Venture into the quiet heart of the Kansas prairie and photograph one of its most dramatic natural landmarks under a canopy of stars. Castle Rock—its weathered spires, eroded fins, and solitary towers rising from the open plains—transforms after dark into a sculptural silhouette perfectly suited for night‑sky photography.

In this immersive workshop, I guide participants through a disciplined, intentional approach to capturing the night: mastering long‑exposure techniques, balancing ambient and celestial light, and composing with Castle Rock’s striking formations as both anchor and narrative element. We’ll explore how to read the landscape after sunset, how to work efficiently in low light, and how to create images that blend technical precision with emotional depth.

This workshop is limited to ONLY 6 people. Castle Rock Badlands is in central Kansas close to the town of Quinter and is said to be one of the 8 wonders of Kansas. ​

During this workshop we will have an opportunity to shoot the setting sun amongst these chalk and shale formations and consider compositional options for the night sky.  This time of year, the Milky Way will be visible soon after dark.

 We will discuss:  

- Camera settings for proper exposures

- Use of histograms 

- Focusing techniques for landscapes and night sky photography

- How to best photograph the Milky Way and star trails

- Light Painting tools and techniques

Craig will actively work with each participant to ensure you understand the technical considerations and be sure you come away with some striking images. Also included will be an optional follow-up Zoom session to go over some post processing techniques of your images.

FEE: $450 This includes only workshop instruction. Lodging, meals and travel are not included.  This workshop will fill fast so act now.  ​

Payment: Payment may be made using the PayPal button on the right-side panel on this page.  Alternatively, you may mail a personal check to: Craig McCord Photography, 395 NW 1851st Rd, Kingsville, MO 64061. If you plan to pay by personal check, email me so I can hold a spot while awaiting the payment.

Discounted Package:

Register for both Castle Rock and Monument Rocks Night Sky Shoot and get a $100 discount. Options can be found in the Payment Dropdown menu.

Where: Castle Rock Badlands, is located about 4 hours west of Kansas City just off Interstate I-70.  It is not far out of Quinter, KS.    There may be some accommodations in Quinter but some also available in Wakeeney, KS a little to the East of I -70, where we will meet up and caravan to our shooting location.  Castle Rock enjoys some of the darkest skies in Kansas and should allow for some great night image opportunities. ​

When:  On September 21st, we will meet up at 5 pm in the lobby of the Best Western Plus Wakeeney Inn & Suites.  Before traveling on to Castle Rock, we will discuss some techniques, review any restrictions, safety, and other general before proceeding.   We will then travel to the shooting location.  As sunset approaches we will explore shooting locations for our Milky Way shots and have an opportunity to get some sunset images over the badlands.

Transportation: Travel to and from the workshop is the attendee’s responsibility. Commercial transportation such as air travel and/or rental car expenses will not be reimbursed under any circumstances. It is unlikely a workshop be cancelled; nonetheless, it is highly recommended you consider travel insurance.

Add Night Sky at Monument Rocks on August 15th, and receive a $100 discount.