Moab Astrophotography Workshop | Sep 13 - 18, 2025
$5,795 ($2,495 Deposit)
Workshop at a Glance
Physical Activity
Photographic Intensity
Classroom Instruction
Climate/Weather Severity Food and Accommodations Cultural Immersion
Good for Non-photographers-
Join Leica Store Miami for a photographic journey through the red rock canyons of Moab, Utah, as we set out to capture the timeless beauty of this ancient desert landscape. We will visit the iconic rock formations of Arches National Park and take in the sweeping views from Canyonlands National Park, and after sunset, we’ll show you how to capture the full majesty of the Milky Way. Leica experts Colin McKinley and David Farkas from Leica Store Miami will be on hand to offer guidance and assistance as you capture the spectacular desert scenery.
While other cameras are certainly allowed on this trip, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear.
Why this trip is differentAt Leica Store Miami, we feel that real world shooting is the best way to discover the capabilities of your camera, grow as a photographer and enjoy the Leica experience. Our Leica-focused photo workshops offer you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to master your camera, try out the latest Leica gear and spend time with other Leica enthusiasts from all over the US and the world.
This workshop is an introduction to astrophotography and the goal is for you to come home from this trip with the confidence to photograph the night sky on your own. We’ll show you when and where to look for it, useful apps to assist your planning and how to set up your camera for the best possible results.
What to Expect
This is primarily a photography trip. We will be shooting some days from before sunrise until after sunset. Some nights, we may be out in the desert until after midnight photographing the stars. At each carefully chosen location, there will be plenty of time to set up your tripod, compose your shots and get in some quality photography. On most days, we will come back to the hotel mid-day to rest up and edit images.
The weather in Moab and the surrounding desert areas is relatively mild in September, with average highs in the 80’s and lows in the 50’s. However, at an elevation of 4,000-6,000ft above sea level, the sun can be very intense and dehydration can happen quickly. It is very important to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.
-
Dates:
Saturday, September 13 - Thursday, September 18, 2025
Cost:
$5,795 - Double occupancy lodging at the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton (single room supplement available for $900)
Size:
Limited to 8 attendees
Included in the cost of the trip:
- Double occupancy lodging at the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton (single room supplement available for $900)
- All meals and beverages except alcohol and snacks
- All ground transportation
- Park admission fees
- Introduction to Astrophotography classroom session
- In-the-field photography instruction
- Editing/critique/review sessions
- Airport transportation from Canyonlands Field Airport
- Use of loaner Leica camera equipment *limited availability
Not included in the cost of the trip:
- Flights to and from Utah
- Airport transportation from Grand Junction or Salt Lake City
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
Getting There:
The town of Moab has a small airport, Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is usually accessible via a connection in Denver or Salt Lake City. Our workshop hotel, the Hoodoo Moab, has a courtesy shuttle that services CNY. It is also possible to fly into SLC or Grand Junction (Colorado) and rent a car. The drive from Salt Lake is about 3.5 hours and the drive from Grand Junction is about 1.5 hours. Driving may be ideal if you wish to arrive early or stay after the workshop ends, and need a way to get around on your own.
Recommended Equipment
- Full-frame camera with native ISO up to 12,500 or higher (SL2-S, SL3, M11, M10-R are the best options).
- Lens 28mm or wider, f/2.8 or faster (the wider and faster the better!)
- Sturdy tripod
- Shutter release cable (recommended, but you can use camera's self-timer)
- Headlamp with red mode
- Small flashlight (for light painting)
- PhotoPills app for your smartphone
- Laptop computer with Adobe Lightroom and/or Photoshop for image processing
Where We'll Stay
We'll spend the entirety of the workshop at the best hotel in town, the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton. It's perfectly situated in downtown Moab, just a short walk from all the restaurants, shops and cafes. It's a fantastic location and very centrally located for our expeditions.
Activity LevelMost of the locations we will visit are easily accessible, within a 5-minute walk from the road. However, visiting Delicate Arch and Corona Arch, some of the most iconic locations in Moab, will require moderate hikes of up to 1.5 miles (each way) to reach. Please make sure you are confident and comfortable with walking for 30-45 minutes over uneven ground while carrying your photo bag! You'll also need to be comfortable walking on trails at night with a headlamp. A camera backpack is strongly recommended as are walking sticks if you like them.
Signing UpTo sign up for this workshop, just checkout here on our website, email us (workshops@leicastoremiami.com) or call 305-921-4433. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. A $2495 deposit, along with the single room supplement should you choose it, is required to hold your spot. The balance of $3300 will be due on or before June 13, 2025.
We look forward to seeing you in Utah!
- Double occupancy lodging at the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton (single room supplement available for $900)
-
Itinerary
Our itinerary will depend on the weather conditions during the week of the trip. All locations are within an hour’s drive from the hotel, so we will have a great deal of flexibility. Some of our many locations will include:
- Delicate Arch
- Balanced Rock
- Double Arch
- Mesa Arch
- Turret Arch
- The Windows
- Grand View Point
- Green River Overlook
- The Three Gossips
- Corona Arch
Saturday, September 13: Arrival
The adventure begins in the beautiful town of Moab, Utah. We'll meet at 6:00pm in the lobby of the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton for introductions, a workshop overview and dinner.
Sunday, September 14: Introduction to Astrophotography
After breakfast, we'll gather for an introduction to Astrophotography. In this classroom session, we will teach you the basic concepts necessary to plan and execute a successful Milky Way photoshoot. We will focus on single exposure, wide-field astrophotography (we won't go into star trackers or deep field astrophotography). Some of the topics we will cover include:
- How to find the best location
- Optimal times to see the Galactic Core
- What equipment to use
- How to focus in the dark
- Exposure settings
- Rule of 500
- Using the PhotoPills app
- More tips and tricks
Monday, September 15 - Wednesday, September 17:A typical workshop day might look like this:
Wake up early for breakfast before heading out for our morning shoot. After a fiery sunrise, we'll spend the morning out in the desert, exploring a few different photo locations from different angles. We'll head back into town by 11:00am as the hottest part of the day approaches, and enjoy some hot food and cold beer at the Moab Brewery.
After lunch, we'll return to the hotel for a mid afternoon siesta - we could be out late! Before heading back out, we'll hit the classroom for a quick lesson on Astrophotography. It’s important to understand the theory in order to capture the Milky Way!
After dinner we'll head out as the skies are getting dark. We’ll check out some new locations, as well as revisiting some of the locations we saw earlier in the daylight, and photograph the stars over the desert. If you haven't been before, you won’t believe how amazing the skies are in this part of the country!
Thursday, September 18
After breakfast, we'll say our farewells. If you're not extending your stay, you can schedule your departure at anytime.
-
Payment
A $2495 deposit, along with the single room supplement should you choose it, is due at the time of registration. The balance of $3300 will be due on or before June 13, 2025.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Enrollment is limited to 8 participants, and once you sign up, we are counting on your attendance. If you need to withdraw from this workshop, please notify us in writing (email is acceptable) as soon as possible. This is our refund policy:
If you cancel and we find someone to fill your seat, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $250 service charge. If you cancel and we cannot find someone to fill your seat, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule:
At least 90 days before the start of the workshop: Full refund minus $250 service fee.
Between 89 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 75% refund
Between 59 and 45 days before the start of the workshop: 50% refund
Less than 45 days from the start of the workshop: No refundTravel Insurance (STRONGLY recommended)
Leica Store Miami is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal emergencies so we highly recommend purchasing travel Insurance. Companies like Travelex and Allianz Global Assistance are reputable but you can choose any vendor you like. Just make sure that they have an A+ rating from the BBB. Leica Store Miami is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation.
Camera Gear Insurance (STRONGLY recommended)
We advise all of our workshop attendees to insure their camera gear against damage, theft, loss, etc. If your gear is not already insured, check with your home owner's insurance to see if they offer coverage. There are several photo specific insurance policies out there as well.
Course Cancellation and Other Terms
Leica Store Miami reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.
In the event that this workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits will be refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 24 months.
In the unlikely event of illness, accident or injury to one of the instructors, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to replace that instructor with a comparable instructor.Single Room Policy
If you sign-up for double occupancy room sharing and there are no other attendees to pair you with, you will be responsible for paying the single room supplement.Transfers
If for any reason you wish to transfer your deposit or workshop fee, please notify us by email. You must register and complete a new workshop within 24 months of the withdrawal. We reserve the right to accept or deny any transfer.There are no exceptions to our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.
Share this item: