Kansas Night Sky at Castle Rock Badlands
August 23rd,2025
Join award winning photographer, Craig McCord for this fantastic photo event. The Castle Rock Badlands of Kansas offer a plethora of photographic opportunities that are truly captivating. From the unique rock formations to the breathtaking sunset vistas, this natural wonderland is a haven for photographers seeking to capture the raw beauty of the land. One of the highlights of photographing Castle Rock is its vast skies. The summer skies in particular provide a stunning backdrop for any composition, with their vibrant hues and ever-changing cloud formations.
Castle Rock is a prime location to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Milky Way. Away from city lights and surrounded by untouched nature, you'll have an unobstructed view of the night sky, allowing you to capture stunning shots of our galaxy in all its glory.
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 and an optional post workshop Zoom meeting for image review and a post processing demonstration. Lodging, meals and travel are not included. A non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold a spot, with balance due NLT 60 days prior to event. 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.
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 August 23rd, we will meet up at 4 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.
Please Review Cancellation Policy