Cosmic California
Attendees: 8
Three great locations.
Physical Effort : Moderate (See Physical Requirement section below.)
Skill Level: All
$1195 (Alumni pricing until November 15)
Includes one night of lodging at the Eastern Sierra Observatory
A Night Photography Adventure
September 11 -14, 2026
OVRO - Owens Valley Radio Observatory
Nestled in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra, the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) stands as one of the most striking and scientifically important locations in California. Operated by Caltech, this vast array of giant radio telescopes sits just outside the town of Big Pine, surrounded by sweeping desert plains and the towering backdrop of the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east. It’s a place where science and landscape merge — where the silence of the desert night contrasts beautifully with the hum of instruments listening to the cosmos.
For night photographers, OVRO is a dream setting. The massive parabolic dishes, some over 100 feet in diameter, create surreal silhouettes against the starlit sky, offering a rare opportunity to combine deep-sky imaging with futuristic industrial forms. With virtually no light pollution and crystal-clear air, this remote valley provides some of the darkest and most transparent skies in the western United States — ideal for capturing the Milky Way arching over these magnificent machines.
Beyond its visual allure, OVRO represents humankind’s endless curiosity about the universe. Here, researchers probe the invisible radio waves emitted by galaxies, pulsars, and black holes — signals that have traveled millions of years to reach Earth. Photographing at OVRO connects you not only with the vast desert landscape but also with the grand human endeavor of exploration and discovery. It’s a place where art and science truly meet beneath the stars.
A Spacey Experience
Tailored to photographers with an appreciation of not just night photography but also the enjoyment of the night sky, this event pairs art and astronomy into a three night adventure. We'll visit a big California lake under the Milky Way, the giant radio telescopes at Owens Valley and spend an overnight at the Eastern Sierra Observatory. Daytime adventures mixed with educational sessions will round out your time in the area.
Base Camp
We'll be working out of the Bishop, California area. This small town along highway 395 offers walkable restaurants, coffee shops, stores and more. A great place to visit especially during this season.
California's Natural Beauty
California has several beautiful lake locations within a reasonable driving distance from our base camp near Bishop. Here you can expect dark skies over serene waters surrounded by the area's signature large mountain backdrops.
You will be able to align your compositions with a late summer Milky Way band in some of the most picturesque surroundings you could hope to experience.
An Overnight Stay at the Eastern Sierra Observatory
Perched high above Bishop, California, the Eastern Sierra Observatory offers a front-row seat to the night sky unlike anywhere else in the region. This private mountaintop retreat was designed specifically for astrophotography and stargazing, with dark skies, crystal-clear air, and a panoramic view stretching from the Owens Valley to the snow-capped Sierra peaks. It’s a place where the night truly comes alive — silent, vast, and filled with stars.
Guests have the rare opportunity to experience astronomy in comfort, with unique accommodations nestled amid rugged wilderness. Whether photographing the Milky Way, tracking deep-sky objects, or simply watching meteors streak overhead, the observatory provides the perfect combination of professional equipment access and serene isolation.
Staying here connects visitors to the pure magic of the Eastern Sierra — where every hour after sunset reveals a new wonder. It’s not just a place to shoot the stars; it’s a place to feel completely immersed in them. Or, kickback and relax and enjoy the moment!
Your enrollment in this event includes accommodations at Observatory.
Physical Requirements
Participants should be in good physical health. A disruption to the group due to known health limitations or over-stating capabilities can spoil the experience for everyone, not just you
The field shoot of this event occurs on uneven terrain, around potential obstacles including but not limited to old vehicles, sharp objects, vegetation that could include cactus or pointed branches and desert wildlife - all after dark.
When registering for this workshop, you are certifying the following:
You can carry your camera gear throughout the field shoot without assistance.
You are not taking medications that are known to cause dizziness or compromise balance as a potential side effect.
At least six months have passed since having surgeries that impact mobility including but not limited to knee, shoulder or back correction.
Have not fallen at another group event due to medical or balance issues within the last 12 months.
If it was apparent that you had a mobility or health challenge at a previous event that put you at risk of fall or injury , we may ask for clearance from a health professional prior to approving enrollment.
Cancellation Policy
Deposits & Payments
Deposit due at registration; balance due by the posted deadline.
Unpaid balances by deadline → deposit forfeited and spot released.
Refunds
91+ days before event: Refund minus 30% of tuition.
90 days or less before event: No refunds (deposit or balance).
Participants may sell their space to someone else, but must handle reimbursement themselves.
If Organizer Cancels
You’ll be offered a rescheduled date or credit for another event within 1 year
Early Departure
If participant leaves the event early for any reason, there are no credits or refunds.
Travel Responsibility
Attendees are responsible for their own safety and risks while traveling
Registration / Additional Information
Other than our night at the Eastern Sierra Observatory, participants are responsible for travel and their accommodations during the event. The recommended airport is Reno, Nevada.
Bishop offers several motel and Airbnb options, restaurants and supplies. Locations we are visiting are within an hour's drive of the town.
A $250 deposit reserves your space in this event with the balance due 90 days prior to the workshop. Alumni pricing for this event is $1195 up until November 15, 2025.
Please be sure to review Physical Requirements and Cancellation Policies prior to booking.
We hope you can join us!
Timothy Little is night photographer, educator and author that lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He's lead over 100 night photography workshops and 400 guided night photography tours.
In his own words " My commitment to you is to offer a fun and educational experience in a positive atmosphere. As my friends hear me say, I don't shoot for NASA and that's my way of reminding you that night photography is art and appreciating these moments under the night sky is why we do this. If you're new to night photography, I hope you get the same feeling of wonder I experienced (and still do) when I attended my first few workshops. And if you've been doing this for a while, I hope meeting new people and seeing these locations continue to energize and push forward your creativity."
"I am a night photographer. I drive long hours in a dusty car listening to weird music, stay out all night creating photos, get dirty, hang out with other creative sleep-deprived weirdos, see the stars drift across the sky, and always find the best taco stands.
I have been exploring the Southwestern United States as well as parts of the East Coast for over nine years, brandishing a camera, tripod, and colored flashlight. I especially love creating night photos of abandoned historical places, unique features, and beautiful landscapes. These are experiences that I absolutely cherish.
I also currently have several books of night photography of abandoned locales released, and more that I am working on with a publisher. My images have appeared in National Geographic Books, Omni Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Westways Magazine, and numerous other publications. I've also won numerous awards."
