Big Bend Astrophotography Workshop 2026

Capture the Night Skies of Texas

August 11–15, 2026

Stand beneath the Milky Way, photograph the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower, and learn to create stunning night sky images in one of the darkest places in North America.

Join Michael Crawley, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, of Come and Take It Photography for four unforgettable nights beneath the legendary dark skies of Big Bend National Park.

Reserve Your Spot

August 11–15, 2026

Maximum 10 Participants

First 4 Registrations: $999

Remaining Registrations: $1,099

Timed to coincide with the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower, this immersive workshop combines hands-on instruction, personalized coaching, breathtaking desert landscapes, and some of the best stargazing conditions found anywhere in the United States.

Whether you're photographing the Milky Way for the first time or refining advanced astrophotography techniques, you'll gain the skills and confidence needed to consistently create stunning night sky images.

What You'll Experience

• Photograph the Milky Way under world-class dark skies

• Capture the annual Perseid Meteor Shower at its peak

• Learn astrophotography techniques from the field

• Master focusing and exposure in darkness

• Create dramatic nightscape images through light painting

• Explore star trails and night panoramas

• Receive personalized coaching and image critiques

• Maximum 10 participants

Who This Workshop Is For

Beginning astrophotographers, photography enthusiasts, landscape photographers, and intermediate photographers looking to improve their night photography skills. No prior astrophotography experience is required.

Workshop Highlights

Maximum 10 Participants

Peak Perseid Meteor Shower

Easy-Access Photography Locations

Small Group Instruction

Personalized Coaching

Milky Way Photography

Meteor Shower Photography

Light Painting

Star Trails

Night Panoramas

Image Reviews and Critiques

Why Big Bend?

Big Bend National Park is home to some of the darkest skies in North America. Far from major cities and artificial light pollution, Big Bend offers photographers an opportunity to experience the night sky as it was meant to be seen.

Workshop Schedule

August 11 – Foundations of Night Photography

August 12 – Perseid Meteor Shower Peak

August 13 – Light Painting and Creative Techniques

August 14 – Advanced Astrophotography

August 15 – Image Review and Wrap-Up

What You'll Learn

Milky Way Photography

Meteor Shower Photography

Star Trails

Light Painting

Night Panoramas

PhotoPills Planning Techniques

Focusing in Darkness

Exposure Theory

Noise Reduction

Post-Processing Workflow

Pricing

First 4 Registrations: $999

Remaining Registrations: $1,099

Maximum 10 Participants

Ready to Photograph the Night Sky?

Space is limited and enrollment is expected to fill quickly. Contact Michael Crawley today to reserve your spot.

What's Included

Four Nights of Field Instruction

Personalized Coaching

Group Image Reviews

Astrophotography Planning Instruction

Pre-Workshop Information Guide

Recommended Settings and Workflow Materials

What's Not Included

Transportation to Big Bend

Lodging

Meals

National Park Entrance Fees

Personal Expenses

Equipment Recommendations

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

Wide-Angle Lens

Sturdy Tripod

Extra Batteries

Memory Cards

Red-Light Headlamp

Why Learn From Michael?

Michael Crawley, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, is an award-winning photographer, educator, and speaker who has been teaching photography since 2018.

What if I've never photographed the Milky Way before? Perfect—we'll teach you step-by-step.

Reserve Your Spot

August 11–15,

2026

Maximum 10 Participants

First 4 Registrations: $999

Remaining Registrations: $1,099

Reserve my Spot

Where should I Stay?

We will be based in Chisos Basin and accommodations are available thru the park at the lodge and campground. I am working on getting a group rate and will pass along the information soon. I will be staying at the Chisos Mountain Lodge. If you are interested in the Lodge please let me know.

https://www.chisosmountainslodge.com/lodging

There is also camping available in the park and Chisos Basin

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/camping.htm

There are also many options outside of the park but it is an hour or more drive from locations we will be photographing, so I recommend Terlingua if you are staying outside the park.

What will we learn?

Topics covered in the Workshop include:

Camera settings for astrophotography

How to focus at night and get pin point stars

How to photograph and process star trails

What gear is needed

What APPS do you need

Creating panoramic pictures in landscape and astrophotography

Light painting of objects in the scene

What Gear do I need?

I will be providing a list, but in short a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, a tripod and a wide angle lens.

I will be talking to all participants ahead of time to discuss the gear to be used.

What is included and covered by the workshop fee? Can I make Ppayments?

What is Covered?

The fee covers one attendees workshop. You may bring a significant other but they may not participate in the workshop.

Attendees are responsible for park entrance fees, lodging, and meals

Final payment due June 30th. You will be sent an invoice for your final payment.
You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours after deposit payment.
Attendees are responsible for their travel, lodging, and food.

Cancellations: Please speak to me directly about cancellations. Cancellations made after 14 days Prior to the workshop are at the discretion of Come And Take It Photography and will be made on a case by case Basis. Deposits are non Refundable.

What will our Itenery be?

A detailed itinerary will be sent to all attendees one month prior to the workshop (and after the final balance is paid).

But you should plan to be up from late afternoon to dawn/sunrise and to sleep during the day. We may not be out all night every night but it is worth it to spend most of the night outside.