Sunset & Night Sky Photography Workshop – Blue Ridge Mountains, Front Royal VA
Blue Ridge Mountains • Near Front Royal, VA
Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains at golden hour and stay as the stars begin to rise.
Join landscape photographer Scott Turnmeyer for a 4-hour hands-on sunset and night sky photography workshop in the mountains near Front Royal, Virginia. This small-group field experience is designed to help you confidently capture dramatic sunset light and transition into photographing the night sky.
We’ll begin before sunset to scout compositions, discuss light direction and exposure, and prepare your camera settings. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll learn how to photograph vibrant skies, layered mountain landscapes, and the glow of blue hour. After dark, we’ll shift into night photography techniques — covering manual mode, focusing in low light, ISO control, shutter speed for stars, and essential night sky settings.
This workshop is ideal for beginners ready to move beyond auto mode, as well as enthusiasts looking to refine their landscape and night photography skills. Participants should be comfortable adjusting basic camera settings. Scott will guide you on what settings to use and why.
📍 Location Details
To ensure the best possible conditions and views, the exact meetup location will be selected based on weather, cloud cover, and visibility. The workshop will take place in the Blue Ridge Mountains as near as possible to Front Royal, VA.
Participants will receive a detailed email 24–48 hours prior to the event with:
• Exact meetup location
• Parking instructions
• Weather considerations
• Recommended gear and clothing
Each participant will receive individualized guidance throughout the session.
This is an outdoor workshop and will proceed in most weather conditions unless safety is a concern.
Who This Class Is For
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Photographers with DSLR or mirrorless cameras that offer manual control
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Hobby photographers ready to move beyond automatic modes
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Anyone who understands the basics of photography but wants more control
This class is not recommended for phone-only photographers.
What to Bring
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A camera with manual mode capability
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Tripod
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A charged battery(ies) and memory card(s)
- Appropriate clothing for the evening. Temperatures at elevation are typically 10° cooler than in town.
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Notebook or notes app (optional)
Workshop Details
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Length: Approximately 4 hours
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Skill Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
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Format: In-person, small group
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Host: Scott Turnmeyer
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Class Date: March 20, 2026
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Estimated Time: 6:30pm - 10:30pm
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Seats: Limited for individual attention
- A signed liability waiver will be required to participate
- Participants should be comfortable standing and walking short distances on uneven terrain in low-light conditions.
About the Host
Scott Turnmeyer is a professional photographer based in the Shenandoah Valley with experience spanning landscapes, wildlife, sports, portraits, and weddings. His work has earned national recognition, and his passion for teaching has helped photographers of all skill levels gain confidence behind the camera.
Scott’s style focuses on clarity, real-world application, and helping students understand why settings work — not just what buttons to press. During the workshop Scott makes sure you get the right settings and helps with composition.
What’s Next?
This workshop builds perfectly on:
Your first critique night is free when you enroll in additional photography classes.
Cancellation & Transfer Policy
Due to limited class size and advance planning, all registrations are non-refundable.
If you need to cancel, you may transfer your registration to:
• A future workshop of the same type (with at least 7 days’ notice), or
• Another person with advance notice (with at least 7 days notice).
Transfers and credits cannot be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event or for no-shows.
If the workshop is canceled due to unsafe weather or low enrollment, participants will receive a full refund or transfer option.
Important Notes
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Registration is required — walk-ins are not permitted
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A minimum of 4 participants is required for the workshop to be held