Geometric stress ridges on salt flats at Sunset in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley 2024 Photographic Tour and Workshop

February 12-16, 2024

Death Valley — stark, beautiful, and a photographer’s paradise. Desert light is unlike any other, and the play of that light on the sand dunes, mud, and badlands offers up endless possibilities to exercise and develop your creativity. Winter is an ideal time to visit Death Valley because temperatures are  moderate and days are shorter so several days spent photographing is not as fatiguing — the weary do get some rest!!

There are iconic scenes to be photographed and endless potential scenes of your own design. The thrust of the workshop is on creativity, composition, and the use of light. Looking photographically at a sand dune field for the first time can be bewildering. Organizing the chaos into a beautiful image is the task at hand and it is my job to help you do that better.  Let’s look deeper than the pretty postcard scene to find that vision, that special unique image that is yours alone. Come learn how to “make, not take” photographs. Come join me for a fun-filled trip to the desert where we will explore my favorite places which will quickly become yours as well. Death Valley has color both bold and subtle and lends itself well to black and white as well; indeed, the first classic scenes were all black and white.

Who should come?

This is a tour/workshop for intermediate to advanced photographers who want to grow in their craft. A working knowledge of your camera is essential — menus, knobs — all that stuff in the manual. Bring a pdf on your phone for reference in the field and the hotel in case you are having trouble recalling all 500 pages. I was a large format photographer for many years; you are welcome if you are using film of any format.

Physical requirements.

Anyone who is of average fitness can do this trip regardless of age.  Some locations are almost drive-up while others require some walking. The sand dunes are a core attraction for any Death Valley trip and a typical outing in the Dunes is about a 2-mile roundtrip with about half of that being stop-and-go. Sand is annoying to walk in, but a slow measured pace gets the job done. A typical pack in the dunes would be one body with a long-range zoom – a 100-400 or 500mm or equivalent is ideal for creating the kind of compression that makes all the curves and lines come together. A wider angle view is sometimes called for. Not sure about focus stacking? You will be an expert after this trip. A tripod, water bottle, and perhaps a sweater or jacket to layer up when we stop for a while completes the outfit. You can bring more stuff if you can carry it, and wider focal lengths will give a different look, but you have to carry the extra weight. Generally, we hike in while it is dark to be at the first shooting location when it is barely light enough to focus, photographing with the twilight glow and then the progression of light, finishing up with black and white monochrome abstract opportunities at the end of the session. Usually, between 2 and 3 hours after actual sunrise we are done and headed back in for breakfast.

Other first-light locations are less demanding and can be a drive-up like Zabriskie Point or Dante’s View. The evening can be in the dunes, the salt flats, or one of several other target-rich locations. Some of those require hiking as well, generally about a mile each way, flat but with uneven ground. The clear night skies can offer additional opportunities for those interested depending on how much sleep you require.

Details

Furnace Creek will be our base of operations; the rooms are more comfortable, and the food is better. There is no perfect place to stay; Stovepipe is closest to the Mesquite Flats while Furnace Creek is closer to multiple other locations. With enough advance notice, if the group is in agreement, we could switch. We will meet on the afternoon of February 12th for introductions and orientation, followed by an evening session nearby. We will then have 5 full days of photography, photographing where conditions offer the most promise. The extra time on this workshop gives us a cushion against sub-par weather conditions, and the option for a bit of time away from photography at your discretion. The workshop officially ends after evening light on February 16th. While conceived as a field workshop, we can spend as much time as you like processing and discussing things like focus stacking.

Tuition

This workshop is offered at $1,495 and includes my services for the duration of the workshop.

Group size limited to 4 to facilitate personal attention and reduce impact to sensitive areas.

Lodging, meals, and transportation not included.

A block of rooms are being held at Furnace Creek in my name. There is a campground immediately across the road for those so inclined.

Covid vaccination required for attendance

Rapid test just prior to arrival if sharing a room or vehicle suggested.