Nightscaper Conference Offers Advice on Visiting Popular Sites Near Farmington
Permission and guide info for Bisti, Valley of Dreams and Ship Rock
One of the biggest attractions for holding the 2026 Nightscaper Photo Conference in Four Corners (May 14-17) is the multitude of pristine night photography locations in the region.
One challenge to them is that some require permission to visit, and some even require a guide. We don’t want to send you out uninformed, so we put together a permissions primer for the most popular spots.
In short, if you are considering a visit to the Bisti Badlands, the Valley of Dreams or Ship Rock, there are things to know about permissions and safety. It’s vital that you stay safe and respect the local laws.
The overall rules are simple:
BLM land is free to visit.
Navajo land requires at least looking into getting permission or a guide.
Important note: Both of the above apply if you and a few other attendees are just casually going out to shoot together. However, if you are paying someone to bring you out, then that person needs to have permit to run commercial activity on that land.
For more detailed information, visit our Four Corners Shoot Locations page. Also, be sure to attend Royce Bair’s opening-day presentation, “Shooting My Favorite Four-Corners Nightscape Locations.”
How do you stay involved?
If you haven’t yet, register for the Nightscaper Conference today!
Please share the 2026 Nighscaper Conference with your friends, other astro-landscape photographers and those who want to jump-start their skills. We also encourage you to share it with folks who are just getting into the craft.
follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts to stay up to date on all news and happenings
join our Facebook group to share your night photos and to chat all things night photography
