Astrophotography 101: Exploring the Milky Way in Wyoming

Late July was spent beneath the stars, capturing images of the Milky Way in Wyoming. This marked the third year I’ve taught my astrophotography course at Sinks Canyon State Park—Wyoming’s first certified International Dark Sky Park.

I’ve had the privilege of contributing night sky images for Sinks Canyon’s Dark Sky certification application, helping to demonstrate just how pristine and light-pollution-free this corner of Wyoming truly is. Since then, I’ve been teaching Astrophotography 101 to park visitors eager to develop their skills and deepen their connection to the night sky.

Preserving our night skies is essential for many reasons. It allows us to explore the cosmos with clarity, supports healthy circadian rhythms in humans, and protects countless nocturnal species that rely on natural darkness to survive and thrive. I believe that by teaching people how to photograph and appreciate the stars, we also teach them the value of protecting these dark places for future generations.

Seminoe State Park, Wyoming