Lodging

Stay at the nicest accommodations Hanksville, Utah has to offer with comfortable beds and clean rooms.

Whispering Sand Motel
90 UT-95
Hanksville, UT 84734

Delicious Homemade Food

Don’t worry about packing a cooler. We’ll take care of everything! Just come hungry and ready to eat. Includes three meals a day, water, and snacks. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included.

Sight-Seeing Excursions

Are you interested in exploring the area around Goblin Valley? Come with us to explore Capitol Reef and the Bullfrog area of Lake Powell, so you can scout for future trips.

Hands-on Editing Sessions

You’ll get full access to the RAW image files I use in every course, so you can follow along step-by-step and practice with the exact data I’m working with. No guesswork — just clarity as your results match mine in real time. These full Milky Way sequences would take days to capture on your own, but they’re included for free.

On-Site Milky Way Photography Workshops

Join our private community for live Q&A sessions, expert feedback, and year-round support. Stay inspired, ask questions, and grow alongside other passionate Milky Way photographers.

Online Course: Milky Way in Motion

Learn the exact system for capturing jaw-dropping Milky Way photos and smooth, cinematic time-lapses with the gear you already own. From planning the perfect night to mastering focus, exposure, composition, and editing, you’ll learn everything step-by-step in a simple, weekend-ready format that guarantees results.

Bonus: Friends Photo Shoot in a nearby National Park

Meet up at Arches or Capitol Reef with your new friends and Carly for an optional, unguided photoshoot of the Milky Way.

NOCTURNA Retreat Terms & Conditions

Last updated: [01.01.2026]

By registering for NOCTURNA, you are reserving a limited-capacity spot in a carefully curated retreat. These terms exist to ensure clarity, fairness, and a positive experience for everyone involved.

By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

About NOCTURNA

NOCTURNA is a women-only, all-inclusive Milky Way photography retreat hosted by Carly Stocks of Dark Sky Utah. The retreat is intentionally designed to support comfort, confidence, creativity, and connection, particularly when photographing at night in remote desert environments.

To support the experience behind the scenes, Carly’s husband, Tim Stocks, will be onsite handling meals, logistics, and operational details. He does not participate in instruction or creative sessions and works primarily in the background.

Participation & Expectations

• NOCTURNA is open to women only, age 18 and older.

• Participants are expected to be respectful, kind, and supportive of one another.

• The retreat environment is collaborative and pressure-free.

• The organizers reserve the right to remove any participant whose behavior compromises the safety, comfort, or experience of others. In such cases, no refund will be issued.

What’s Included

Your registration includes:

• Lodging at Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville, Utah

• All meals and snacks during the guided retreat

• Nighttime Milky Way photography sessions

• Daytime editing and learning sessions

• Pre-retreat preparation calls

• Access to Milky Way in Motion, Carly’s online course

Airfare, rental cars, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.

Payment Terms

• A non-refundable deposit of $650 is required to secure your spot.

• The remaining balance is due 90 days before the retreat start date.

• If the balance is not paid by the due date, your spot may be released and your deposit forfeited.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Because NOCTURNA is limited to just 8 participants and requires advance planning, the following cancellation policy applies:

• 120 or more days before retreat start: Full refund minus the $650 deposit

• 90–119 days before retreat start: 50% refund of the total retreat fee (deposit remains non-refundable)

• 60–89 days before retreat start: 25% refund of the total retreat fee (deposit remains non-refundable)

• Within 60 days of retreat start: No refund unless your spot is filled at full price. If filled, you will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee.

You may transfer your spot to another eligible participant at any time prior to the retreat with written notice.

If NOCTURNA is canceled by the organizers, you may choose a full refund or apply your payment toward a future retreat.

We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

Travel & Transportation

• Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Hanksville, Utah.

• A rental car is required if flying.

• Group carpooling will be used for excursions.

• Some optional locations may require high-clearance vehicles.

Health, Safety & Personal Responsibility

NOCTURNA includes nighttime outdoor activities in remote desert environments.

By participating, you understand and accept that:

• Terrain may be uneven and visibility may be limited at night

• Weather conditions can change

• Photography sessions may involve standing or walking for extended periods

You agree to participate at your own pace and take responsibility for your health, safety, and personal belongings.

Dietary Needs

We will accommodate dietary restrictions where reasonably possible. If you have severe or complex dietary needs, you must contact us prior to the retreat to confirm accommodations.

Photography & Media Use

By attending, you grant permission for photographs or video taken during the retreat to be used for promotional or educational purposes unless you notify us in writing prior to the retreat.

Final Acknowledgment

By completing your registration, you confirm that:

• You have read and understand these terms

• You agree to the payment and cancellation policies

• You understand the nature of the activities involved

• You accept responsibility for your participation

If you have questions before booking, we encourage you to reach out.