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The Petrified Forest National Park Field Institute offers workshops throughout the year that specialize in fields such as photography, biology and paleontology, to name a few, taught by several world class experts and guides. This year one of the park’s instructors, world renowned cinematographer Frank Kraljic, is inviting new and experienced astro photographers out for an exclusive experience off the beaten path for the Milky Way Expedition Workshop.
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The Emmy Award director/cinematographer’s endeavors have granted him opportunities to see the sky from many landscapes and terrain, working through a deadly Ebola outbreak in Africa and a culture trek in Afghanistan. So, it goes without saying that Kraljic has experienced and learned to appreciate rarity in many forms.
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When describing the significance of the view from the park Kraljic said, “The Painted Desert, Petrified Forest during the night, under full moonlight becomes a very alien and surreal landscape.”
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After viewing his work, the Petrified Forest Museum Association asked if he’d be willing to return to teach nightscape photography on a routine basis for those who hold an interest in the field.
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Since then, Kraljic has been instructing the nightscape photography workshops in the spring and fall. Petrified Forest Museum Association Business Manager Tara Young emphasized what she feels separates this workshop from the others. “I think probably the most untold element of his workshops is that it’s a nighttime event when the park is typically closed, so the ability to provide exclusive access to the park after hours is pretty special.”
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Another factor isolating the Milky Way Expedition Workshop according to Kraljik is the park’s recent Dark Sky designation by the International Dark Sky Association or IDA. The designation was finally made a reality on June 21, 2018, after a near 10-year process. The designation requires that the majority of the park use no artificial lighting. Since the light pollution has been decreased it gives more prominence to the majestic view over the national park.
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Kraljic explained “This year we’re doing something a little bit different. We’ll be going out during the first quarter moon, which will allow the moon to illuminate the landscape. There is a very cool, personal experience that comes from navigating the park under moonlight and still be able see the night sky above.”
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Attendees will be able to hike through the park where Kraljic will show them how to capture the desired shot of the moon and its Milky Way backdrop. They’ll spend the evening at their campsites for a lecture by Kraljic on what to expect from the photographic journey and be shown techniques they can use on their own future nightscape photography adventures.
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The workshop will take place beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, and continue over the course of the night leading into mid-day of Sunday, Oct. 6. Kraljic said that anyone with a camera or even smart phone camera that has long resolution capabilities will be able to capture the image. Campers will need to provide their own camping gear for the excursion and should expect to hike throughout the course. The fee is $159 for non-members and $130 for members. Additional information can be located on the Petrified Forest Field Institutes website at petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org.
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