Utah astrophotography workshop: capture the Milky Way, May 7 to 9, 2027
Two nights, three days near Kanab, Utah, in some of the darkest skies around. Find the best photo spots, learn exposure settings for the Milky Way and other celestial objects, and edit your shots together so you leave with a lil' education and a whole lot of cool astro photos.
- 2 nights, 3 days
- Small group
- Astrophotography coaching with Abdul
- National park entry included
Ever wanted to learn to shoot the Milky Way? This is your chance!
This is a three-day, two-night small-group astrophotography workshop near Kanab, Utah, May 7 to 9, 2027, led by Abdul Dremali, with dark-sky nights for photographing the Milky Way, coaching at the best photo spots, and editing time together.
Join me in my favorite state in the USA for an astrophotography workshop and national park getaway, designed for small groups that want to photograph the night sky around Kanab, Utah. This is the perfect time of season to start shooting our beautiful galaxy, and the whole point is the photography: we find the best photo spots, talk techniques and exposure settings, then edit together so you leave with a lil' education and a lot of cool astro photos.
Brand new to shooting the night sky, or already chasing advanced techniques? There is room for you here; our home page describes our trips as welcoming beginner to advanced techniques, and this workshop is no different.
Reserve your spot
May 7 to 9, 2027: moonless nights, Milky Way mornings.
These dates were picked for the sky, not the calendar.
Scheduled around the new moon
We time the workshop around the new moon, for optimal starlight gathering. The new moon falls on May 6, 2027, the day before we arrive, so all three nights stay moonless or nearly so, with a thin crescent that sets soon after dusk. That leaves the whole Milky Way yours to collect.
The core climbs all night, best before dawn
In early May at our latitude, the Milky Way core rises around midnight and climbs through the night, reaching its highest just before dawn. That gives the workshop two rhythms: the dark evening to learn your settings and shoot the early sky, and the pre-dawn window to chase the galaxy at its best.
What the night looks like
Timed for the Kanab area, May 7 to 9, 2027, Mountain Time. The core climbs all night and is at its best in the early hours.
- 10:05 PMThe sky goes fully dark. Set up, shoot the early sky, learn your settings.
- 11:45 PMThe Milky Way core clears the horizon in the southeast.
- 1:00 AMThe core is high enough to frame over rock. A good second wind.
- 3:00 to 4:30 AMPrime time. The core is at its highest and the sky is still dark.
- 4:45 AMFirst light. The dark fades and the shoot is done.
So the money shot is a pre-dawn one. Plan to be on location by about 3 AM and nap in the afternoon to last, or split the night: shoot the core rising, sleep, and come back out for the last dark hours. Exact times shift by a few minutes each night.
Moon phase checked against timeanddate.com, theSkyLive and Griffith Observatory. Milky Way visibility follows the astrobackyard Milky Way photography calendar.
What you will learn at this Utah astrophotography workshop.
Milky Way photography workshop is the honest description: find the spot, dial the settings, shoot, edit.
Find the best photo spots
We work the area near Kanab for dark skies, strong foregrounds and good compositions, so you start every session from a spot worth the shot.
Talk exposure settings
We discuss techniques, exposure settings and tips to capture the Milky Way and other celestial objects with your own camera.
Shoot under dark skies
Two nights of practice with the group around, so questions get answered while the shutter is still open.
Edit together
We sit down and edit together so you leave with a lil' education and a lot of cool astro photos.
Photo tips from one of the most coolest astrophotographer/camp counselor of all time (it's a small list): "We'll talk about exposure settings and tips to capture the milky way and other celestial objects."
Rent an SUV, hit the dirt.
This corner of Utah is best seen with a little dust on the bumper. We are not a shuttle-bus operation, and that is the fun of it.
Rent an SUV or a 4x4
Some of the darkest skies around Kanab sit at the end of a dirt road. Rent an SUV or a small 4x4 for the trip and the good spots open up: smooth graded roads for the easy days, rockier tracks if you want more. Rent in Las Vegas or St. George, and we point you to the routes that fit your rig and your nerve.
- Rent an SUV or small 4x4
- Graded dirt roads, fine for most SUVs
- Rockier trails for the 4x4 crew
- We roll out together at golden hour
Dirt roads to the good spots
Kanab is ringed by BLM land and back roads: the Toadstool Hoodoos, Wire Pass, the White Pocket, Coral Pink Sand Dunes. A high-clearance vehicle turns those from a maybe into a Tuesday. Fill the tank, bring water and layers, and let the road do the rest.
Bring your own rig
Plenty of campers show up in their own trucks. One guest, Adrian, drove his out from Vegas and spent the afternoons four-wheeling between shoots. Bring yours, or just ride along with the group.
Nights in Utah, in pictures.
A taste of what is waiting under those skies. Swipe or use the arrows to browse all twelve.
What is included, and what is not.
What is included
- 2 nights, 3 days in a private room at comfortable, local accommodations
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches + 2 dinners, with drinks included other than alcohol
- Night sky stargazing and photo assistance from Abdul
- Group activities, from creative to outdoorsy
- Entry into national parks
What is not included
- Airfare to Utah
- Beverages beyond water, like alcohol (BYOB!)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, shopping, etc.)
- 4x4 or SUV rental (we genuinely recommend one for the dirt roads!)
Suggested gear for the workshop.
Night-sky photography does not need a huge kit. Start with what you have; these are the pieces that make the biggest difference under dark skies.
Pack for the dark
You will be out after sunset on the Utah sandstone, so comfort matters as much as the camera kit. Warm layers beat one heavy coat, and a red-light headlamp keeps your night vision for composing shots.
Suggested gear, not provided. This list is general advice for night-sky photography; equipment is not provided, so please bring your own.
- Camera with manual mode
- Sturdy tripod
- Wide, fast lens
- Headlamp with a red light
- Spare batteries
- Warm layers
- Comfy hiking shoes
Questions about the Utah astrophotography workshop.
Last reviewed October 2026Do I need my own camera gear?
Yes. Equipment is not provided, so bring your own camera with manual mode, a sturdy tripod and a wide, fast lens. If you are unsure what you own will work, the suggested gear list on this page is a good starting point, and we talk settings once we are under the sky.
I have never photographed the night sky before. Is that okay?
Yes. Our home page describes our trips as welcoming beginner to advanced techniques, and this workshop is the same. Night one is about getting comfortable with your camera in the dark; by the last night you are shooting with intent: spot, settings, composition, edit.
When is the Milky Way visible during the workshop?
The Milky Way core rises around 11:45 PM and climbs all night, highest just before dawn. Our dates sit just after the May 6 new moon, so the sky stays dark. In practice you shoot across the night: the evening to find your settings, and the pre-dawn window for the core at its best.
What time should I set my alarm for the Milky Way?
The core rises near midnight and is at its best from about 3 to 4 AM. Most nights we shoot a first session after dark, then head back out around 2:30 to 3 AM for the core at its highest. Exact times shift a few minutes each night, and we share the plan before each session.
What is the weather like in early May around Kanab?
Expect days in the 80s and nights in the 60s, which is literally the best time of year to visit. Desert nights cool quickly, so bring warm layers even when the forecast looks warm. The activity level is moderate, and comfortable hiking shoes help on the sandstone.
How active is the workshop?
Physical activity is moderate. We move between photo spots, some of them over sandstone, so pack comfy hiking shoes for grip. You are never rushed, and there is plenty of time under the stars for every camper to set up their perfect shots or just enjoy the sky.
What happens if it is cloudy?
We cannot control the weather, and we say so honestly. The dates are chosen around the new moon for the darkest possible skies, and we keep an eye on forecasts to pick the clearest spots each night. The editing sessions happen either way.
What is included in the price?
The price includes 2 nights and 3 days near Kanab, your room at comfortable, local accommodations, all breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, night sky stargazing and photo assistance from Abdul, group activities, and entry into national parks.
What is not included?
Airfare to Utah, beverages beyond water such as alcohol, and personal expenses like souvenirs and shopping are not included. A 4x4 or SUV rental is not included either, and we genuinely recommend one so you can drive the dirt roads out to the best spots.
Do I need a 4x4 to join?
Not required, but we recommend renting an SUV or small 4x4. Some of the darkest spots near Kanab sit at the end of a dirt road, and a high-clearance vehicle makes those easy. Rent one in Las Vegas or St. George, and we will point you to the routes that fit your comfort level.
How small is the group?
The group is limited to ensure personalized attention and plenty of time for every camper to set up their perfect shots or just spend time under the stars. A small group also means no one is waiting long for help with their camera.
Who leads the workshop?
The workshop is led by Abdul Dremali, an astrophotographer and DarkSky International delegate. He scouts the spots, talks through exposure settings and tips for the Milky Way and other celestial objects, and edits alongside you.
How do I book, and what are the terms?
Booking runs through our secure WeTravel checkout, with the options and prices on this page. The workshop page does not currently state a refund policy or payment due date, so we will confirm the full terms with you before you book. Questions first? Ask us.
Book your spot at the May 2027 Utah astrophotography workshop.
Choose the option that fits you, then book through our secure checkout.
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Choose this option →Prefer to travel on your own dates or with your own group?Plan private
Private Itineraries, Built Around You
We plan and run custom private journeys for couples, families, and private circles. You choose the dates, the pace, and the focus.
- Your own private team: Dedicated air-conditioned transport and licensed local guides.
- No set group dates: Designed entirely around your schedule and season.
- Families welcome: All ages welcome on private departures (group tours are 18+).
- Hosted or independent: Personally hosted by Abdul and Anna, or privately run by our vetted local team.
More Utah nights, your way.
Want a private version of this, or a base in Utah you can call your own? Camp Howdy is our private villa in the Zion and Kolob area, and we plan private groups and retreats around your people.
Two nights, three days, one dark Utah sky.
May 7 to 9, 2027, near Kanab, Utah. Come shoot the Milky Way, learn the craft, and go home with photos worth keeping.
Let's go to Utah!