SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST
NEW DATES TBDUnder the Stars:
A Beginners Guide to Photographing the Milky Way
Without Losing Your Mind
You drove an hour into the middle of nowhere.
You Googled the settings. You pointed your camera at the sky and…
nothin.
Just blurry darkness and a whole lot of questioning why you gave up sleep for this.
Sound familiar?
Let me fix that.
Hi, Im Kim Starkey
I'm a Boise-based photographer who fell in love with the Milky Way — and couldn't stop chasing it.
Dark sky locations, solo drives at midnight, standing in fields waiting for the galaxy to show up.
I learned how to plan trips that actually work, and now I want to save you the headache of learning it the hard way.
Countless friends have tagged along with me and without fail every time we unpack the car, I hear “I can’t believe how much work goes into just taking the photo.”
I photograph families, seniors, and elopements by day — but the night sky is where my heart is.
This workshop is built around how I actually plan my own Milky Way trips.
No fluff, no jargon, just my real experience that works.
AS SEEN IN:
Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how people get those shots of the Milky Way?
This is your night to learn.
Join me for a hands-on evening under some of the darkest skies in Idaho. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to stay up past your bedtime.
THE DETAILS
When: AUGUST TBD
Time: 8:00 PM -12:00 AM
Where: TBD - sent the week of workshop
Cost: $249/person
ONLY 4 SPOTS
IF I CAN DO THIS... YOU CAN TOO!
IF I CAN DO THIS... YOU CAN TOO!
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
✨ FIND THE MILKY WAYNo more spinning in circles in the dark wondering where it is.
✨ DIAL IN YOUR SETTINGSPhone or camera — I'll walk you through it so you stop guessing.
✨ PLAN YOUR OWN TRIPSA step-by-step system so you never waste another drive.
✨ REAL HANDS ON HELPActual shooting time under dark skies with someone who knows what they're doing.
✨ REAL-TIME TROUBLESHOOTINGWhen your shot isn't working at midnight, Google can't help you. I can.
✨ A NIGHT YOU WON'T FORGET4 people, dark skies, and the Milky Way.
That's it. That's the sell.
✨ A GUIDE TO TAKE HOMEA digital planning guide so you can do it all over again without me. Plus a few goodies from me!
✨ STAY SAFE OUT THEREWhat to bring, what to watch for, and how to not get lost in the desert at midnight.
✨ MY PERSONAL SYSTEMNot a YouTube tutorial. Not a blog post. The actual process I use every single time.
✨ A PHOTO OF YOU UNDER THE MILKY WAYBecause documenting your journey is worth remembering and for the gram!
Is this Workshop for me?
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF:
✦ You've tried to photograph the Milky Way and came home with nothing but blurry disappointment
✦ You have no idea when or where to even look for it
✦ You KINDA KNOW BUT ALWAYS SEEM TO MISS THE MARK
✦ You've Googled "Milky Way camera settings" more times than you'd like to admit
✦ You want to learn but the whole thing feels overwhelming
✦ You just want someone to show you how it's done instead of figuring it out alone
✦ You've got a phone or a camera and you're ready to actually use it to photograph the Milky Way
THIS WORKSHOP ISN’T FOR YOU IF:
✦ You're looking for an advanced astrophotography deep dive
✦ You want a Milky Way portrait session (that's coming later!)
✦ You already know your way around night sky photography and just want a shooting buddy (ALTHOUGH I MAY TAKE YOU UP ON THIS LATER)
✦ You're not cool with being in the middle of the desert at midnight
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
-
Many newer phones can! iPhones 11 and newer, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy flagship phones all have night modes that work.
When you register, I'll ask what device you're bringing so I can make sure you're set up for success before you show up. -
Any DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode will work. A wide-angle lens is ideal — the wider the better.
When you register, I'll ask about your gear so I can help you get the most out of what you've got. -
You'll get a full guide with everything you need after you register including links to gear if you don’t have something on the list.
Feel free to reach out before you register if you aren’t sure you have the basics. -
The Owyhees, about 1.5 hours from Boise, Idaho. Exact location sent to registered attendees the week of the event. Location is subject to change depending on weather.
-
Plan on 8:00 PM to around midnight. You’re welcome to leave early if needed.
Yes, it's a late night. Yes, it's worth it. -
We'll be in a remote area but you won't be alone. I'll cover safety tips during the presentation so you know exactly what to expect.
-
If the weather isn’t accommodating, I will have backup dates in June & July to make sure we can get the workshop in. If it’s bad in one location, the workshop location may move.
Smoke… this is real in Idaho. I will choose a location with the lowest AQ to accommodate. If its within safe AQ, I will proceed with the workshop.
If you have questions about this feel free to reach out for exact backup dates. -
It's strongly recommended — you need a stable surface for long exposures. Your guide will cover everything you need including links of items I trust.
-
No refunds — but if something comes up, your payment can be applied as credit toward a future workshop or as shop credit for prints and products.
-
Yes, pricing is per person and each attendee needs their own registration. I know it's tempting to bring a partner or friend along for the ride, but this is a hands-on learning workshop—everyone there is focused on photographing and learning together, and I want to make sure each person gets the attention they signed up for. That said, if your person wants to join in, I'd love to have them—they're welcome to grab their own spot!
Get in Touch
WORKSHOPS
Filters
No results found
No results match your search. Try removing a few filters.