Moab Astrophotography Workshop: Capture the Milky Way

You'll shoot the Milky Way against Moab's red rock cliffs, not just photograph stars from a parking lot.

An astrophotography workshop in Moab, Utah, where you learn to photograph the night sky using your own camera across four hours of instruction and shooting at roadside overlooks. The guide teaches camera settings, composition and post-processing techniques suited to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced photographers. Bottled water and energy snacks are included. Minimum age is 18.

The experience

Moab's dark skies and desert landscape frame the workshop, which runs four hours and covers the camera settings and techniques needed to capture the Milky Way. You'll work with your own camera (any type, any brand), and learn how to set it up for night sky work, then move to picturesque roadside views and overlooks where you'll actually shoot. The guide, who has decades of outdoor recreation experience, teaches composition and walks you through what to do in post-processing so the images you take that night become the images you want to keep.

No experience required, and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you've never shot in manual mode or you've been photographing for years, the personalized approach means the instruction meets you where you are. The workshop happens under genuinely dark skies (some of the darkest in the country), which changes what your camera can actually capture compared to shooting from a city or a lit campground.

Bottled water and energy snacks are provided. Bring your camera, a tripod if you have one, and dress for cool desert nights. Service animals are allowed. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Four hours of live instruction in English from a guide with decades of outdoor recreation experience.
• bottled water and energy snacks.
• teaching on camera settings, composition and post-processing techniques tailored to your skill level.
• access to roadside overlooks and picturesque viewing locations across the Moab area.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Matt DeWitt Photography

Is this one for you?The four-hour evening format fits into a day trip to Moab or a night during a longer stay, leaving your daylight hours free for hiking, sightseeing or rest. If you're traveling without a car, confirm the pickup logistics with the operator, as public transportation options exist nearby but the workshop moves between multiple overlooks.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What camera do I need to bring to the Moab astrophotography workshop?

Any camera type works: DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone with manual mode. The guide teaches settings and techniques that work across different equipment, so bring whatever you have and are comfortable using.

How dark is the sky in Moab for night photography?

Moab sits under some of the darkest skies in the country, which means your camera can capture far more of the Milky Way and stars than it would from a lit area. That darkness is what makes the night sky photography possible and dramatic.

Will I learn how to edit the photos I take during the workshop?

Yes. The guide covers post-processing techniques so you know how to work with the images you capture that night, turning the raw files into the finished photos you want.

Is a tripod required, or can I shoot handheld?

Night sky photography requires a tripod to keep the camera steady during long exposures. Bring one if you have it. If you don't, confirm with the operator before booking whether they can provide one or recommend a rental option nearby.

What's the minimum age to attend the astrophotography workshop?

The minimum age is 18. Participants must be able to handle their own camera and follow safety guidelines during the four-hour evening session.