REVIEWS

2026 Badlands August Milky Way and Night Sky Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

August 12 - 16, 2026

Badlands National Park, South Dakota
2026 Badlands South Dakota August Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

Reviews!

2026 Badlands South Dakota August Milky Way Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

August 12 - 16, 2026
Badlands National Park, South Dakota

$3,497 Includes 4 Nights Lodging in a Private Single Room

Only $1,000 Due Today! 

(Only if registering before April 11, 2026. Otherwise if registering after April 11, 2026, payment is due in full).
SAVE $385 - If you have a friend and want to share a double room, each of you can save $385 on your final balance payment! Just message me to let me know!

HURRY! ONLY 6 SPOTS LEFT
OUT OF STOCK
Restock soon! PREORDER NOW
HURRY! LET BUY NOW

HURRY! ONLY 6 SPOTS LEFT

Registration is Open!
Choose Your Option Based on Registration Date:

Quantity:

Kindly Note:
Like many small businesses, we add a 3.5% fee to credit card transactions to offset bank and card processing costs. This allows us to continue offering small-group, high-touch workshop experiences. The total amounts in the shopping cart have the 3.5% charge added.
Workshop registration is first-come first-serve.

All attendees will be required to sign my workshop registration form here.

GROUP DETAILS:

Open to any skill level from beginner to professional. Exclusively limited to just 6 OM SYSTEM photographers.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park, with walks in the dark up to 1 mile.

LOCATION:

Badlands National Park, South Dakota
View Map --->
The closest airport is in Rapid City, SD (RAP)

YOUR INSTRUCTOR & GUIDE

Expert night sky photographer and OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess will be your photo instructor and guide during this workshop. 

Matt Suess is an Authorized Permittee of Badlands National Park

Title

Questions about this photo workshop?

Simply fill out the form below. Be sure to let me know which photo workshop you are asking questions about!

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

2026 Badlands August Milky Way
and Night Sky Photo Workshop for OM SYSTEM Photographers

With Expert Night Sky Photographer and OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess

Spend 4 nights and 5 days in the remote Badlands National Park with me photographing the Milky Way and Night Sky. I will be there to teach you all I know about photographing the stars.

 

You must have at least one Olympus / OM SYSTEM camera to register for and attend this workshop.

OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess offers the only OM SYSTEM exclusive night sky photo workshop in the Badlands. Learn all there is to know about getting the best night sky photos with your OM-1, OM-3, and OM-5 cameras (and others too). Photograph with other photographers using the same gear as you! Limited to just 6 photographers!!

Workshop Overview

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA

 

🌠 One of the most surreal landscapes to photograph the Milky Way 🌌

Badlands National Park is unlike anywhere else in the United States.

 

Its striking maze of layered rock formations, sharp spires, and dramatic canyons create an otherworldly backdrop that comes alive under the night sky and is one of the most spectacular stargazing locations in the country.

 

Located in southwestern South Dakota, far from major cities and light pollution, the Badlands offers some of the clearest skies in North America while its wide-open horizons make for uninterrupted views.

 

This workshop is carefully scheduled around the new moon, giving us the darkest skies possible. With minimal artificial light the Milky Way shines in incredible clarity, making the Badlands one of the best destinations for photographers seeking to combine dramatic foregrounds with a pristine night sky.

 

The Badlands’ combination of rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring starlight is a dream setting for astrophotography — offering both unique compositions and an unforgettable experience under the cosmos.

During this workshop we will be using all of the computational features of our OM SYSTEM cameras to create amazing photographs, from Starry Sky AF to Live Comp for star trails up to 1 hour long.

 

We will also focus on time lapses too!

 

I'll also show you how to use such techniques as Blue Hour and Long Exposure Blends, to show natural light and detail in our foregrounds combined with epic shots of the night sky stars and Milky Way.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

How to Achieve Perfect Exposures By Understanding the Histogram

Finding the Best Composition & Framing

​How to Choose the Correct ISO, F-Stop, Shutter Speed and White Balance for Night Photography

Techniques for Reducing Noise

Techniques for Brightening Up Your Foregrounds

Long Exposures Up to One Hour for Star Trails using Live Comp

Time Lapses

Using Apps on Your Phone to Find the Milky Way

Techniques for Focusing at Night for SHARP PHOTOS

​How to use the Move Shoot Move Nomad Star Tracker

Photograph the Lagoon Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy

​Using Blue Hour Light with Exposure Blends

And Much, Much More!!

With a small workshop size of just 6 OM SYSTEM photographers there will be plenty of time to work with me on a one-on-one basis.

🔥 BONUS 🔥

 

Learn How to Use the Nomad Star Tracker from Move Shoot Move

During the workshop we will spend some time using the Nomad Star Tracker from Move Shoot Move for even better shots of the Milky Way. 

We will also photograph the Lagoon Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy too!

 

Both photos above were photographed with the OM-1 Mark II and the M.Zuiko 40-150mm f2.8 PRO Lens with the M. Zuiko 1.4x teleconverter.

You can purchase one of these low cost, yet highly effective, star trackers via my special link here. 

Be sure to use coupon code mattsuess to save 5%.

ALSO:

On one afternoon we will spend 2hrs post processing our images where I'll show you my latest night sky photography post processing techniques. You will have some time to work on your own photos as well!

ITINERARY

This workshop is scheduled around the new moon and we will have completely dark skies for most nights during this workshop which will be ideal for photographing the Milky Way. 


We will start out just before or after sunset (at approx. 7:30pm with sunset at 8:00pm) and photograph throughout the darkest part of the night. Once pure dark has ended and we start losing detail in the Milky Way (at approx. 4am) we will end that night's session and return to our hotel.

 

You will have numerous opportunities to photograph the Milky Way from different locations, and you will also have the ability to work on very long exposures using Live Comp with times of up to an hour long!

You will not feel rushed during this workshop. Photographing the night sky takes time, and you will have ample time at each location to perfect your shot. Plan on 1 to 3 different locations max per evening. Almost every location yields multiple different compositions and views.

In the event of cloudy (or smokey) skies that completely block the stars for the entire night, we will shift to photographing the landscape in daylight around the traditional sunset/sunrise times. Some extra post processing sessions are also a possibility. 

 

On partially cloudy nights we will be out photographing looking for breaks in the clouds and coming up with other creative ways to photograph on such nights.

 

POST PROCESSING: We will have a group classroom session one afternoon for about 2hrs where I'll show you my latest techniques for processing my photos, and you'll have a chance to work on yours too.

 

Pre-workshop Zoom Call - approx. 1 to 2 months prior to the start of the workshop we will have a group zoom call to get to know one another and go over the schedule, what to bring, etc.

Nights 1 - 4: 
Wednesday Evening, August 12 through
Saturday Evening, August 15, 2026

Hotel check-in is at 4pm. It is suggested to try to get a few hours sleep if possible before we head out that evening. Ideally it is usually best arrive the night before, on Tuesday (hotel is not included this night).

Plan on heading out each night at around sunset (approx. 7:30PM with sunset at 8:00pm). 

 

We will be out photographing through the darkest part of the night, ending when it does at approx. 4am.
 

The rest of the day is open for you to rest and sleep, explore on your own, and take a look at your images and recharge batteries before we head out again.

 

POST PROCESSING: One afternoon we will meet for a 2hr post processing session.

Day 5: Sunday Morning, August 16, 2026

The workshop will end at approx. 4am.

Hotel checkout is at 10am on this morning. 

Plan your flights for whatever is comfortable, knowing Rapid City is an approx. 1hr drive from our location in Wall, SD.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Who Is This Workshop For

This workshop is designed for any skill level, yet an OM SYSTEM (Olympus) camera with interchangeable lenses AND a sturdy tripod are required, as well as a basic working knowledge of your camera.

 

Most clients who take my workshops are beginners to advanced amateurs and even pros. My workshops are filled with hands-on instruction & demonstrations. I encourage & help find and develop each clients' unique personal style of photography.

Physical Difficulty: EASY to MODERATE

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park, with walks in the dark up to 1 mile.

What Airport and when to Arrive

The closest airport is in Rapid City, SD (RAP).  

 

Note that hotel check-in isn't until 4pm on August 12, 2026. It is an approx. 1hr drive from Rapid City to our hotel in Wall. Ideally it may be best to arrive the day before so you can better acclimate to the night schedule and to better deal with any potential flight delays. (Hotel not included in workshop fees when arriving earlier)

Where to Stay if Arriving Earlier

Our hotel is listed in our private workshop portal, accessible following registration.

What to Bring / Weather

A complete list of What to Bring will be provided. This list will mention required and suggested items. 

The average overnight lows this time of year are in the low 60's F. Daytime temps can average in the low 90's F. The Badlands get an average of 1.45" of rain this month.

What Is Included

  • Photo Instruction & Guiding from Matt Suess

  • 4 Nights Lodging in Private Single Room

  • Milky Way & Night Sky Photography Instruction

  • Group and Individual Post Processing Instruction

  • An Amazing Experience Under the Stars!

  • Pre Workshop Zoom Call, Private Client Web Portal

What Is Not Included

  • Flights to and from Rapid City, SD

  • Transportation during the workshop (we will be carpooling)

  • Park Entrance Fees

  • Food, alcohol, snacks and beverages

  • Personal travel, medical, equipment or trip cancellation insurance

Travel Insurance

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance. 

 

Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. 

 

More information will be provided upon registration.

Traveling With a Spouse/Companion

This workshop has a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven't registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Carpooling

We will carpool during the workshop and I will need a couple driver volunteers.

Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Workshop

We know that plans can change, unforeseen circumstances can happen and no one wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime. To provide the best customer support possible and to keep groups small and affordable, our cancellation policy ensures we can continue to provide clients the best possible foto experience.

For this workshop the following applies:.

  • The initial $1,000 registration fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable to another workshop provided we are more than 120 days from the start of the workshop (a $350 administrative fee is applied to all transfers).

  • The remaining balance is due 120 days from the start of the workshop, that date being April 11, 2026.

  • If you cancel within 120 days from the start of the workshop and you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your initial registration fee and a $350 administrative fee). If you are unable to fill your spot, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is highly suggested to purchase good trip insurance to cover you in such an instance.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another. workshop MORE than 120 Days from the Start: your registration fee will be transferable to another workshop by Matt Suess with a $350 administrative fee.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop less than 120 Days from the Start: no refunds or transfers (assuming you cannot fill your spot)

You can view my full cancellation & refund policy along with other important information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us your question by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email *

Question *

Is there a lot of walking/hiking during this workshop?

No there isn't. Expect walks up to 1 mile with little to no elevation gain. 

Are there restrictions on participation?

My workshops do not normally entail strenuous activity unless specified. Nevertheless, participants must be able to complete moderate walks/hikes with their required photo gear, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces.

 

If you have any health problems or physical limitations, please let me know prior to booking.

I am a pure beginner (or advanced) photographer. Is this workshop for me?

This workshop is open to all photography levels from beginner to pro. I have had clients who didn't know what an f-stop was and I have had those who are just about ready to or are already selling their own prints.

 

Being a small class, I am able to work with each client individually no matter their experience level to help them improve and reach their individual goals.

What is your experience photographing in Badlands National Park?

I have been photographing in Badlands National Park since 2018, often making 2 trips a year there. I have done extensive scouting and photographing in the park and surrounding areas, and I know of more amazing locations to photograph there than what we have time for during this 4 night workshop.

Will we work on our computers and learn how to process our photos?

Yes, we will have a few informal post-processing sessions where I will give demos and also provide feedback & critique for those who desire it. This will be done on the laptop/iPad using Lightroom.

Will there be any light painting or use of low level lights to light up objects during this workshop?

We won't be doing light painting nor low level lighting in this workshop, as more and more National Parks are banning light painting.

 

Instead we will use other techniques to brighten up foregrounds such as photographing at blue hour, and taking longer exposures, to then blend those photos into a separate sky photo. 

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

This workshop has a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions.

 

Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Matt Suess

Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador

Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.

For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.

In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.

I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.

I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.

I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
Title
Poster

Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess

Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding My Photo Workshops & Tours in General

What sets your workshops apart from other workshops?

I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience, am detail orientated, and always put the needs of my clients first.

 

I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.

 

My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.

 

With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!

Why should I attend one of your workshops?

I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.

 

I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience teaching the concepts of photography, leading photo workshops/tours since 2012.

 

I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.

 

Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Do you photograph during field workshops?

Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.

 

When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.

 

Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my clients get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.

What level of photography experience do I have to have in order to attend one of your workshops?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

Do you provide travel insurance for your workshop participants?

I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.

What’s included in my tuition? Rooms, transportation, meals?

Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your photos during any classroom sessions.

 

Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.

What should I bring with me to one of your workshops?

You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.

What happens in bad weather?

Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.

 

Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.

 

If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.

Do you provide transportation?

I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.

What is your cancellation policy?

Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Harley M.
"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."
2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Winnie A.
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Jill E.

"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don't. You are a top-notch instructor."
2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.

He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.

Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!

The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).

I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."

Emily L.

2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Visit Matt's Sponsors, Partners & Friends

Cameras & Photo Gear

OM SYSTEM / Olympus
Cameras & Lenses

I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.

I am an Official Fotopro Tripods Reseller and you can order your Fotopro tripods direct from me here.

Get the best iPhone lenses out there - and the ones I always use - from REEFLEX here.

Save 10% with code: MATTSUESS10
Title

Photo Software & Websites

Radiant Photo - an excellent and unique photo editor. Save 10% with coupon code: mattsuess

ON1 Photo RAW 
Save with code: mattsuess20

Luminar NEO
Save with code: mattsuess10

Mylio Photos is a really awesome photo management cataloging program. Check out a Free Trial with special savings.

DxO makes some of my favorite photo processing software such as: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, & the NIK Collection.

Topaz Labs makes popular plugins like: Sharpen Al, Denoise Al, Photo Al, and Gigapixel Al.

SlickPic is an Amazing photo website builder to make impressive Portfolio and/or Gallery Websites that run my Portfolio & Workshop Galleries. Build it yourself or let them do it. Save up to 25% with my special link here.
Title

Photo Software & Websites

I am a brand ambassador for Ororo Heated Clothes and highly recommend their heated gloves, vests, and more!

Systeme is a great platform to sell your courses, digital. downloads, workshops, products, and more and I used it successfully for a few years! Start your free trial here today.

I use Shopify for sales of my online courses, presets, camera filters, and tripods. Bring your ideas to life on Shopify for just $1/month here.
Title