Creative. Empowered. Fearless.
Death Valley Workshop
About this Workshop | Other Workshops
Discover Your Creative Potential
Experience the dramatic landscapes of Death Valley National Park during a hands-on landscape photography workshop for photographers of all skill levels. From sweeping sand dunes and colorful badlands to rugged mountains, salt flats, and vast desert vistas, you’ll learn to create compelling images while exploring some of the park’s most photogenic locations.
Limited to a small group (up to 6 photographers), this workshop offers personalized instruction during the best available light, from golden hour through sunset and blue hour. You’ll strengthen your skills in composition, exposure, natural light, long exposures, and photographing both expansive landscapes and intimate desert details while learning how to recognize exceptional photographic opportunities in the field.
Whether you’re building a strong foundation or refining your technique, you’ll leave with greater confidence, new creative skills, and memorable images from one of California’s most extraordinary desert landscapes.
Workshop Includes
Here’s what’s waiting for you
- Small group instruction (up to 6 photographers)
- Personalized coaching throughout the workshop
- Landscape composition techniques
- Camera settings for changing light conditions
- Long exposure photography
- Filters and creative exposure techniques
- Sunset and blue-hour photography
- Night photography instruction (seasonal)
- Image review and field critiques
- Post-processing recommendations and workflow discussion
- Does not include lodging or meals
Recommended Equipment
Here’s what You'll need
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Wide-angle and mid-range zoom lenses
- Sturdy tripod
- Polarizing and neutral density filters (optional)
- Extra batteries and memory cards
- Headlamp with red-light mode
- Comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Our schedule
day 1 afternoon/evening
Meet-Up | Shooting Prep | On-Location
We'll begin with introductions, a workshop overview, and a review of camera settings, gear, and techniques for photographing Death Valley's unique desert environment. From there, we'll head into the field for our first session, photographing sweeping vistas, sculpted badlands, sand dunes, or salt formations as the afternoon light transitions through golden hour, sunset, and blue hour.
day 2 morning
On-Location
We'll meet before sunrise and travel to a carefully selected location based on weather, conditions, and the best available light. Our morning session will focus on composition, exposure, textures, patterns, and working with changing light as sunrise reveals the colors, shapes, and dramatic scale of the Death Valley landscape.
day 2 mid-Day
Editing | Image Review | Discussion
After our morning shoot, we'll take a break from the field for image review and post-processing instruction. We'll discuss image selection, composition, exposure, color, and creative choices, with particular attention to editing high-contrast desert scenes while preserving natural textures and tonal detail. This is also an opportunity for individual feedback, questions, and discussion before returning to the field.
day 2 afternoon/evening
On-Location
We'll return to the field for an extended afternoon and evening session at locations selected for the day's conditions and light. We'll explore new compositions among Death Valley's dunes, badlands, salt flats, mountains, and expansive desert vistas while photographing through golden hour, sunset, and blue hour. Depending on conditions, we'll continue after dark with astrophotography instruction beneath Death Valley's exceptionally dark skies.
day 3 morning/Wrap-Up
On-Location
Our final session begins before sunrise at another carefully selected Death Valley location, providing an opportunity to apply the techniques covered throughout the workshop while receiving individualized guidance in the field. Following the morning shoot, we'll wrap up with final questions, discussion, and recommendations for continuing to refine your landscape photography and creative approach.
Behind the lens: previous workshops
Investment - $1000 per Photographer
FAQ
What skill level is required for the workshop?
Workshops are designed for photographers of all experience levels, from beginners learning camera fundamentals to experienced photographers looking to refine their composition, technique, and creative approach. Instruction is tailored to each participant’s experience and goals.
What camera equipment should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle and/or standard zoom lens, sturdy tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, and appropriate camera bag are recommended. A detailed equipment and packing list will be provided before the workshop.
How physically demanding is the workshop?
Most locations involve short walks or moderate hikes over uneven natural terrain while carrying photography equipment. Specific physical requirements vary by workshop and location, and participants will receive detailed information beforehand so they can prepare accordingly.
What happens if the weather or conditions aren't ideal?
Weather and changing conditions are part of landscape photography. Rather than relying on a fixed itinerary, locations and shooting times may be adjusted to take advantage of the best available light, weather, seasonal conditions, and photographic opportunities.
Spots are limited — secure your seat today
Ready to grow as a photographer and create images you love?
Location
Death Valley
Date
December 13-15, 2027
Book your spot! $1000 per photographer.