Winner of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year | Full Story >
Experience the night sky in some of the darkest locations in the Western US!
Brad Goldpaint is a professional photographer and educator whose work reflects a deep connection to wilderness and the preservation of dark skies. Through his images and teaching, he helps others reconnect with the night and its fading presence in the modern world.
SEEN IN:
When I started teaching Milky Way photography workshops in 2013, I had one goal in mind: reconnect others with the beauty of the night sky. From the very first workshop, I made a decision that follows me to every workshop I teach:
"I leave my camera behind so I can give you my full attention."
My photography workshops are small by design: Six participants & one instructor or 8 participants & two instructors. This type of one-on-one instruction is one of the main reasons why 92% of my students return for another workshop. If you want to get an idea of the topics and techniques I teach during a photography tour, have a look at my article “Night Photography Techniques From 15 Years in the Field.”
Whether you’re picking up your camera for the first time or you’ve been chasing the Milky Way for years, you will come away with new skills and learn a new approach to night photography.
I offer photography workshops in some of the most incredible landscapes, combined with the darkest skies left in the Western US. I currently teach in Grand Teton National Park, the Colorado Rockies, Death Valley National Park, the Utah Badlands, and more. Each location has been selected for its accessibility to various compositions, ease of access, and far away from light pollution.
Goldpaint Photography, LLC has built a long-standing relationship with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other governing agencies to secure mandated Commercial Use Authorization permits. He always carries insurance, certifications, as well as being First Aid and CPR qualified.
March 2027
2 Instructors | 8 Participants
We will use our time together to focus on YOUR goals and helping YOU capture YOUR vision. This has set me apart from the majority of other photography workshops, tours, and photography classes. I NEVER bring my camera to a photography workshop and believe that this should be the standard in all photography workshops.
I always limit the class size of my workshops to 6 participants. If I’m joined by Evie Wilder, then we limit the group to 8 participants. This gives you more one-on-one time when we’re in the field and during our post-processing tutorials.
Every participant receives a 60+ page booklet, detailing our editing workflow, ensuring you can revisit and refine your skills long after the workshop. The Post Processing Booklet for Night Photography is dedicated to editing the Milky Way and shooting techniques covered in the field.
Learn the essentials of planning and photographing the night sky, from equipment setup, camera settings, mobile apps, where to find the Milky Way, and how to capture it.
One or two 4-Hour Post-Processing Sessions (depending on your workshop) in the classroom are dedicated to learning Photoshop, RAW adjustments, exposure blending, panoramic stitching, focus stacking, noise reduction, and more using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop.
Brad is the best night photography workshop instructor I’ve ever had. His in-field guidance, organized locations, and detailed post-processing materials made this the most valuable workshop I’ve attended.
I don’t know how many workshops I’ve been to with Brad. It’s been quite a few. I keep coming back. No instructor goes as above and beyond to ensure everyone takes away new skills and images. He is committed, passionate, skilled, ethical and kind. You can’t be in better hands.
Brad is one of the best, most patient teachers I know. His combination of fantastic locations, gentle guidance during shooting, and hugely informative post-processing sessions can’t be beat. He keeps his workshops small, never brings his camera, and always keeps his good humor, even at 4 o’clock in the morning.
Unlike photo tours that prioritize the instructor’s images and itineraries, my photography workshops focus on a hands-on approach, with small groups, to create the best learning environment for everyone.
Since launching my Milky Way Photography Workshops in 2013, I have designed these courses to take place in a variety of national parks, state parks, BLM areas, and private land.
With small groups of 6-8 participants, everyone receives one-on-one guidance and attention on camera techniques, composition, and post-processing. My unique approach to night photography also utilizes moonlight to illuminate foreground elements, which is unlike any other workshop you will find. My photography workshops blend fun, adventure, education, and community for photographers of all skill levels.
I leave my cameras behind to keep my focus entirely on YOU.
Your workshop is about your interests, your growth, your images, and your experience. By not shooting, I’m able to dedicate my full attention to help each participant, offering hands-on support, in a fun, safe environment.
This commitment sets my workshops far apart from the rest, ensuring each one of my participants has my undivided attention.
6 Participants & 1 Instructor
or
8 Participants & 2 Instructors
My workshops cover everything from planning your shot, scouting the location, using smartphone apps to fine-tune your image, dial in your camera settings, and learn how to adjust them when conditions change. After photographing, we’ll dive into post-processing and I’ll help you produce print-ready images.
I teach all of this in the field and in the classroom during my photography workshops in Death Valley National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Utah Badlands, and more.
Whether you’re new to night photography or refining your craft, you’ll walk away with the skills to plan, shoot, and edit your own night images.
My workshops are designed for photographers of all skill levels. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or you’ve been chasing the Milky Way for years, you will come away with new skills and learn a new approach to night photography.
Each workshop has a physical difficulty rating to help you prepare:
Short walks ranging from 1/2 – 1 mile round trip, on flat, stable terrain with minimal elevation changes. Trails are maintained, with little loose gravel or obstacles. Suitable for all fitness and experience levels.
Hikes of 2-4 miles round trip, with some inclines or uneven terrain. Expect minor elevation changes, loose gravel, or narrow paths. Manageable for those with moderate activity levels.
Hikes of 6+ miles round trip on technical trails with steep inclines, rocky terrain, or irregular footing. Sturdy footwear and hiking poles are recommended. Best for those comfortable with challenging hikes.
