Astrophotography Program
“I think this immersive experience of everyone staying under one roof, sharing meals, sharing chill time and of course sharing the incredible surroundings and nature made things especially memorable and comfortable. I’m just beginning my journey of healing and working on my mental health, but this trip helped reinforce that I’m not alone.”
INTRO TO Astrophotography
FOR COMBAT VETERANS PROGRAM
The CreatiVets Astrophotography Program combines the therapeutic aspects of art with the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. This unique program teaches veterans the art and science of astrophotography, enabling them to capture stunning images of celestial objects. The process of photographing the night sky serves as a meditative and calming activity, helping veterans manage stress, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. While CreatiVets offers this program to all veterans, the Native American veteran population also faces the highest rates of suicide in the United States. This program was designed to help reach this population from a cultural perspective, helping them find identity, ancestry, and community.
The program includes workshops on photography techniques, equipment use, astronomy, and image processing, along with opportunities for participants to share their work in exhibitions and online platforms. By focusing on the vastness and beauty of the universe, veterans gain a new perspective on their place in the world, contributing to their emotional well-being. This program is hosted in partnership with Spear 3 Photography, NASA and McDonald Observatory in beautiful locations such as Moab, Utah, Fort Davis, Texas, and Yellowstone National Park.
Veteran photos
Captured by our veterans—real moments from the CreatiVets Astrophotography Program.
Bobby Grey – RVR – Day 3 Sunset
Bobby Grey – RVR – MW Trees
Delvin Yazzie – Landscape2.0
Dusk Telescope distance
George Hamilton – Moon
George Hamilton – Rocket
Pollution (1 of 1)
Prada (1 of 1)
Ryan Drzyzga – RVR – night
Simon Butusov – Radio Star #2
