Introduce yourself.
I was born and raised in NWA. In college, I had to choose a secondary emphasis for my graphic art degree, and I chose photography. I created an Arkansas Milky Way Locations Guide because Arkansas is a hidden gem for dark sky photography.
What should locals know about the significance of Arkansas Dark Sky opportunities?
Arkansas is one of the last stops–heading East–before you run into major light pollution. We have a dedicated dark sky park by the International Dark Sky Association, and that’s the Buffalo National River. We also have a great dark sky advocacy group, the Arkansas Natural Sky Association, which hosts a dark sky festival every year.
How does spending days in remote destinations, under the stars, impact your perspective on your art?
Being under the stars brings a total sense of humbleness. When I am standing out there in total silence with a vast sky overhead, my problems start to feel pretty infinitesimal. It shifts my perspective not just on life, but on the way I approach my art. For me, the experience is less about photographing space and more about photographing our place within it.
Explain your Dark Sky backpacking workshops: What can one expect when they book this experience with you?
My Dark Sky backpacking workshops are designed for people who want more than just a photography class. They're immersive experiences that combine adventure, night photography, storytelling, and unplugging from the noise of everyday life. We hike into remote locations far away from city lights where participants can experience truly dark skies. As a landscape and astrophotography educator, I’ve spent years teaching workshops across the country, specializing in Milky Way photography, star tracking, blue hour blending, median stacking, Lightroom, and Photoshop editing techniques. I guide participants through everything from camera settings and composition to finding creative foregrounds and understanding how to work with changing conditions in the field. All bookings can be made directly through my website or reaching out via email.
Share about the National Parks retreats you've organized. How can we join your next retreat?
A lot of my workshops are built around national parks, state parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, dark sky destinations, and rugged landscapes. Every retreat is designed to blend adventure and education. The best way to join an upcoming retreat is through my website and newsletter, where I announce new adventures, early registration openings, and waitlists.
What are some of the technical differences between capturing a dark sky image versus the same scene during the day?
Literally everything is different. For night photography, a full-frame camera is preferred since you will be at much higher ISOs. You also need a fast lens that can open up to f/2.8, at least. A tripod is also necessary since you will be shooting long exposures up to 30 seconds. For more advanced astrolandscape photography, an astrotracker and intervalometer are helpful.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
Night at the Refuge: A fundraiser for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. All proceeds will go directly to the refuge.
Milky Way Boot Camp: Co-hosted with Bedford Camera & Video and sponsored by Canon.
Info on all workshops can be found at: brennennicole.com
When I am standing out there in total silence with a vast sky overhead, my problems start to feel pretty infinitesimal.
Arkansas is one of the last stops–heading East–before you run into major light pollution.
For me, the experience is less about photographing space and more about photographing our place within it.