In early November we gathered at the Frontier Best Western in Lone Pine, California—the town is located in the deep valley between the crest of the High Sierra and the Panamint Range. Fortified with too much caffeine and good company we headed out for nights of photography under the stars in the labyrinthian Alabama Hills.

Stars My Destination, photo by Harold Davis.

We honed our skills in the dark, learned about the constellations, and discussed philosophy and photography. During the day we processed our photos and learned new techniques in the John Wayne conference room at the motel, a makeshift sheet serving as a projection screen. (It worked surprisingly well!)

Lady Boot Arch, photo by Harold Davis.

If all this sounds like fun, it was. The good news: by popular request Steven Christenson and I are doing it again in November, 2011. You can pre-register at a discounted price for the 2011 workshop, check out the Star Circle Academy website, and learn more about night photography techniques on the Star Circle Academy blog.

Alabama Hills Star Trails, photo by Harold Davis.

Also note Harold’s 2011 workshop schedule, what people say about Harold as a photography teacher, and Creative Night: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques, Harold’s bestselling book about night photography.

Life, photography, and workshops are a journey—not a destination. On this journey we found rainbows and sunrises.

Rainbow, photo by Harold Davis.

Alabama Hills Sunrise, photo by Harold Davis.

And, of course, plenty of star circle photography. If you’ve ever wondered how to make those photos with star circles, please consider signing up for the 2011 workshop!

View North from Gunga Din, photo by Harold Davis.

Alabama Hills at Night, photo by Harold Davis.