2026 Spring - OM System Mentorship Program Reunion - Davis Mountains

Join OM System Ambassador Lee Hoy in his home region photographing star trails in the Fort Davis, Texas region in March 2026 which would be a superb opportunity—this is high desert country at altitude with some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, especially around McDonald Observatory and the Davis Mountains. The air tends to be crisp and dry, which helps reduce atmospheric distortion. Typical March evenings offer mild to cool nights, so you’ll need warm layers.

Late winter to early spring means nights are still fairly long, so you’ll have extended hours of darkness. Moon phases matter—late-March finds the moon at waxing crescent where it rises early in the day and sets early to mid-night. This will afford some light on our foreground without being too bright for awesome star trails. The region benefits from very low light pollution thanks to protected dark-sky status (including part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve) and active lighting control efforts.

You’ll want a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens (preferably fast, f/2.8 or faster if possible), remote shutter release (or intervalometer), and to set for long exposures. Framing with interesting foregrounds—silhouetted mountains, observatory domes, or trees—can give your star trails more impact. In short: cold night, very dark skies, long exposure—picture perfect conditions for star trail photography with live composite.

NOTE: This workshop is only available for those who have or are currently participating in Part 1 or Part 3 of the OM System Mentorship Program.