Eastern Sierra Nightscape Photographer Danilo Chacon captures the Milky Way over Mammoth Mountain

Nightscape Photography Workshops

Learn techniques to capture the Milky Way and more at the Eastern Sierra Observatory! Select nighttime photography workshops in 2026 will feature our unique stargazing experience combined with hands-on nightscape photography instruction. The level is geared more towards beginners and intermediates, and this workshop will only be open for up to 12 people to preserve an intimate setting.

Each reservation comes with a SHIFTPOD and padded cot, our hosted telescope which will operate for a few hours after dark, access to our huge grill and griddle for your cooking needs, amazing views of the Eastern Sierra, and everything else our regular visits entail — minus the hot tub and plus the nightscape workshop!

Eastern Sierra Nightscape Photographer Danilo Chacon captures the Milky Way over Mt. Whitney

The Milky Way is shown over the Eastern Sierra Observatory — a unique stargazing experience!

One Of The Best Views On The Planet

California’s Eastern Sierra is truly one of the most scenic places on Earth! Our mountainside perch is located at the site of an old gold mine - facing mostly south/west - which provides sweeping views of a 65+ mile swath of the Eastern Sierra Nevada and the Owens Valley below. This unique location truly makes for one of the best views on the planet!

Astro-Pic Portal

In addition to the nightscape workshop and viewing the cosmos thorough our huge telescope, we also have our AstroPicPortal which will allow you to download some of our freshly captured astro-images straight to your phone!

Bring Your Favorite Lenses & Gear

Participants should bring their DSLR/mirrorless cameras, tripod, wide-angle lenses work best for starters — specifically ones that have a Focus-To-Infinity marker on them, a handheld timer if possible, and a headlamp with a red light option — preferably one where you don’t have to cycle through white lights to get to the red.

Participants should already know how to use the basic functions of their camera when it comes to changing the f/stop, exposure time, ISO, etc. The instructor will be onsite all evening and night to answer questions and engage the workshop.

Participants will check-in between 5:45 and 6:45 pm, and check-out the next morning by 11 am. Four-wheel drive is needed for the last two miles up the mountain to our unique perch, but we’re happy to shuttle you up from a lower parking lot if needed.

May 9th, 2026 Nightscape Photography Workshop With Danilo Chacon Now On Sale!

Eastern Sierra Photographer Danilo Chacon (@danilo7chacon) will be instructing on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. The workshop will feature a wide array of sunset, dark sky, and a third-quarter moonrise across the valley in the early morning hours.

The base reservation is for one shiftpod with a padded cot for one participant. There are a limited number of optional add-ons to add another person to your shiftpod who IS or IS NOT participating in the workshop. We aim to have a workshop headcount of 12 or less, and total guest headcount of 16 or less for this night.

No Extra Service Fees, Etc!

All sales are final and there are no refunds. Cancellations and no-shows will be afforded a 50% face-value credit towards any of our Panamint Valley, CA or Sage Valley, NV Dark Sky Festivals or Meteor Shower Parties happening within two years from May 9th, 2026. You are also welcome to transfer/give away/sell your reservation if you cannot attend. If the Eastern Sierra Observatory has to cancel your visit for some crazy reason (due to weather for example), then you will be afforded a 100% credit towards a future visit or event with no expiration.