Author: Brennen Nicole

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.

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing the iconic waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest while soaking up moody mist, mountain views, and blooming wildflowers, our Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour delivered all that—and more.

Over four packed days, we explored one of the most scenic regions in the country, chasing light, learning editing techniques, and sharing laughs with a passionate group of photographers.

Day 1: Arriving in Cascade Locks + Golden Hour Magic

We kicked things off with check-in at our cozy hotel in Cascade Locks, where our balcony rooms overlooked the majestic Bridge of the Gods and the Columbia River. After settling in, we headed to Thunder Island Brewing for a relaxed dinner with local craft beer and riverfront views.

But the night didn’t end there—we grabbed our cameras and walked along the trail just in time for golden hour light, capturing unique angles of the bridge framed by spring wildflowers in bloom. It was the perfect start to our photography journey.

Day 2: Waterfall Wonderland + Editing Session

We beat the crowds with a sunrise stop at Multnomah Falls—and had it all to ourselves. That’s a rare treat at one of Oregon’s most famous sights! From there, we ventured to Latourell Falls, where we again had early access before the crowds rolled in.

Next, we stopped at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, which offered sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge below. With our creative juices flowing, we cruised the Historic Highway 30, photographing iconic cascades like Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Shepperd’s Dell. Waterfall after waterfall—it truly felt like paradise.

After a picnic lunch surrounded by ferns and new friends, we shifted gears and headed inside for our first editing course, where we dove into Lightroom and Luminar techniques tailored to shooting in dynamic forest light.

Dinner took us back to the waterfront for a well-earned feast and a chance to swap stories from the day.

Day 3: Hidden Gems + Vineyard Vibes

Another early morning began with a short and peaceful hike into Wahclella Falls, a tucked-away gem with thundering water and mossy canyon walls. We fueled up after with a hearty brunch at Bridgeside, then set off for Starvation Creek, where we were treated to three big waterfalls in one easy walk.

Back at the hotel, we held another hands-on editing session, this time focusing on blending techniques and bringing out the vibrant details of the Gorge.

That evening, we wrapped up with a drive into the Hood River Valley and a sunset visit to Grateful Vineyard, where homemade wines, artisan pizza, and views of Mt. Hood gave us a dreamy end to the day.

Day 4: Sunrise at Rowena Crest

Our final morning came early—4:00 a.m., to be exact. But no one regretted it once we arrived at Rowena Crest, greeted by a stunning sunrise sky and panoramic views of the Gorge’s curving cliffs and river bends.

After capturing one last round of stunning images, we returned for a final breakfast together, hearts full and memory cards even fuller.

Why You Should Join the Next Oregon Photo Tour

This tour isn’t just about waterfalls—though there are plenty! It’s about chasing light, building community, learning new skills, and discovering the kind of moments that only happen when you’re out there with your camera in hand and a group of people who “get it.”

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, make sure to sign up for my next Oregon Photography Tour or explore upcoming trips listed on the Photography Workshops Page.

There’s something magical about chasing waterfalls—especially when you’re doing it with a group of passionate photographers and nature lovers. My latest Chasing Ozark Waterfalls Weekend Retreat was filled with unforgettable moments, serene scenes, and just enough drama from Mother Nature to keep things exciting.

🌅 Friday: Finding Flow and New Faces

We kicked off the weekend at the cozy and scenic Harmony Mountain Retreat, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. After settling in, we gathered as a group to introduce ourselves, share a few laughs, and prepare for our first adventure.

Our evening was spent at the beautiful Magnolia Falls, where we watched the light slowly fade into soft, even shade—perfect conditions for long exposure photography. With tripods set up and shutters clicking, we captured the gentle water of the falls framed by rich greens and rugged rock. The day wrapped up with a laid-back grill night back at the lodge, filled with good food and even better conversation.

Saturday: Wilderness Wonders and Waterfall Hikes

We woke up early and headed straight into the Richland Creek Wilderness, catching the first light of dawn at Falling Water Falls. With the entire place to ourselves, the only sounds were the rush of water and the occasional excited shutter click.

From there, we ventured deeper into the wilderness area, hiking into the lush terrain to find Fuzzybutt Falls and Six Finger Falls. Exploring the box canyon and photographing these gems made for an unforgettable morning.

After hiking back, we enjoyed a picnic lunch by the creek, followed by a quick visit to Intersection Falls and the other side of Six Finger Falls, where the warm weather had drawn in swimmers and day-trippers. While we hoped for some dramatic skies, the clouds refused to cooperate—still, the peaceful atmosphere made for a relaxing afternoon.

We headed back to the lodge for a couple of hours of editing time, sharing tips and reviewing our shots. That evening, we ventured into Jasper for dinner at the always-delicious Jasper Pizza Co., then spent more time connecting, storytelling, and prepping for our final day.

Sunday: Thunder, Waterfalls & Goodbye for Now

Sunday morning greeted us with rain, setting the tone for a moody and dramatic final day. After a warm breakfast at the Ozark Café, we made our way to the always-impressive Triple Falls aka Twin Falls at Camp Orr, where the misty atmosphere added a layer of mystery to our images.

Next, we ventured into Lost Valley, hiking to Eden Falls before heading to Buffalo Outdoor Center (BOC) for lunch. Their sandwiches hit the spot after a damp morning on the trail.

Our final stop was the downhill hike to Sweden Creek Falls. As we reached the top, thunder rolled and clouds built fast—soon followed by hail and pouring rain. We made a quick retreat up the mountain, completely drenched but feeling fulfilled the whole way.

We ended the weekend soaked to the bone but hearts full of memories, new friendships, and SD cards packed with images.

Until Next Time…

The Ozarks always have a way of surprising us—whether it’s with breathtaking waterfalls, peaceful trails, or a wild storm to wrap things up. Thanks to everyone who joined this retreat and made it such a joyful, meaningful weekend. I can’t wait to do it all again.

See you on the next adventure! 🌲📸💦

Our New Mexico Nightscapes 2025 workshop was an unforgettable four-day astrophotography adventure through some of the Southwest’s most iconic and remote landscapes. With Bortle 1 skies overhead and ancient formations beneath our feet, this trip was packed with inspiration, learning, and community.

Here’s a look back at our incredible itinerary and the magic we captured together under the stars.

Night 1 – Bisti Badlands and the Egg Hatchery

We kicked off the workshop with a hike through the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness to the surreal Egg Hatchery formation. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the cracked desert floor and alien-like hoodoos glowed in blue hour light.

Then came the real show: the stars dancing across a pristine sky. With no light pollution for miles, we experienced a jaw-dropping Milky Way view that set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Day 2 – Editing, Shiprock Sunset, and Cloudy Perseverance

The next morning, we gathered for our first editing course, where participants learned how to fine-tune nightscapes and blend exposures for breathtaking results. That evening, we made our way to Shiprock, one of the most striking geologic formations in the American Southwest.

Though clouds rolled in after blue hour, the group’s enthusiasm never dimmed. We used the opportunity to practice foreground compositions and creative shooting techniques.

Day 3 – Wild Horses, Chaco Canyon, and Star Trails

After another round of editing instruction to refine our styles, we hit the road for Chaco Culture National Historical Park. On the way, we were lucky enough to photograph wild horses roaming through the desert.

We spent golden and blue hour exploring Pueblo del Arroyo, and then set up at Pueblo Bonito to capture star trails over the massive ancestral puebloan ruins. It was humbling to photograph the night sky over structures built a thousand years ago.

We closed the night at Fajada Butte, watching the Milky Way slowly rise and drift across the canyon — a perfect finale to a dreamlike trip.

Day 4 – Reflecting at the Village Inn

On our final morning, we gathered at the Village Inn in Farmington to share breakfast, memories, and laughter. It was a heartwarming way to close out the trip and reflect on the images, connections, and experiences we’d all gained.

New Mexico offers some of the darkest skies in the United States, along with ancient ruins, iconic formations, and otherworldly badlands that are perfect for Milky Way photography. This trip combined technical instruction, field experience, and community — everything you need to grow as a photographer and walk away with portfolio-worthy images.

Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a curious beginner, adventures like New Mexico Nightscapes are designed to inspire, educate, and connect.

Want to join us next time?

Click here to RSVP or subscribe to the newsletter so you don’t miss your chance to experience the dark skies of New Mexico for yourself.

Another incredible  Wichita Mountains Spring Fling Photo Retreat is in the books! This special Spring Fling weekend was packed with golden light, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments shared with an amazing group of photographers.

Day 1: Settling In & Chasing Sunset

We kicked off our adventure by checking into the charming Plantation Inn in Medicine Park—our cozy home for the weekend. After getting settled, we gathered for a delicious dinner at the historic Old Plantation Restaurant, fueling up for an evening of photography.

With full bellies and cameras in hand, we made our way up Mt. Scott for a stunning sunset. The views were incredible as the light hit the rolling landscape. But the magic didn’t stop there! We wrapped up our first night capturing nightscapes around Medicine Park, making the most of the clear skies and glowing reflections on the river.

Day 2: Sunrise, Scouting & Prairie Dogs

An early start led us to Quanah Parker Lake and Dam to capture a serene sunrise and the setting moon—a perfect way to begin the day. From there, we set out on a golden hour auto tour through the park, scouting for wildlife and soaking in the morning glow.

Next, we made a stop at the fascinating Holy City, a unique spot with historic stone architecture that added a different dimension to our photography.

By midday, we were ready for a break, so we headed to Tu Familia Restaurant, a local favorite, where we enjoyed a great meal while diving into a Lightroom editing session. Afterward, we couldn’t resist a quick visit to watch the prairie dogs scurrying around—always a fun highlight!

As the sun dipped lower, we found ourselves at Jed Johnson Tower for another epic sunset. The soft light and dramatic landscape provided the perfect backdrop to wrap up our golden hour shooting. But we had one more trick up our sleeves! To end the night, we captured long exposure car trails through Medicine Park, adding a creative touch to our final shots.

Day 3: A Sunrise to Remember

Our last morning greeted us with an epic sunrise at Treasure Lake, where the sky lit up in color over the mountains. It was the kind of scene that makes getting up before dawn completely worth it!

After a bit more wildlife scouting, we made a stop at the mysterious Parallel Forest, a man-made forest to counteract the Dust Bowl, with an eerie, symmetrical layout that made for some unique compositions.

To cap off the weekend, we gathered for a final meal at Riverside Café, sharing stories, laughs, and already reminiscing about the unforgettable moments we had captured. As we parted ways, we didn’t just leave with full memory cards—we left with new friendships and incredible experiences that will stay with us long after the trip.

💚 Thank you to everyone who joined this adventure! Until next time, keep chasing the light! ✨

📷 Want to join the next retreat? Check out upcoming workshops here.