Workshops & Photo Tours

Utah Badlands Spring 2025 - 4/27-5/1


Utah Badlands Photo Workshop - 4/27-5/1, 2025

The Utah Badlands are a surreal and otherworldly landscape, featuring dramatic rock formations, vast plateaus, and unique geological features that will ignite your creativity as a photographer. This workshop is your chance to explore and capture the raw beauty of one of the most remote and stunning regions of the American Southwest. Our home base will be the small town of Hanksville, Utah, perfectly situated near Capitol Reef National Park, providing us with easy access to some of the most epic photographic opportunities in the area.

I am beyond excited to guide you through this extraordinary landscape, sharing with you the hidden gems and unique perspectives that this region has to offer. With each participant staying in their own private cabin, you'll have the perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the wild beauty of the Utah Badlands. This workshop is designed to be an unforgettable experience that not only enhances your photography skills but also leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.




Workshop Details


  • Cost: Single Occupancy - $3,450 | Double Occupancy - $2,950
  • Group Size: 4-6 participants
  • Skill Level: Amateur through professional
  • Activity Level: Moderate - Expect short walks on uneven terrain, with most locations accessible within 200 yards of our vehicle.
  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Location: Our photo adventure will cover key locations within the Utah Badlands, including the Capitol Reef area, Factory Butte, and other stunning landscapes.
  • Accommodations: (Provided) Each participant will stay in their own private cabin in Hanksville, Utah.
  • Transportation: (Provided) Transportation will be provided throughout the workshop in a comfortable, off-road-capable vehicle.
  • Getting to Hanksville: The best airport to fly into is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), approximately a 3-hour drive from Hanksville. I will create a “WhatsApp” group chat for the workshop once we finalize attendees, & we can then coordinate when everyone’s flights arrive and potential carpools to the cabins.






What's Included



  • Private cabin accommodations for 4 nights
  • Transportation throughout the workshop
  • Snacks & Drinks provided during the day
  • 5 days of professional photography instruction, guiding you to the most incredible pre-scouted locations during the optimal times of day
  • Optional Astrophotography sessions on clear nights
  • In-field Photography Instruction covering composition, camera settings, and advanced techniques
  • Classroom Sessions on editing using Lightroom & Photoshop
  • Image Critique & Post-Processing: We will review and edit your favorite photos from the trip together, covering essential topics such as:

    • Masking
    • Panoramic Stitching
    • HDR Stitching
    • Focus Stacking
    • Blending Skies with Foreground
    • Star Trail Blending
    • Basic image cleanup using Photoshop

  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: Capture and share the fun with images and footage of our group in action!



What's Not Included


  • Meals (Breakfast and lunch are on your own, with recommendations provided.)
  • Airfare to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
  • Transportation to Hanksville (Carpooling arrangements can be made via the WhatsApp group.)



Field & Classroom Instruction Includes:


  • Creating Visually Compelling Compositions: Learn how to balance elements within your frame.
  • Understanding Exposure: How to balance manual settings for each scene.
  • Advanced Technical Skills:

    • Focus Stacking
    • Exposure Bracketing
    • Panoramic Shooting

  • Lens & Focal Length Selection: Choosing the right lens for each scene.
  • Filter Techniques: Getting creative with ND and polarizing filters.
  • Depth & Atmosphere: How to create mood and emotion in your photos.
  • Scouting & Planning: Using apps like Photopills for location planning.
  • Smartphone Photography Tips: Maximizing the potential of your smartphone camera.
  • Lightroom & Photoshop Essentials:

    • Catalog Development & Organization
    • White Balance Correction
    • Dodging & Burning for Contrast
    • Local vs. Global Adjustments
    • Masking in Lightroom & Photoshop
    • Creating Depth & Atmosphere in Post-Processing
    • Preparing Images for Print and Web

Itinerary & What to Expect



  • Day 1: Arrival and meet-up at 3:00 PM at our accommodation in Hanksville. We'll have a brief orientation before heading out for our first sunset shoot.
  • Day 2-4: Early morning departures (between 4:30 AM and 6:00 AM) to capture sunrise at various locations. We'll return for breakfast and then either continue shooting or have classroom sessions. Evenings will be spent capturing sunset, followed by optional astrophotography sessions.
  • Day 5: A final sunrise shoot followed by a wrap-up session before checkout at noon.

Note: Locations will be chosen based on weather and light for the best possible photographic opportunities.


Recommended Photography Gear


  • Mirrorless or DSLR Camera
  • Lenses: Wide to telephoto range (16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm)
  • Tripod & Ballhead
  • Shutter Release Remote
  • Filters: ND and Polarizer
  • Laptop: For editing sessions, with Lightroom & Photoshop installed
  • Smartphone: With downloadable apps (Photopills, The Photographer’s Ephemeris)
  • Optional: Drone for aerial shots

Recommended Personal Gear

(Temperatures can vary widely, so be prepared for both warm and cool conditions.)


  • Layered Clothing: For warmth and adaptability
  • Waterproof Jacket & Pants
  • Hiking Boots
  • Hat & Gloves
  • Umbrella & Raincoat
  • Sunscreen & Sunglasses
  • Headlamp



Payment Terms


  • Deposit: A 50% deposit secures your spot.
  • Balance: Remaining 50% is due 60 days before the workshop.
  • Cancellation Policy:

    • Fully refundable 90 days prior to the workshop.
    • 50% refundable if canceled 60-89 days prior.
    • Non-refundable within 60 days unless your spot can be filled.