This past weekend, my Astro Masterclass brought together a small group of passionate photographers to capture the dark skies of the Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountains. With private lodging at Harmony Mountain Retreat and a full itinerary of portfolio reviews, field sessions, and editing instruction, the group experienced an unforgettable mix of learning, adventure, and stunning astrophotography.
Day 1: Blue Hour to Star Trails
We kicked off the Masterclass with individual portfolio reviews, where each participant received tailored feedback on their night images and tips to take their astrophotography to the next level. After fueling up on pizza from Jasper Pizza Company, we headed into the field.
Our first stop was Steel Creek, a classic location for blue hour foregrounds along the Buffalo National River. From there, we traveled to the historic Boxley Barn, where we combined our blue hour compositions with low-level lighting as night fell.
Once the skies darkened, we enjoyed watching the Milky Way rise over the Buffalo River Valley—an awe-inspiring sight accented by the lingering streaks of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Participants practiced median stacking techniques and even experimented with tracking shots using the MSM Nomad for tack-sharp star images.
As the moon rose, we moved to the Ponca low-water bridge, serenaded by bullfrogs while big meteors lit up the sky. The night wrapped at Roark Bluff, where we practiced star trails and locating Polaris before heading back at 2 AM.
Day 2: Editing & Storm Chasing
After a late night, we enjoyed a leisurely brunch at the retreat before diving into a 2-hour editing session. Participants learned to process their Milky Way shots with techniques like noise reduction, color balancing, and blending multiple exposures.
That evening, dinner was grilled at the cabin before heading out to Sam’s Throne, one of the most dramatic overlooks in the Ozarks. While we set up for sunset and blue hour, nature had other plans—lightning storms rolled in across the horizon, pushing us to pack up and retreat for safety.
But the storm only fueled creativity. Back at the cabin, we experimented with light painting in the driveway, and once the skies cleared, we ventured to a nearby overlook for another breathtaking view of the Milky Way arching across the horizon.
Day 3: Farewell and Final Lessons
The final morning began with a hearty breakfast at Harmony Mountain Retreat followed by another editing session, where students polished their best images from the weekend. With new skills in hand, everyone left with not only incredible photographs but also the confidence to continue mastering astrophotography on their own.
Why Join an Astro Masterclass?
Workshops like this offer more than just stunning skies—they provide:
• Hands-on instruction in both field techniques and editing.
• Access to iconic Arkansas dark-sky locations like Steel Creek, around Ponca, and Sam’s Throne.
• A community of passionate photographers who share inspiration and ideas.
• Guided astrophotography techniques including blue hour blending, star trails, stacking, and tracked shots.
If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the Milky Way over the Ozark Mountains, this is the workshop for you.
👉 Stay tuned for future Astro Masterclass dates and other Arkansas astrophotography workshops by joining my newsletter or checking my upcoming events.