well as the Milky Way, is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best. During this workshop you'll benefit from 3 instructors who will provide field and classroom based co-instruction.
Brandt's photographic approach is focused on high dimensionality landscape and nightscape images that aim to tell visual stories. Brandt is a Spencer's Camera and RRS Tripod Ambassador and his work has been recognized in Capture the Atlases Milky Way Photographer of the Year on 3 different occasions.
(Capitol Reef National Park, Utah)
Come join us under the extreme dark skies of the western US to capture the Milky Way against the unique landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park and the Hanksville, Utah area. Our first meeting will be on May 4th at approximately 3:00 PM. We will discuss detailed plans, equipment, locations, and introductions. The workshop will close in the late evening hours of May 7th.
(Hanksville area, Utah)
Our experienced staff will guide you to the best locations for dark skies and incredible scenery, and will provide instruction in Nightscape imaging. Limited to 12 participants. (Coupon codes and other discounts cannot be used for this event unless previously approved.)
(Goblin Valley State Park, Utah)
It is our philosophy to spend as much time as possible shooting in the field while at our workshops. We will meet well before sunset and arrive at our first shooting location in time to capture the beautiful late evening light.
During this workshop Brandt, Clarence and Greg will provide field and classroom based co-instruction covering the following elements:
Identifying and Capturing Strong Visual Elements and Composition in the field including:
- Dimensionality, foregrounds, visual symmetry, leading lines, and texture
- Rule of Thirds, Focus Stacking, Blue-Hr, POV
Basic astrophography field skills including:
- Polar alignment
- Tracking
- Panoramas
- HA/Narrowband data collection
Post Processing will include:
- Color Correction
- Image Stretching
- Blending Skies and Foregrounds
- Image Stretching
- Light and Horizon Bleeding
- Image Color Balancing
- Star Reduction
- Focus Stacking
- Focal Length Blending
- Ha RGB Images- blending Ha Data
(Capitol Reef National Park, Utah)
Some locations will require driving on dirt roads and it is suggested that your vehicle be a four wheel drive similar to a Toyota 4-Runner. We will also be hiking to some incredible locations that require up to 1.5 miles of hiking to reach. Please reach out for any questions regarding access to our shooting locations. Average temperatures in the Capital Reef area during May range from 40-75 degrees but can be as low as 35 degrees at night and highs near 80 degrees during the day.
(Capitol Reef National Park, Utah)
Some of the shooting locations will include Capital Reef National Park, Hanksville Utah area (Factory Butte, Mars Overlook, Dark Spire, etc...), as well as Goblin Valley State Park. Weather may dictate adjustments to shooting locations as neded.
(Goblin Valley State Park, Utah)
(Goblin Valley State Park, Utah)
