Join Erik Kuna, an award-winning landscape photographer, aerospace photojournalist, night photography expert, and author of  "The Night Photography Book" from Rocky Nook Publishing, for an immersive and enlightening photography retreat in the majestic Badlands of South Dakota. This unique five-day, four-night workshop, set in the serene and intimate surroundings of a private ranch under the vast, dark skies, offers a comprehensive journey through night photography.

For the 4th year in a row, we're producing the Event with Jay Grammond and the Dakota Adventures crew. Each year, the feedback from attendees has been so positive that we're not changing a thing regarding the logistics. Why is that important? You're going to benefit from everything we've learned. We have the perfect locations, perfect meeting spots, and the perfect environment for you to learn how to master the art of night photography, and we have the testimonials to prove it. 

Explore the Wonders of the Night Sky Erik Kuna brings his extensive knowledge and passion for capturing the Milky Way and celestial wonders to this workshop. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this retreat is tailored to empower all attendees with the confidence and skills to excel in astrophotography.

Workshop Highlights:

• Master Night Photography: From sunset through twilight and into the deep night, learn to capture stunning single exposures, create blends, stack images, and even experiment with light painting.
• Hands-On Field Work: Each night, venture out into the dark skies to practice techniques in real-time, guided by Erik's expertise.
• Daily Editing & Critique Sessions: Refine your shots with daily editing workshops and gain valuable insights through group critiques.
• Astrophotography Planning: Learn how to plan your night shoots for optimal results effectively.
• Inclusive Experience: The workshop is designed for participants aged 18 to 80+. Accessibility is a priority, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience without the challenge of long hikes or rough terrain. As long as you can walk 100 yards on mostly flat surfaces, with minimal terrain and elevation changes, you'll be able to attend this experience. 
• Culinary Delight: Enjoy some of the best cuisine west of the Mississippi, fostering a fun and communal atmosphere. Seriously, this is a highlight every year with attendees! 

What You Will Learn:

• Techniques for capturing the Milky Way and night sky
• Effective use of camera settings and equipment for night photography
• Image blending, stacking, and tracking
• Light painting methods for creative night photography
• Post-processing skills to bring out the best in your night photos
• Planning and preparation for successful astrophotography

Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience: This workshop is not just about learning; it's about sharing passion and stories and creating memories under the stars. With Erik Kuna's guidance, you will be equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue your astrophotography journey.

You can secure your spot in this exclusive workshop and take the first step towards mastering the art of Milky Way and night sky photography. Space is limited to maintain an intimate learning environment, so book early! 

Each day, we'll cover new topics and techniques so that by the end of the week, you'll know how to make award-winning night photography images no matter the subject. We will cover:

• Twilight Photography
• Single Exposure Milky Way Photos
• Multiple Exposure Blending 
• Stacking and Tracking
• Deep Sky Astrophotography 
• Lightpainting 

The day is mapped out to allow you to explore or recover. We start right after lunch with our afternoon software training sessions, image reviews, and critiques, plus an in-depth training lesson every day. Then, we all break for dinner together before we embark on our photography adventure. Each day, we'll shoot from sundown till about midnight, returning to the ranch to recover. However, some of us will take advantage of late-night sessions at the Ranch since we can shoot right from the back porch! Plus, we don't have to start the next day until after noon. It's designed to be action-packed without being overwhelming. 

In addition to the five days and four nights of training, we'll also have three Zoom sessions before and one after the workshop, so you are prepared to make the most out of the experience. Plus, upon request, you'll get your images reviewed by Erik. 

Register Now to Embark on a journey of discovery and beauty in the world of astrophotography.

Registration Includes: 

• 4 Nights of Lodging at our Private Retreat under Dark Skies
• The Best Breakfast West of the Mississippi
• 5 Star Dinner Experience with Erik every night
• Transportation between shooting locations
• All Permits, Fees, Models and Specialized Astrophotography Equipment
• Special location access and location releases 
• Afternoon Critiques and Image Reviews
• Daily Post-Processing Training Sessions
• Daily Milky Way Masterclass Training Sessions 
• Pre and Post-Workshop Zoom Sessions
• Access to Erik's Inner Circle after the workshop

Upgrades: 

We do offer two upgrades for the workshop. The first is an upgrade to a single occupancy private room for your lodging. Some people just like their own space, and we get it. Just costs a little more to lock up that private room. The second is a spouse fee. This is a reduced rate for people who want to bring their spouses along for the ride. We've had requests in the past, and this year, we're adding that option. The spouse upgrade includes the private room upgrade as well as all the meals, fees, and expenses, but it does not include the teaching fees, training sessions, and one-on-one training. This is just a way for us photographers to bring our spouses along on the adventure and be able to participate in the festivities, meals, and on-location nightly adventures but have the whole day to explore on their own. 

We hope to see you there. This year is poised to be the best Milky Way and Night Photography retreat yet.