May 3 - 7, 2026 - Group size: 6 - 10 ~ w/ Joseph Rossbach & Eric Bennett
$2,950.00
The badlands of the San Rafael Swell rank among my favorite places on Earth to photograph. With their dramatic folds, surreal color palettes, and striking natural patterns, they offer a dreamlike landscape that inspires creativity at every turn. Whether you're composing from a tripod with a telephoto lens or exploring aerial perspectives with a drone, the opportunities for compelling imagery are limitless. During this five-day workshop, Eric and I will guide you through some of our most cherished locations, sharing our techniques, insights, and creative process to help you express your unique photographic vision.
Workshop Logistics/What to Expect
For this workshop in the Badlands just outside of Hanksville, UT, you will need your own vehicle to get around. However, we highly encourage carpooling in order to lessen our impact and save on fuel and make it easier to find parking in smaller areas. On the first day, we will meet in the afternoon for opening presentations then head out to photograph the sunset. Days 2-4 will allow us to photograph both in the morning for sunrise and in the evening through sunset with some time during the day to rest and recharge. On day five, the workshop will conclude after photographing sunrise in time to check out from the hotel. Following the workshop, we will meet together over zoom for a group image review where Joseph and I will provide you with some feedback and editing suggestions for a few of your photographs taken during the workshop.
Since Eric and I are both very familiar with this area, we have plenty of must-see locations on the itinerary. However, we will remain flexible in order to make last minute decisions based on lighting and weather conditions in order to be in whichever spot we feel would be best. On some days, we will be photographing right next to our vehicles, and on others, we may hike out a little in order to get better perspectives. There will be very little elevation gain and our longest hike will likely be no more than 3 miles roundtrip. We also encourage you to bring your drone if you own one, although it is not necessary and there is plenty to photograph with just a DSLR and telephoto lens.
This workshop will be suitable for any photography skill level, whether you are just getting started or have been at it for a long time. If you are a beginner with a drone, this wide open expanse is the perfect place to learn without worrying about crashing into anything. We are both well experienced in teaching basic photo theory and camera settings. But really, what we are most passionate about is teaching our unique philosophies and approaches to nature photography, which will allow you to really think outside of the box to capture unique images regardless of the weather conditions. These badlands are a great place to experiment and explore your creativity!
LODGING & TRANSPORTATION
While the price of lodging is not included in the workshop, we will help facilitate affordable lodging in Hanksville where we have already blocked out hotel rooms for you. We will reach out with more details after you register. Of course, if you would prefer to camp instead, there are many dispersed camping areas on BLM land within close proximity to where we will be photographing.
Unless you are driving out in your own vehicle, for traveling to Hanksville where the workshop will be based, the nearest airports are Salt Lake City, UT: SLC (3 hour drive) or Grand Junction, CO: GJT (2 hour drive).
What’s included
- Photo Instruction
- Location Guiding
- Image Critique
- Post-Processing Instruction
What’s not included
- Drones/Camera Gear
- Lodging & Meals
- Transportation & Fuel
- Airfare/Visas/Insurance
Registration
A deposit of $850 USD is required to reserve your spot. All deposits are refundable, minus a $200 administrative fee, ifwe are able to fill your space. Cancellations must be made prior to final billing on February 3, 2026. After that date, all payments—including deposits—are only refundable, minus a $200 administrative fee, if we can fill your spot.
Travel Insurance
All attendees are highly encouraged to purchase trip insurance for the selected workshop to protect against unforeseen emergencies or circumstances that may necessitate cancellation. This includes, but is not limited to, natural disasters, health and safety issues, outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, illness, acts of God, or closures that may prevent or restrict the workshop from proceeding as scheduled and planned by Joseph Rossbach Photography and his associates. It is the participant’s sole responsibility to safeguard their payment(s) by securing appropriate travel insurance coverage.
Joseph Rossbach Photography will not be able to offer refunds or credits outside of the above listed registration details. Travel always carries some degree of risk, and it is your responsibility to protect your investment.
Many insurance companies offer reasonably priced plans that cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations — especially if you purchase a policy within 14 days of making your workshop deposit. While trip insurance is not included in your workshop fee, we highly recommend securing coverage. World Nomads, among other providers, is well-regarded by travelers for comprehensive protection.
