Current Workshop Offerings

Death Valley & the Alabama Hills

Out on the dunes, a sandstorm was building—wind tearing across the ridges, lifting veils of dust into the sky. As I steadied myself against the gusts, the sun broke through the western edge of a passing cloud front, casting an otherworldly beam of golden light across the valley floor. The contrast was astonishing: deep shadows beneath my feet, and a blazing wall of light igniting the distant hills. I knew I had only moments before the light vanished into the storm haze. Shooting in these conditions is both chaotic and exhilarating, but when light and land converge like this, it becomes something more—an elemental kind of magic.

Feb 23 - Mar 1, 2026 - Group size: 7 - 10

Embark on an unforgettable photographic journey through two of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world: Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada. This hands-on, immersive experience is designed for photographers who want to push their creative limits while capturing iconic, remote landscapes in all their raw, unfiltered beauty. Whether you're chasing the perfect light, capturing the play of light on the dunes, or diving into the nuances of post-processing, this trip will leave you with an incredible portfolio and unforgettable memories.

Why This Experience Is One-of-a-Kind:

  • Chasing Light & Weather: Every day will bring new opportunities to adapt to the conditions, ensuring you never miss the perfect shot, whether it’s the golden glow of sunrise or the stormy drama of a high-altitude peak.
  • Location-Driven Adventure: Death Valley’s otherworldly badlands and salt flats offer endless creative possibilities, while the Sierra Nevada’s rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows provide a stunning contrast in texture and color.
  • Comprehensive Photography & Editing: This isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about transforming those moments into masterpieces. With hands-on editing sessions and personalized feedback, you’ll elevate your photography from concept to final image.

Additional Highlights:

  • Golden & Blue Hour Sessions: The best light of the day, captured in the most dramatic, beautiful locations. You’ll learn how to make the most of every fleeting moment.
  • A Complete Portfolio: By the end of the trip, you’ll have an album full of diverse, breathtaking images—from sweeping landscapes to intimate, close-up shots that capture the spirit of the Sierra and Death Valley.

What You’ll Take Away:

By the end of this incredible journey, you’ll leave not only with a portfolio of awe-inspiring images but with a new level of confidence in your photography. You'll gain valuable skills in capturing and processing stunning landscapes, along with memories of two of the most visually spectacular locations on Earth.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Whether you're a seasoned pro or an eager enthusiast, this tour promises to elevate your photography, challenge your creativity, and immerse you in the wild beauty of these two iconic locations. Come join us for an unforgettable experience you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Travel and Accommodations

Las Vegas is home to McCarran International Airport (LAS), which is a 2.5-hour drive from Stovepipe Wells. Los Angeles (LAX) is about a 4.5-hour drive away.

Both hotel and camping accommodations are available for the workshop.

A standard rental vehicle will be sufficient for the workshop, though a high-clearance vehicle may be helpful. Once the workshop begins, we will organize carpools to and from most locations within the park.

Physical Dificulty

There will be no strenuous hiking during the workshop, and most locations will be easily accessible from the road. However, some locations may require a short hike of approximately one mile each way, with minimal elevation gain. Please note that walking in sand dunes can be more strenuous due to the soft, uneven ground. Participants should be able to comfortably carry all their camera equipment for up to 3-4 miles.

We will spend a lot of time outdoors shooting in late winter conditions. Daytime temperatures in the desert during winter can vary significantly. It is essential that participants come prepared for outdoor winter activities, with plenty of warm layers, hats, mittens, good outerwear, and warm boots. A moderate level of health and fitness will greatly enhance your experience.

In a remote corner of Death Valley, far from the crowds and paved roads, I found this ancient Joshua tree standing sentinel beneath a sky streaked with pastel light. The sun had just set behind the mountains, leaving a soft afterglow that lingered like a quiet farewell. I composed the image to let the silhouette of the tree lead into the frame, its twisted limbs echoing the rugged lines of the ridgeline beyond. This forest felt timeless—wild, weathered, and sacred. Moments like this remind me that the desert holds more than just heat and emptiness; it holds presence, story, and grace in the fading light.
In the quiet wilds of Owens Valley, late winter blurs into early spring with a palette both muted and rich. I was drawn to this tapestry of texture—sagebrush, willows, and bare cottonwoods layered like brushstrokes in a desert painting. The soft light just before sunrise revealed an unexpected spectrum: icy lavender reeds, pale golden grasses, and hints of emerging green. Standing here, I felt time stretching between seasons—the stillness of dormancy slowly giving way to life. Photographing this scene was less about grand vistas and more about the quiet beauty found in subtle transitions.