Star Trails Photography

Joshua Tree National Park is world-famous for its dark skies! The park is one of the few places in Southern California where you can see the Milky Way. This workshop covers using a DSLR or mirrorless camera to create star trail images.

• This workshop takes place at Cap Rock in Joshua Tree National Park.

• Photographers of all skill levels are welcome! 

• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.

• Participants must bring their own photography equipment. An equipment list is available after enrollment. The instructor is available to answer equipment questions prior to signing up.

• No meals or equipment are provided.

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged.

Activity level: This class is leisurely. It requires less than 1/2 mile of walking with shade, seating, consistent terrain, and little to no elevation gain.

Required items for participants: 

• Closed-toe athletic shoes or hiking boots (no sandals, not even hiking sandals!)

• Digital camera with full manual controls, 30-second exposure capability, 3200–6400 ISO capability

• A wide and fast lens with manual focus ability. An f/2.8 14-24 mm full-frame equivalent

• Sturdy tripod

• Extra batteries and memory cards

• Remote shutter release (optional)

• Appropriate clothing – Winter Clothing! Long pants and hiking shoes (no open-toe shoes!)

• Small pack or camera bag – we won’t be walking far, but it’s always handy to have a few items with you

Any other pertinent information: This class will caravan from the visitor center in Joshua Tree to the Cap Rock parking lot inside of Joshua Tree National Park.

Your instructor: Casey Kiernan teaches landscape and nighttime photography in Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Iceland through his company, Joshua Tree Workshops. With over 20 years as a professional photographer, Casey previously managed a studio in Arizona specializing in automotive and motorcycle photography for print and advertising.

He has received numerous awards, including second place in the 2022 Joshua Tree National Park Arts Exposition photography category. Casey also manages the Joshua Tree Visitors Guide, an online resource dedicated to all things Joshua Tree. Importantly, Casey donates all proceeds from his class directly to support Joshua Tree National Park.

Photo credit: Desert Institute/Riley Vallo