Photo Journals

Death Valley & Alabama Hills Winter Photography Workshop

Where desert light meets dramatic stone

Few landscapes in North America rival the stark beauty and raw drama of Death Valley National Park and the nearby Alabama Hills of California’s Eastern Sierra. In late February, these desert icons are at their finest—temperatures are comfortable, light is crisp and golden, and the crowds of peak season are nowhere to be found.

My Death Valley & Alabama Hills Winter Photography Workshop is designed to immerse you in this extraordinary region, guiding you to its most photogenic locations at the perfect times of day, while teaching the techniques needed to craft bold, evocative images.

Why Winter in Death Valley & the Alabama Hills?

Death Valley

Badwater Basin: Endless salt flats create striking patterns for wide-angle and abstract photography. In winter, moisture from seasonal rains often transforms the flats into reflective mirrors at sunrise and sunset.
Zabriskie Point & Golden Canyon: Iconic badlands lit by soft morning light—perfect for exploring texture, depth, and color contrast.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Windswept shapes, delicate ridges, and the interplay of light and shadow offer opportunities for both minimalist and dramatic compositions.
Artist’s Palette: Vibrant mineral-rich hills glow with pastel tones under evening light.

Alabama Hills

Arch Rock & Mobius Arch: Natural stone windows framing the Sierra Nevada, including the towering summit of Mt. Whitney.
Granite Boulders & Sierra Backdrop: Dawn light ignites the snow-covered Sierra crest behind golden rock formations.
Night Photography: Dark skies over the Eastern Sierra provide a chance to explore long exposures and star-filled compositions.

Opportunities & Techniques

Working with Patterns & Textures: Learn to see and compose with repeating forms in salt flats, sand dunes, and badlands.
Light & Shadow Play: Harness the low winter sun to sculpt dunes, rocks, and canyons.
Wide vs. Telephoto Landscapes: Explore the sweeping desert with wide lenses and compress distant peaks with telephoto perspectives.
Creative Approaches: Minimalism, abstract details, and black-and-white conversions to highlight the stark desert forms.
Post-Processing: Classroom sessions will focus on enhancing desert light, working with subtle tones, and preparing fine-art quality images.

Why Join This Workshop?

Local Expertise & Timing: I’ve spent years exploring these landscapes and know exactly when and where to be for the best light.
Small Group Size: Limited participants ensure personal attention, tailored instruction, and a collaborative environment.
Balanced Schedule: Sunrise and sunset field sessions, flexible midday breaks, and classroom critiques/editing.
Portfolio Growth: Come away with a collection of images that showcase the diversity and drama of the desert in winter.

Winter transforms the desert into a photographer’s playground—soft light, unique conditions, and endless creative possibilities. This workshop is your chance to experience Death Valley and the Alabama Hills at their best while developing skills and techniques that will stay with you long after the trip.