In the month of June, the Milky Way’s galactic core rises above the horizon and the Milky Way arcs across the night sky. During the Badlands and Devil’s Tower Night Photo Workshop, we will photograph the Milky Way above the otherworldly landscape of Badlands National Park and over Devil’s Tower, which was featured in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Both areas offer prominent features that stand in contrast the the night sky and make for a once in a lifetime experience.
Dates: Not currently scheduled. You can see the list of current photo workshops here.
Bryan Hansel Photography is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service. He operates under a Commercial Use Authorization from the National Park Service.
Check out my current photo workshop schedule.
Itinerary
The itinerary is subject to change, but this is a field workshop with little or no classroom time.
Day 1: Meet before sunset and photograph into the night. Book your room near Devil’s Tower.
Day 2: Meet before sunset and photograph into the night. Book your room near Devil’s Tower.
Day 3: Drive to Badlands. Meet before sunset and photograph into the night. Book your room at the Days Inn in Wall, SD.
Day 4: Meet before sunset and photograph into the night (There may be some afternoon classroom time). Book your room at the Days Inn in Wall, SD.
Day 5: Meet before sunset and photograph until 1am at the latest. Book your room at the Days Inn in Wall, SD.
Topics
Primarily we will be learning to capture the night sky using single image capture. Techniques for stacking and blending will also be taught. You will also learn composite panoramic photography using a panoramic head. Low-level lighting will be used in the Badlands.
What if it rains?
It might rain and it might be cloudy. Or it might not. We can’t control the weather. In the event that the nights are cloudy, we will spend time photographing the parks during the day and getting in as much photography as we can. If it is cloudy at night, we will still go out and see what we can capture. During lightning storms we will photograph the locations if we can safely do so. If it rains or is cloudy in the Badlands, we could journey to a ghost town or make a long drive to Wind Cave National Park in the Black Hills.
Additional Information
Maximum number of participants: 10
Level: This workshop is for all levels of photography, but advanced beginners and above will get more from the experience. Having some experience with night photography is helpful.
What’s included in the workshop fee: Instruction and guiding in the Badlands and at Devil’s Tower. Devil’s Tower Special Use Fee.
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Devil’s Tower or Badlands National Park. Transportation at the locations. Carpooling is required. Lodging. Meals. Entrance Fees.
Lodging partner: There is no lodging partner at Devil’s Tower, but you have options: For camping, a KOA is at the base of the tower. It has camper cabins and camping. Call (307) 467-5395 for info. The camper cabins are small but nice. They have 11 units that fill quickly. Devils Tower Lodge is a bed and breakfast. Book at (307) 467-5267. Best Western Devils Tower Inn is in nearby Hulett. Book at (307) 467-5747. The Days Inn in Wall, South Dakota is hosting the Badlands portion of the workshop. We will also meet there each night before heading out for the sunrise. Room rate is not included in the workshop fee. When you make your reservation tell them it’s a “Bryan Hansel” room. We get a special rate that is only available to you if you book direct and get into my room block. Days Inn phone number: 605-279-2000.
Getting to Devil’s Tower and the Badlands: The Badlands National Park and Wall, South Dakota is located about 55 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota on Interstate 90. From Minneapolis, it’s a 7.5 hour drive via US-169S to MN-60 W and I90 (check Google Maps for the exact route). Rapid City has a small regional airport (RAP). Devil’s Tower is 107 miles north or Rapid City (check Google Maps for the exact route).
Weather: At Devil’s Tower average temps are 76°F for highs and 45°F for lows. In the Badlands, averages are 78°F for highs and 56°F for lows.
Equipment list: You will receive a full equipment list and 50+ page participant package after registration. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.