Big Bend

Big Bend Under Night Skies

April 21 – 27, 2023

Big Bend National Park is known for its ancient limestone and volcanic rock formations, but did you know it holds title to one of the darkest skies in the world? Explore one of the most fascinating Southwest landscapes, where the Rio Grande River flows through deep canyons and meanders through the desert terrain. We will also head high into the Chisos Mountains, where black bear, bighorn sheep, and deer are often spotted in this photogenic setting. We will photograph old, abandoned buildings and make our way through ghost towns and graveyards. If winter brings good rains, we could have fantastic flower and cactus blooms at this time of year.

With some of the darkest skies in the country, the Milky Way will be first and foremost on the Big Bend agenda. You will learn about astrophotography and how to properly create images in low light—your night sky will look amazing, and your subject and landscape will, as well! You will also learn the tricks of the trade for processing your images during the classroom sessions.

With resort accommodations and tasty cuisine in a wild west setting, it will be a week full of adventure and photography.

Muench Workshops is an Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.