Learn Night Photography: Bodie Ghost Town Photo Workshop
DATES
July 12-16, 2026
GROUP SIZE
4 photographers / 1 instructor
Max 8 photographers
INSTRUCTORS
Jennifer King
COST
$3775 USD
EXPERIENCE
Intermediate & Advanced
FITNESS LEVEL
Easy to Moderate
Night Photography & Interior Building Access
Bodie Ghost Town is located in California, and is the largest preserved ghost town in America. This historic town is surrounded by the Eastern Sierra mountain range, and is a testament to our history, and the volunteers who preserve it. There are only a few professional photographers with permission to photograph the interior of buildings, and be on the property at night to photograph the Milky Way and star trails. We are honored to share the mission of preservation through photography and our photo workshops.
Imagine stepping into a building and photographing the remnants and artifacts of an era gone by. We have this rare opportunity to photograph room scenes with peeling wall paper, old furniture and historical things. The creative photo possibilities are endless with objects, rust, mining equipment and more. Old buildings line the streets, and old cars and trucks fill the fields. It is here that most photographers learn to appreciate not always what is new, but what creates a powerful story. The town of Bodie is perfect for night photograph, as the buildings create the perfect foreground to highlight the starry sky.
Each year, The Bodie Foundation strives to protect the historic buildings from the constant threat of wildfire and the march of time. This special photo workshop will help to support Bodie Ghost Town for future generations to enjoy!
JKPW is an authorized by The Bodie Foundation and the State of California to operate and enter Bodie Ghost Town building interiors and after public hours
Itinerary
DAY 1 JULY 12
7:00pm Meet & Greet Lee Vining, California
DAY 2 JULY 13
Morning photo session private access to the interior of many buildings at Bodie Ghost Town
Night photo session private access to Bodie Ghost Town
DAY 3 JULY 14
Sunset & night photo session with private access to Bodie Ghost Town
DAY 4 JULY 15
Sunset & night photo session with private access to Bodie Ghost Town
DAY 5 JULY 16
Morning photo session private access to the interior of many buildings at Bodie Ghost Town
Includes
3 private access night sessions
2 private interior building access sessions
Professional photographers on hand to instruct, guide and creatively challenge participants
Security staff and rangers on property on property for after-hours photo sessions
Private admission fees
Park admission fees
Lighting equipment - soft, LED lighting and stands provided for night photo sessions
Processing class held during the workshop for a better experience with night photography
Water/snacks provided for field sessions
JKPW is an authorized by The Bodie Foundation and the State of California to operate and enter Bodie Ghost Town building interiors and after public hours
Not Included
Airfare to California
Lodging - discounted lodging has been arranged in Lee Vining with booking details provided after registration
Transportation is not included in the workshop though most people choose to ride share from Lee Vining to Bodie Ghost Town
Meals are not included in the workshop fee, but we like to dine as a group to discuss the day’s events and be on hand for any questions
Trip Insurance - please read our full Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registration
Gratuity for guides and housekeeping
Incidentals
Travel
RNO Reno Tahoe International Airport is the closest airport
The town of Lee Vining is a easy 2 hr 25 minute drive from RNO
FITNESS LEVEL EASY > MODERATE
Most locations and trails we will explore during the workshop are considered easy to moderate. You will be walking on wood floors for interior photo sessions and gravel streets, and tall grasses during day and night sessions. There is elevation gain when walking to the mill. You should be in general good health and capable of carrying your own equipment for day and night sessions.