Under Grand Canyon's Dark Skies
In this workshop we will be photographing during the evening and night on the South Rim at some of Grand Canyon’s most photogenic locations. Emphasis will be on photographing stars with the landscape. Mid-day photo reviews will give creative inspiration for you to improve the quality of your images. Class emphasis will be about making engaging compositions, understanding light and dealing with technical aspects unique to night sky images. Field sessions and classroom reviews will allow for individual instruction, problem solving, and sharing ideas.
- Dates: October 1–3, 2027
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trip Length: 3 Days
- Cost: $525
- Group size: 9
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Location:
South Rim
Trip Highlights
- Learn night sky photography with renowned photographer Stan Honda
- Photograph the stars and Grand Canyon landscape after dark
- Hands-on evening photography sessions at South Rim locations
- Learn composition, focusing, exposure, and camera settings
- Explore star trails, the Milky Way, and celestial objects
- Receive personalized instruction and feedback
- Practice image processing and photo critique
- Develop skills for planning and creating compelling night sky images
Difficulty Rating
Is this the right Grand Canyon hike for myself or my group? Picking the right difficulty level ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
Itinerary
Participants should have a digital SLR or mirrorless camera that takes interchangeable lenses. Standard kit lens acceptable, wider angle lenses recommended. Point and shoot or fixed lens cameras not suitable for the class.
Meet your Instructor
Stan Honda
Stan Honda is a photographer with 34 years of photojournalism experience in New York City and southern California. During the past few years, he has been working on wide-angle night sky landscapes and other astronomical images taken in locations around the world and even in New York City. He has been a National Park Service artist-in-residence in six national parks, including Grand Canyon and has presented talks and workshops at Rocky Mountain NP, the Flagstaff Star Party and other locations. Stan’s night sky landscapes have appeared on NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, CBS Morning News, Sky and Telescope magazine and Yahoo News. Reports by Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Flagstaff Area National Monuments containing his photos have led to Dark Sky Park designation for the two national parks.
Specialized Equipment
- Warm Clothing including Warm Jacket and Pants, Waterproof Outer Layer and Pants, and Hat and Gloves. Temps will range from the 40’s to the 80’s
- Headlamp with fresh batteries. Must have a Red Light Setting.
- Comfortable footwear.
- Foldable camp chair.
- Camera Pack that can also carry food, water and extra clothes. Lowepro® packs work well.
- Water, 1 liter per outing
- Food: snacks and dinners as needed.
- Sunscreen, Lip Balm, and Sunglasses.
- Notebook (at least 5˝ x 7˝) with firm backing and a pen/pencil for taking notes.
- Camera with adjustable aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and interchangeable lenses with manual focusing.
- Camera battery charger, extra battery.
- Camera owner’s manual.
- Lenses: Range of lenses or a zoom lens that covers at least 18-55mm for crop sensors, 24-70mm for full frame sensors and lens cleaning tissue. Wider angle (shorter) focal length preferred, but optional. “Fast” lenses with aperture of f2.8 or wider preferred, but optional. Telephoto/zoom lens for sunsets.
- Filters: None needed.
- Tripod: Necessary for tack sharpness, fine compositional adjustments, and long exposures. Tripods with independent leg action are most useful. (Avoid tripods with angled braces attaching to a collar midway down the center post.) Three-way pan head recommended for ease of use. Gitzo® and Bogen/Manfrotto® are reliable brands.
- Cable release: Prevent camera shake on tripod for long exposures, recommended.
- Memory cards: Bring several.
- Card Reader: for downloading images.
- Laptop computer: Download and edit your images for class reviews. Optional as we will have a designated computer for sharing slides with the group.
- USB flash drive/memory stick: Transfer your selected photos for class review, place in folders labeling date of shoot.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Please notify our office as soon as possible should you need to cancel your registration. If you cancel:
- You will have up to 3 days after booking to cancel your reservation for a full refund
- After 3 days and up to 90 days prior to trip start date: full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 89-45 days prior to the trip start date: 50% refund will be issued
- 44-30 days prior to the trip start date: 25% refund will be issued
- Less than 30 days prior to trip start date: no refund
Reserved spots are transferable to different trips, if there is availability. This transfer can occur up to 90 days prior to the trip's start date.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to the following circumstances; failure to meet the participant minimum and loss of scheduled staff due to injury or illness. In this event, participants will receive a full refund.
In addition, Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute may cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, natural disasters, park closures, and health emergencies. If GCCFI cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances 15 days or more prior to departure, the customer will receive a full refund. If GCCFI cancels 2 weeks prior due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund minus 10% administrative fee.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute is not responsible for: flight tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear, medical expenses, clothing, and any expenses occurred while preparing for this trip.
We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance to help offset any cost incurred if cancellation occurs.
Payment Plan Policy
To secure your booking, a 10% deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. This deposit confirms your reservation and guarantees your spot on the tour. The remaining 90% payment of the balance is due 90 days before departure.
Failure to make the final payment by the deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation. The 10% deposit is non-refundable in this case.
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the payment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Timely payments ensure we can provide the best possible experience, and we look forward to welcoming you on your tour.
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”
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