Quick Details
Time: 12:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Meeting Location: Ernest F Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park.
Shooting Location: Long Pine Key, Pa-hay-okee, and other nearby sites as time and conditions permit. This program will be a caravan program, please be sure to come prepared to drive to these locations with your group.
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants for an exclusive small-group experience
Important Information:
- Please read the information below for all the details on this workshop.
- Park Entrance Fees are not included, you will have to purchase tickets in order to enter the Park. Here is the website to purchase them online: Park Entrance Fee Link.
Participant
Early Bird Reservation
$ 250
Join your instructor, Anthony Sleiman, for an immersive Milky Way photography workshop deep in Everglades National Park. This experience is curated for a small group of only ten participants and explores some of the park’s darkest skies as we travel from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center through Long Pine Key and Pa-hay-okee, with the potential of addition roadside stop while time allows.
Pre‑Workshop Online Preparation
Your workshop begins three days prior with a live online preparation class. During this session, Anthony will guide you through what to expect in the field, review essential camera gear and recommended settings, explain key photography concepts, and answer questions so you arrive confident, prepared, and ready to shoot.
In‑Field Experience
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the group will meet at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center at 12:00 AM before departing into the park. As we move through the locations of the workshop, Anthony will provide hands‑on instruction and live demonstrations focused on night and astrophotography, including:
- Planning and composition for Milky Way scenes
- Understanding and applying the exposure triangle at night
- Accurate night‑sky focusing techniques
- Single‑exposure Milky Way images
- Time‑lapse photography
- Advanced methods such as panoramas and image stacking
This workshop is more than a technical lesson—it is an opportunity to escape, experience, and photograph the Everglades after dark and the unforgettable setting for capturing the Milky Way rising above the landscape.
Program Details
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Live online meeting to review camera gear, discuss settings and expectations, and answer participant questions
Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM: Meet at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and depart for guided Milky Way photography.
Return: Participants will return to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center around 4:00 AM following the workshop.
About Your Instructor:
Anthony Sleiman, is a photographer and visual storyteller based in Miami, specializing in nightscapes, landscapes, and adventure photography. For the past seven years, he has been documenting the Everglades at night, capturing the beauty of Florida’s wild places and the stories they hold.
His work is more than just photography. It’s about connection. Whether it’s the quiet solitude of the Everglades under a starry sky or the thrill of exploring remote landscapes, He strives to create images that inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world. In his career he has partnered with renowned organizations such as Everglades National Park, the Everglades Foundation, Polarpro, Tamron, Fujifilm, OM System and others to highlight the importance of conservation through visual storytelling.
When he is not behind the camera, you’ll probably find him deep in the Everglades, sitting under the night sky, enjoying the silence.
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This program will be meeting at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the first visitor center to the right after the Everglades National Park sign, before the entrance gate.
For accurate directions, please enter the following into your GPS:
“Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center”Upon arrival, please check-in with your Institute Naturalist and Instructor outside the visitor center by the flagpole. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
At the start of the program, the visitor center will not yet be open. Be sure to bring everything you will need for the day with you upon arrival. Restrooms are available outside the visitor center.
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- This program will be meeting at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034.Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the first visitor center to the right after the Everglades National Park sign, before the entrance gate.For accurate directions, please enter the following into your GPS:
“Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center”Upon arrival, please check-in with your Institute Naturalist and Instructor outside the visitor center by the flagpole. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.At the start of the program, the visitor center will not yet be open. Be sure to bring everything you will need for the day with you upon arrival. Restrooms are available outside the visitor center.
- This program will be meeting at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034.Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the first visitor center to the right after the Everglades National Park sign, before the entrance gate.For accurate directions, please enter the following into your GPS:
- This program will be meeting at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034.Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is the first visitor center to the right after the Everglades National Park sign, before the entrance gate.For accurate directions, please enter the following into your GPS:
“Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center”Upon arrival, please check-in with your Institute Naturalist and Instructor outside the visitor center by the flagpole. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.At the start of the program, the visitor center will not yet be open. Be sure to bring everything you will need for the day with you upon arrival. Restrooms are available outside the visitor center.
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The following gear is required for the workshop:
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera with full manual settings
- Sturdy tripod and remote shutter release
- Wide-angle lens (e.g., 14-24mm or 16-35mm)
- Medium zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm)
- Telephoto lens (150-600mm or similar range)
- Camera bag to safely transport all equipment
- Headlamp for night photography
- Glow-in-the-dark tape for marking your tripod in the dark
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This is a non-remote area of the park. Restrooms will be available; however, nearby stores may not be open early in the morning. We recommend bringing the following items:
• Snacks
• Sun protection, such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• A reusable water bottle and additional water (a water jug will be available for refills)
• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Layers, including an extra jacket or sweater
• Mosquito repellent
This is a nighttime trip to a remote area of the Everglades, so coming prepared is essential. Bring enough snacks and water for 4 hours.
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle, and water (a water jug will be available for refills)
- Closed toed shoes
- Long Pants
- Layers and extra jacket or sweater
- Mosquito repellent
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This is a non-remote area of the park. Restrooms will be available; however, nearby stores may not be open early in the morning. We recommend bringing the following items:
• Snacks
• Sun protection, such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• A reusable water bottle and additional water (a water jug will be available for refills)
• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Layers, including an extra jacket or sweater
• Mosquito repellent
-
This is a non-remote area of the park. Restrooms will be available; however, nearby stores may not be open early in the morning. We recommend bringing the following items:
• Snacks
• Sun protection, such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• A reusable water bottle and additional water (a water jug will be available for refills)
• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Layers, including an extra jacket or sweater
• Mosquito repellent
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Please note that the park entrance fee is not included in this program. If you do not possess an Annual National Parks Pass, we ask that you obtain a Park Entrance pass to gain access to the park on the day of the workshop. The Park Entrance fee grants you access to the park for 7 consecutive days. You can conveniently purchase your pass through the NPS Website or at the entrance gate.
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This program is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up with some prior photography experience.
All minors must be accompanied by a participating adult.
To help us make your trip safe and enjoyable, please include a note in your reservation or notify your naturalist privately if any of the following apply to you:
- Recent surgeries
- Back injuries
- Medical conditions or allergies
- Pregnancy
- Any other health or safety concerns we should be aware of
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No printing is necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. For paddling activities there are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through an email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
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How difficult is this trip?
This is a moderate adventure. While some hiking is required, participants should be comfortable walking in the dark and carrying personal items.
Do I need prior photography experience?
Yes. This is an intermediate-level photography program curated for participants with some prior photography experience. The workshop expands on the basics of night photography, while experienced photographers can practice advanced techniques with personalized guidance.
What about bathrooms and facilities?
There are restrooms at the Ernest F Coe Visitor Center. However, bathroom availability throughout the program my fluctuate depending on the locations chosen for the photography workshop.
What will the weather be like?
Be prepared for layers, as program comes closer, naturalist and lead photographer will have a better idea on what they will recommend to wear.
How many people will be in the group?
This workshop is limited to 10 participants.
Can children join the program?
This program is open to participants ages 12 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to pay the park entrance fee?
Yes. Park entrance fees are not included in your program cost and must be purchased separately. A 7-day pass can be purchased online in advance through the National Park Service website.
What wildlife might I see on this trip?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, during this program there may be some chances to capture nocturnal wildlife.
When would this trip be canceled?
Trips may be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions like high winds, lightning, or heavy rain. If the tour is canceled, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a refund. Photography workshops are prone to be rescheduled even due to cloud conditions, please keep an eye on emails from us about potential rescheduling. Please see our cancellation policy for more details.