Bodie Ghost Town Photo Workshop
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.
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!
OVERVIEW
DATES: July 12-16, 2026
INSTRUCTORS: Jennifer King / Randy Wilson
COST: $3775 USD
EXPERIENCE: Beginner*, Intermediate & Advanced
FITNESS LEVEL: Easy to Moderate (see details below)
*Beginners must have a good working knowledge of their camera and settings
MILKY WAY
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HISTORIC BUILDINGS
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STAR TRAILS
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BUILDING INTERIORS
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MILKY WAY 〰️ HISTORIC BUILDINGS 〰️ STAR TRAILS 〰️ BUILDING INTERIORS 〰️
Prepare For Your Photo Workshop!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: JULY 12
Meet & Greet 7:00pm in 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 PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
2 PRIVATE INTERIOR BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION - Professional photographers on hand to instruct, guide and creatively challenge participants
SECURITY STAFF / RANGERS required on property for after-hours photo sessions
PRIVATE ADMISSION PARTICIPANT FEES
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT - soft, LED lighting and stands provided for night photo sessions
PROCESSING CLASSES held during the workshop for a better experience with night photography
WATER / SNACKS provided for all 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
FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL INFO
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.
NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE to California - RNO Reno Tahoe Int’l Airport is the closest airport to Bodie
LODGING - Discounted lodging is arranged in Lee Vining CA with self-booking details provided after registration
TRANSPORTATION - transportation is not included in the workshop though most people choose to ride share from Lee Vining to Bodie Ghost Town
MEALS - While meals are not included in the workshop fee, 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 - Housekeeping gratuity $2-3 per day
INCIDENTALS
Please review prior to registration as there are non-refundable and non-transferrable fees associated with each workshop.