New Mexico Badlands + More
Sept 26 – 30, 2027
Overview
Join this ALL-INCLUSIVE small group workshop to the otherworldly badlands of New Mexico.
Education will focus on creating compositions, simplifying the scene, reading light, and putting together starry landscapes.
We’ve timed this workshop for cooler temperatures and no moon interference.
We’re not only photographing the New Mexico badlands, we’ve also got exclusive access to some incredible locations on Navajo land, far away from the typical areas. (Not pictured here)
What Should You Expect?
The badlands of New Mexico are some of the strangest in the country. Bizarre hoodoos, multicolored badlands, and impossible rock formations. The geology here seems to defy logic.
The New Mexico badlands are beautiful, but space is often limited and big group workshops feel crowded. That’s why we’ve limited this workshop to 4 participants. No crowds, no sharing tripods, no waiting your turn.
These badlands extend far beyond the typical Bisti area. There are many pockets of hoodoos, balanced rocks, and rainbow hills that aren’t named, and we want to share the best of these bizarre landscapes with you.
While astrophotography is not the focus, there is no moon interference during the workshop and we WILL make use of clear skies.
In addition to the New Mexico badlands, we’ve also got exclusive access to a secret area within the Navajo Nation. We’re keeping this under wraps, but rest assured there will be some epic shots.
Group Size
Small group of 4 guests
Location
New Mexico
Investment
$3600
Fitness
Easy – Moderate Hiking
Instructors
Nickolas Warner
Itinerary
Please note, this exact itinerary is subject to change. We want to get you the best photos possible and will pivot based on the weather.
Sept 26: We’ll meet in Durango, CO at 11:00am, before driving to our base in Farmington, NM. After a quick lunch, and checking into our hotel, we’ll head out to photograph precariously balanced rocks, bizarre textures and all that the badlands have to offer.
Sept 27-28: The next several days will be spent photographing and exploring the far reaches of the New Mexico badlands. We’ll focus on refining composition, reading the light, and covering some technical hurdles of focus stacking and starry landscapes.
Sept 29 After our last morning in the New Mexico badlands, we’ll head to a secret area within the Navajo Nation. No photo group has been here yet, and these are sure to be some VERY unique photos.
Sept 30: The workshop will conclude after a last sunrise within the Navajo Nation. We will provide transport back to the airport in Durango, CO. The workshop will conclude at 1:00pm Mountain Time.
Logistics
Getting Here: The majority of this workshop will be based out of Farmington, New Mexico. You can either meet us here with your own vehicle, or join us as we provide transportation from Durango, Colorado to New Mexico. Durango, CO is the closest airport, about 70 minutes away.
Meals: All meals are included in this tour, including 3 meals per day. (NO lame hotel breakfasts) New Mexico cuisine is a real treat!
Transportation: We’ll handle all driving in a spacious 4×4 vehicle. With only 4 participants, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out. No middle seats.
Hotels: Single Occupancy lodging at modern and comfortable hotels is included.
Weather: September weather in New Mexico is mild. Expect high 70’s during the day and low 40’s at night. Bring gloves and warm clothing for late nights and early mornings.
Camera Gear
- Telephoto and Ultra Wide Angle Lenses (At least 14mm recommended)
- ND Filters
- Tripod without a center column
- Camera bag
- L Bracket
Personal Gear
- Hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
Fitness Requirements
This workshop is listed as easy-moderate. The longest hikes will be around 2 miles round-trip over relatively flat terrain. Most hikes will be shorter. Some spots have small hills. Trekking poles are recommended for those with balance issues. There are no trails here, some bushwhacking is required.
Included
- Single occupancy lodging
- All Foods & Snacks
- 4×4 transportation for the duration of the workshop
- Photographic guiding and instruction
- Secret Navajo Location Access
- In-depth photoshop sessions (Recorded)
Not Included
- Transportation to and from New Mexico
- Lodging before and after the workshop
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal Items
- Travel Insurance
Pricing
$3600
A $1000 non-refundable deposit will hold your space for this workshop. The remaining payment is required at least 90 days prior to the start of the workshop. Sharing a room with a friend or partner will result in a $500 discount.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation request more than 100 days before the start of a workshop will receive a full refund minus your deposit, which can be applied toward a future tour. If you decide not to attend a future workshop, this deposit is forfeited. If you cancel within 100 days, no refunds of any kind will be issued. If you cancel your reservation within 100 days and we are able to fill your space on a tour, we will provide a full refund. Once a tour has started, no refunds will be given for missed outings, delays, weather related events, or elements beyond our control. In the event of an emergency, I’m more than happy to work with you. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, which covers non-refundable fees and travel expenses. Cancellation requests must be made in writing by emailing me at nickolas.warner@gmail.com