Experience the stark, inspiring beauty of Joshua Tree National Park and its unparalleled dark skies during a unique nocturnal photography workshop led by experts Jeff McCrum and Shehab Hossain, taking place March 12–15, 2026. This majestic national treasure, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts clash, offers some of the darkest night skies in California, boasting a pristine Bortle scale 2 rating thanks to a dedicated local community. Over three nights, you'll delve into the desert's vast and varied terrain, exploring miles of fascinating history and geology—from the iconic Joshua trees and Cholla cactus to geological upthrusts of rock and relics of pioneer history like abandoned farms, mills, and mines. These diverse elements provide incredible foreground opportunities perfect for practicing various light painting techniques using handheld lights, remote panels, and light orbs.

This workshop is designed to immerse you in the art and science of nightscape photography, focusing on capturing the interplay between the stunning foregrounds and the breathtaking Milky Way stretching overhead. You'll receive comprehensive instruction on essential techniques such as capturing star trails, high ISO star points, and working without moonlight, along with gaining a deeper understanding of stellar movement. The curriculum also includes post-production sessions covering star stacking, denoise programs, and combining stacked images to fully realize your vision. Additional classes will expand your skills with advanced techniques like creating night panoramas, "Little Planets," and using creative reflections, ensuring you leave with the knowledge to capture captivating night images anywhere in the world. Don't miss this unique opportunity to frame the ancient history and profound darkness of the desert with your lens.