On August 25, 2016, America will celebrate the 100th anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson’s signing of the Organic Act that started the National Park Service. Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, but a centralized administrator did not oversee the park system until 1916. Therefore, this year marks a thrilling centennial celebration of the National Park Service and our National Parks.
Coinciding with the centennial celebration is the launch of the National Parks at Night (NPAN) photography workshop series. A group of five night photography instructors will be taking lucky participants on a nighttime photo tour of five national parks in 2016. The long-term goal of the series is to teach night photography at the top scenic destinations in the United States—each National Park.
NPAN co-founder Gabriel Biderman and author of Night Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots, says, “It started as a simple challenge to photograph each National Park. Most of the parks offer us brilliant views of the night skies, but each one has its own unique landscape for us to explore—where we can paint with light and create epic imagery.”
Instructors Biderman, Chris Nicholson, Lance Keimig, Matt Hill, and Tim Cooper approach the program as a cooperative effort. Each of them, accomplished in his own right, combine their experience to bring a dream of sharing adventures and learning in breathtakingly beautiful outdoor spaces at night. Each workshop is taught by two instructors (in different combinations for variety) and limited to no more than sixteen attendees for a personalized learning experience.
Veteran night photographer and author of the recently released book, Photographing National Parks, Chris Nicholson says, “This is an exciting time for us to be kicking off our program, because 2016 is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The parks are always popular, but they are even more in the public eye this year because of the events and publicity centered on the Centennial.
“It's great for photographers, too, because all the parks are hosting special events to celebrate, some of which are aimed at photography. Acadia, Lassen Volcanic, and Carlsbad Caverns are all hosting photo-themed events, and more will be joining the fray. The parks recognize that photography is one of the most popular activities for visitors, right up there with hiking and camping, and they're doing a great job of catering to that.”
Here is a rundown of NPAN events for 2016.
Acadia National Park – May 2-6
Chris Nicholson and Gabriel Biderman will be conducting a five-night workshop at Acadia National Park, on the Maine shoreline, during the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. Acadia National Park is also celebrating its 100th birthday, in 2016.
Zion National Park – May 23-27
Explore Zion National Park in the dark over five nights with photographers Tim Cooper and Lance Keimig, who will take the group out to see some of Zion’s amazing scenery and epic landscapes. Cooper is the author of HDR Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots (First Edition).
Crater Lake National Park – August 4-6
Snowcapped peaks and beautiful scenery surround one of the greatest sites in Oregon’s Cascade Mountain range, the 1,943-foot-deep Crater Lake. Gabriel Biderman will lead this three-night workshop, along with Matt Hill.
Death Valley National Park – November 15-19
Explore the high desert of California under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. as you soak up the stars for five nights over Death Valley, with Lance Keimig, author of Night Photography and Light Painting: Finding Your Way in the Dark, and Chris Nicholson, author of Photographing National Parks.
Arches National Park – November 15-19
Join Matt Hill and Tim Cooper for this nighttime exploration of Utah’s Arches National Park, for five nights of photographing star trails and light-painting on majestic stone arches.
The Goal
The goal of the series is to conduct a one-night photo workshop at each National Park over the next several years. So, if any of the 2016 parks are on your bucket list, sign up now, as there will not be another NPAN workshop at Acadia, Arches, Crater Lake, Death Valley, or Zion after this year.
Matt Hill says, “We want to share the uplifting experience we have at National Parks with others interested in or practicing night photography. The night skies, plus the awe-inspiring landscapes, allow for remarkable image-making opportunities. We also have a ton of fun."
Lance Keimig adds, “Another reason that the parks are a great place for our workshop series is that many of them are designated as dark sky preserves—in addition to being otherwise inspiring NPy locations.”
For those preparing to join the workshops or head out on their own night photography adventures, the group released an e-Book of night photography tips. They have also recently secured sponsorship from Nikon, Digital Silver Imaging, Syrp, and B&H Photo Video.
You can follow National Parks at Night on their website, blog, and on social media via Twitter and Facebook. Last but not least, New York-area followers should be sure to attend the March 16 presentation at the B&H Event Space, followed by a night walk in New York City!
65 Comments
Hi ;
I am a photographer from Belgium ; I love to travel in the US. I had class with Monty Zucker in Sarasota FL and also with Clay Balckmore in Rockville MD ; yes I am more in Weddings photography. Twoo years ago I was in Messa AZ and went to visit Sedona ; wow it is so beautiful , I am always facinated of this region and the Grand Canyon. I am client of B&H ; getting always emails. Twoo days ago I saw night photography workshop Death Valley 15 to 19 November.I am very interested to join you for this beatiful moment. Can you send me more details. Thank you
Yossi
Hi Yossi,
Thanks for your interest in the workshops! Please go to the NPAN website: http://www.nationalparksatnight.com for more information!
Good luck!
I lived in Las Vegas many years ago and travel to Zion ,red rock and California but never shot photo at night .When I was in college we used to do night photographs with car lights. Thanks for inspiration.
I wish I was wealthy and retired, Alison. I would be at all of these workshops...and sending my clone to the ones that overlap!
Thanks for reading!
I should like not to be amongst the trolls which have received so little gentility, here. There is much to learn I would like never to miss an opportunity to experience . This is a most generous offering. My focus isn't just art, however.
What I would like ask is if there is any content for paleo-astronomy?
For example at spots such as Chimney Rock Colorado. There is a site where lunar observations were made. Or at V-bar-V ranch Arizona, where the transit of Venus was tracked, and some other celestial observations. All of these are nation parks. And some other techniques such as time-stepped/lapsed, or sequenced photos. Or perhaps enhanced with near, or far infra-red, or UV filtering?
Hi H.,
I think you have the makings of an awesome personal photography project there! As a night photographer and astronomy enthusiast, I wish I had thought of the idea! Seriously.
I encourage you to start the planning and execution of a world-wide photographic series of paleo-astronomical sites. I can see gallery shows, magazine appearances, and a good-sized online following.
If you don't want to do it, I might take the ball and run with it! Let me know!
Hello Todd--I direct an archaeological project in Egypt that includes several sites of 'archaeo-astronomical' significance. I have long wanted to capture the phenomena in question in both still and moving images, and it would be great to tap into your professional opinion on this subject. Although the sites and phenomena in question don't easily lend themselves to a public workshop (remote areas not open to tourists, astronomical events occur at different times of the year), qualified photographers/filmmakers could be added to the field team in an upcoming season. It might also be possible to arrange special permission for educational/fundraising visits with the goal of raising awareness of and contributing to the long-term protection of the sites. If this piques your interest, please let me know how to contact you for further discussion.
Hello Debbie,
How exciting! Yes, please drop me a line at toddv (at) bhphoto.com.
Thank you for reaching out! I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you, for your time and talent cause you could have been doing anything other than trying to help photographers aim higher.
Hi Iris,
I think I can speak on behalf of the NPAN instructors and say, "You are welcome. It is our pleasure to teach what we have learned from others and each other. Thank you for your support!"
As it says in the second paragraph "The long-term goal of the series is to teach night photography at the top scenic destinations in the United States; each National Park. " To me that means it is for folks who want to learn how to do it. If you already know all about it then it doesn't apply to you. So don't waste your time with pointless negative comments.
Thanks for reading, T.
The cornerstone if these workshops is, indeed, education. However, I know there will be many night photography veterans on the trail as well just for the opportunity, access, and camaraderie of the workshops!
Todd - please ignore the trolls. I very much enjoyed this article as I do so often with B&H information. Learning stuff for free is great and serves as a great impetus to move further in photography for us all. Thanks!
Thanks Bob,
There be trolls on the internet! No worries, it is part of the territory. I am glad you enjoyed the article! Thank you for your support!
I came across this page via a post in my email. The article is interesting and the photos mostly are composed well. What bothers me is this is a "Night Photography" workshop...and from a technical standpoint most of the dates occur during the full moon phase of the month. As a night photographer, I personally avoid this portion of the month because the light of the moon washes out most of the stars here in the northwest, and I am sure is true everywhere else. I'm surprised the organizers did not check the moon phase before scheduling the dates. During the first week of May, I will be based out of Las Vegas and visiting Yosemite, and southern Utah in my attempt to capture some alluring and original shots of landscapes against the night sky. The cost is free and includes abundant tips and advice from someone that has been shooting the night sky for years.
Thanks, Mark! I love your passion. We assiduously check the phases of the moon when planning our workshops. Each workshop page lists the phases of the moon (just scroll to the bottom). Some are planned around little to no moon, while others are planned around the end of the full moon cycle so that our students can experience a variety of night images as the time between sunset and moonrise changes.
There is always a balance between illuminating the landscapes and the skies. Sometimes crisp shadows from a full moon to compliment the stars. And sometimes you want to light paint goblins, arches, gullies, desert, trees or rocks. Having such breathtaking landscapes means choosing for the benefit of many.
We’re delighted you love the night skies, too. Have fun shooting!
Hi Mark,
I'll second what Matt has said. The moon's presence and phase can have a big impact on what kind of night photography you are doing. Even in urban environments, the full moon can be a blessing or a hindrance. If star trails are your goal, the moon can not be your best friend. If illuminating the landscape is your goal, you need the reflection of the sun off of our natural satellite.
Long live the moon! Thanks for reading!
It's easy to be an anonymous critic not so easy to step up and plan, arrange, work out all the details and then teach. Workshops have everyone from very beginners to the incredibly talented. Some using iPhones, some packing $100,000 of expensive bodies and lenses. I once had a client that wasn't interested in creating images, he was content walking around and "looking" like a photographer. My point is I guess: why be such a robust critic if you have never worked with a particular instructor. The goal is getting people out by providing these opportunities. It's fun- keep it lite unless you have a very specific negative experience. I applaud you instructors because one of your participants may just end up with an image that stops fracking or a strip mine or a polluter from operating in or near one of our National Parks. Those that prefer something quite unique and by themselves I applaud when your efforts do the same.
Thanks for reading, Paul, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with your words!
The truth still stands... you always get the most NOISE from the emptiest cannons. Most of the comments here prove it.
Great expression, JTB! Thanks for reading!
For all those "Negative Nellies" commenting I offer the following: "Show us what you've got". And, Mr. Vorenkamp, as usual, is attempting to instruct and help us. For free!
All right now, so true!
Thank you for reading, Iris!
Thank you, Tom! I appreciate the thanks!
Interesting coments. I am the type of photographer who is not interested in having just another night photo that has been made by so many, many photographers! These type of images seem commonplace and are worn out - dozens of pros and advanced amateurs have shot thousands of the same images. I have no interest in being an also-ran, seen that one before, type of photographer. If these workshops come up with something "new" maybe I'll attend a couple of these outings. My goal in my own personal work is to make a photo of something that hasn't been shot so many times - I can buy photos of all these places if it's something I've gotta have! Nothing I've seen in these offerings is unique or particulalily new.
Am I missing something here? Or just tired of the onslaught of star trails and moon beans. For a beginning photo enthusiast, these might be their best first chance to shoot like everyone else - that can be a good strating point. And, yes, it's gratifying to accomplish an image like so many they have seen...a good learning exoperience, hopefully. For me, I'm looking for images that haven't been seen.
Suggestion: Then, avoid photographer-oriented sites where there will be a gathering of pros and ams sharing what they have learned. You, obviously, already know it all.
Thanks for reading, Steve!
Hi John,
I think one of the challenges in photography is to always try to create something new. In a workshop environment, you can stand next to the crowd and point your camera in the same direction as everyone else, or you can try to push yourself to make something that has your personal stamp on it.
For me, attending a workshop is all about getting access and opportunity to make new photographs. When teaching a workshop, it is all about giving the students access to different places and opportunities to express their vision—not copy my vision (or the vision of anyone else).
You are "looking for images that haven't been seen." It is your job to make those images!
Thanks for reading!
I agree that we all have slightly or significent differences in photographic tastes. And personally I find many of those photos shown to be much to my liking. If you do not agree then recognize that is your opinion and perhaps we are not interested and thus you can keep it yourself. You are certainly free to choose not to attend.
I totally agree with you. I liked two of the photos above and the others were well ehg. I like night photography and kind of goes along with my hobby of backpacking.... I said kind of, because after a long hike it is hard to stay up and photograph the night sky.. then hike the next day. Last summer I was far enough north that it was only dark 4 hours at night. I wouldn't mind attending to pick up some tips. School of trial and error, takes longer sometimes.
Thanks for reading, Del! Picking up new tips is always good!
Thank you for reading, Rich. I am glad you liked the photos illustrating the article!
Not to dismiss a critic's work, but criticising something is easy - doing it is another matter entirely.
Night photography at best is difficult because is all about the light and not the lack of light. The above examples with the exception of the B&W are poor examples of sucessful night photography. Anyone that is insulted so be it what is. Night
photography is about experimentation and hard work. How many star trails and secondary lighing before it becomes redundant.
Thanks for reading, F.L!
This is all quite plain and boring work. It is easy to criticize. But honestly, this is easy to criticize because it isn't very compelling. I have read Biderman's book, and there is some decent photography there. These shots are not up to snuff. Does not inspire one to spend 900+ dollars to learn how to produce this, when I think my limited tinkering has produced much more compelling shots. And I am not teaching the subject.
Sorry the photographs were not to your liking, Eroc. Thanks for reading!
Ditto ditto.
Have we forgotten how to say we don't like something without having to se so hostile about it???
Yes ! The EGO with Digital has gotten this sad.
Where were these people when you only had 36 frames on a roll and you thought about each frame ? I had motordrives on four cameras. 36 frames could go damn fast, so you used the viewfinder very carefully and sometimes there was time to think.
And the Internet has brought a lot of this Ego out. And people still have the electronic wall to shout over, and they do.
I like to ask after, seeing some of the images on line, " That's nice, .... but what have you done lately ? "
Most folks are capable of getting a few good shots, especially with today’s equipment, but that doesn’t mean they will know how to capture the essence of a commercial concept, the atmosphere of a certain location or the personality of a certain model. It actually is that simple.
I. Agree..with you I started. photgraphy when I was.10 year.old.with.my Dad.I'm 54.and still .tink about the old times in Photography.in the Dark.Room.developing. black&withe neg.
Thanks for reading and sharing, franciscohyanez.
Hi lcduke,
I cannot be certain, but as far as I know, all of these instructors still shoot film and they are all actively creating new work. I am sometimes lucky enough to join them at workshops and around town. They are all photographers who regularly produce work that I admire.
But, having said that, their passion (as is mine) is teaching others how to make great photographs. If my article makes it appear that these folks are driven by ego instead of by the opportunity to teach, then that is a shortcoming of my writing and I feel badly that the learning experience of these and other workshops was not emphasized enough.
Thanks for reading.
I am in total agreement with you Wiggsy. Unfortunately, Nowdays it is the nature of the 'BEAST,' and I put emphasis on the beast, because in the years to come which are not too far off it will be the beast who will have control over this ugly world. Are you familiar with the 'Tribulation' ? Well the beast is the antichrist, and what we are experiencing right now and will continue too as it escalates is the 'Spirit of the Beast.' That is why everyone and everything is so ugly and will continue to be. Read your Bible; starting with Matthew, chapter 24, than read the entire 'Book of Revelation.'
Take care and GOD Bless!!! SuperSniperSal USMC,RET.Disabled Vet.
Thank you for your service and positive comments, SuperSniperSal. Semper fi!
This brief question is a very good, intelligent comment. I wish there were more of them.
Thanks for reading, Estebanito!
Apparently not, Wiggsy. My mom used to say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Words to live by! Thanks Mom...and Wiggsy!
Everyone has different tastes and that's good but I didn't like even one of these sample photos. And I LOVE night-photography. Not much incentive for the workshop.
Not to dismiss a critic's work, but criticising something is easy - doing it is another matter entirely.
Ditto, again.
Sorry that you didn't find these images to your liking, Patto. Thanks for reading!
learning is learning something we do not know. I know I am always up to learning, but my Crater Lake was SOLD OUT.
I agree in that, photography is through the eye of the lens. I like what I like, you like what you like. That is what is so awesome about photography. Its ART and ART is truly in the eye of the beholder, or if you have a paying client, in their eyes.
I know I dont know it all, so always appreciate tips, instructions and those AHHHH.. now I get it moments.
So the line between.. Been there/done that.. to HOW did you do that, is HUGE.. so training, work shops are a great thing for folks to pick from, based on their experience.
Thanks for reading, Socrdude! Great points! You can never stop learning, nor should you!