Star Trail Photography

Joshua Tree National Park is world famous for its dark skies! The Park is one of the few places in Southern California where you can see the Night Sky. In this workshop I will show you how to use your DSLR or Mirrorless camera to create star-trail images. All skill levels are welcome to attend! (see equipment requirements below). Bring your DSLR or Mirrorless camera and I will teach you how to capture the Milky Way! You will need a camera that allows for interchangeable lenses and manual settings of Aperture, Exposure Duration and ISO - and a study Tripod. In order to capture the night-sky, it is best to use a “wide-angle” lens (“mm” is below 24mm). It also helps to have a “fast’ lens - these are lenses with maximum aperture of F2.8 or smaller (F1.8 or F1.4). You can contact me before signing up to determine if your camera is capable of capturing the night sky.

Activity level: EASY

All experience levels with photography are welcome. Please contact us if you have questions about your ability to participate.

PROGRAM AGENDA

We’ll meet at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree CA and do our safety orientation and student check in. We’ll caravan into the park and will take roughly 8-13 miles to arrive at our destination, Cap Rock parking lot. We’ll take out our photography gear and walk .5 miles and set up and take photos with instructor feedback. We’ll start heading back to the parking lot at around 7:45p and depart by 8p.

Please note: There is no cell service in the park! Please allow ample time to arrive at the meeting location; park entrances may be very busy on weekends (see FAQs).

Please make sure you check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Get to know your instructor:

Casey Kiernan lives in Joshua Tree, California. Casey teaches Landscape and Night Time photography in Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Iceland - through his company “Joshua Tree Workshops”. (http://www.joshuatreeworkshops.com). Casey has been a professional photographer for over 2 decades. He previously managed a studio in Arizona which focused on automotive/motorcycle photography for print and advertising. Casey has won numerous awards, including 2nd place in the annual Joshua Tree National Park Arts Exposition - 2022 / Photography group (https://jtnparts.org/jtnpca-featured-artists/) Casey also manages the “Joshua Tree Visitors Guide” an on-line resource for all things Joshua Tree! (https://www.joshuatree.guide/)

What's included?

• First aid and emergency supplies for the group

What's Not included?

• Admission to Joshua Tree National Park
• Meals, Lodging, or Transportation
• Photography equipment 

What to Bring:

The essentials for all field courses:

• Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full day outing
• Food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (please leave no trace)
• Close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots; no sandals, not even hiking sandals!
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen;  light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days
• Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
• Backpack to carry food, water, and any personal items you need for the day

Required for this course:

• Digital camera with full manual controls, 30 second exposure capability, 3200 – 6400 ISO capability
• A wide and fast lens with manual focus ability. An f/2.8 14 – 24 mm full frame equivalent
• Sturdy tripod
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• Remote shutter release (optional)
• Snacks/drinks
• Appropriate clothing – Winter Clothing! long pants and hiking shoes (no open-toe shoes!)
• Small pack or camera bag – we won’t be walking far, but it’s always handy to have a few items with you.