SPRING IN ARIZONA
BLOOMS, WILDLIFE + MILKY WAY
Join us for a photography workshop that's a wild and offbeat desert fiesta, a whirlwind photographic adventure where wildflowers, wild wildlife and the Milky Way collide in an energizing display, such a great way to kick off Milky Way Season. Water is a powerful thing in the Sonoran Desert, every year us Arizonans catch spring fever.
This is a perfect time to capture unique cactus blooms sprouting from our spiky friends, and trust us they don’t like hugs. Then, turn your lens to the curious wild horses, who seem to be saying, "Eat your heart out, unicorns." And if we are lucky we’ll catch some regal feathered friends you might not expect, burrowing owls and bald eagles. Finally as sunlight fades and night falls, prepare to be spellbound by the Milky Way streaking across the sky. This is spring in Arizona, an epic blend of earthly and astronomical beauty.
TRIP DATES
APRIL 14TH TO 19TH, 2026
These dates were chosen specifically to capture the wildflowers in peak bloom
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to a small group of 8 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives 1:1 attention.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This photography workshop is open to all experience levels, from beginner to advanced all are welcome.
HIKING
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 3 miles) through Rocky or sandy terrain.
WILDFLOWERS
Water in the desert is powerful. Causing the various cacti to bloom for a limited time, creating visual stunning images.
MILKY WAY
Focusing on how we can use compositional tools with the Milky Way to take your storytelling to the next level.
WILDLIFE
Learn how to safely and effectively photograph wild horses, burrowing owls and even bald eagles (if we're lucky).
UNIQUE CAPTURES
This time of year in Arizona offers unique opportunities for stills and timelapses, bring a second camera if you have one!
WILDLIFE &
WILDFLOWERS
Photographing wild horses and wildflowers in Arizona is like trying to capture a live-action postcard. As the desert awakens, the wildflowers sprout from their spiked cactus beds and the wild horses, with their windswept manes and carefree attitudes, prance around like they’re starring in an equine documentary. Even the usually stoic mountains seem to be showing off a bit more green, as if to say, "Look, I can be lush too!"
Try not to trip over a cactus while you're getting that perfect shot. It's all part of the wild, wonderful chaos of nature’s own version of the Wild Wild West.
DAY 1
Meet & Greet, Sunset, Blue Hour, Milky Way
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Our workshop begins at 2:00pm with a meet and greet at the Grand Canyon Northern Rim Lodge. Head out for sunset and blue hour. With any luck, we’ll catch some stormy weather during sunset light. After we will photograph the starry night sky.
DAY 2
Sunrise, Classroom Session, Sunset, Blue Hour, Stars
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Start your day photographing a monsoon storm rolling through the Grand Canyon. After sunrise, our first classroom session begins. After class, we pack our camera gear to adventure out for our last sunset, and Milky Way fun at the Grand Canyon.
DAY 3
Sunset, Blue Hour, Milky Way
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After checking out of the hotel, we’ll head out to our last location, one of the most iconic places in Arizona to photograph. This location is a photographer’s playground, full of textures and landscapes, making for a night of shooting the sunset and stars.
DAY 4
Classroom Session, Sunset, Blue Hour, Stars
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We’ll be heading back out hoping the storms bring the opportunity for pristine pools of rain water to create mirror-like reflections in small pockets of the Arizona desert. During the night you will feel like you are photographing water on the moon.
DAY 5
Sunrise, Workshop Wrap Up
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Our last morning together will be spent at another Arizona icon, Horseshoe Bend. After shooting our last sunrise together, we will wrap up our time together over breakfast before saying our goodbyes.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
PLANNING YOUR SHOTS
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Scouting and evaluating conditions
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Composing an image to grab the viewers' attention
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Composing an image with a person in frame to tell a story
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Utilizing apps for more efficient planning
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Choosing the right lens and filters for the job
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How to shoot with a plan for editing
CAPTURING YOUR IMAGE
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How to capture intimate details and abstract images
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Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images
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Exposure control. how to use ISO, aperture and shutter speed in different scenarios
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Bracketing, Perspective blending and focus stacking
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Long Exposure, how to capture blue hour
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Creative uses of light at night
BRING THE IMAGE TO LIFE
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Lightroom & Photoshop, learn our post processing workflow
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Luminosity masks
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Dodging and Burning
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Understanding layers and masks
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Removing distractions
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Creating the orton glow and painting with light
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Build your social media presence, how to maximize engagement
PRE & POST
ZOOM SESSIONS
Before we hit the ground running, we'll have a virtual rendezvous on Zoom. Trust us, we're like ninjas when it comes to photography, and we only have one shot (pun intended) to capture the perfect shots. So, we want to make sure you're well-equipped and ready to rock 'n' roll!
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After we've done some serious shutter clicking, it's time for the main event! We're talking an epic editing session where each instructor will spill their secrets and show you how to turn your photos into masterpieces. And the best part? You get to kick back, relax, and soak it all in because we're recording everything for you to binge-watch at your leisure.
MEET THE TEAM
Our goal is to leave you confident, motivated and passionate about photography with a new set of ideas and perspective. Be sure to check out our ABOUT page to learn more about our guild masters and you future favorite teachers ever!
JESS SANTOS
RYAN OSWALD
GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE
NEAREST AIRPORT
You will want to fly into
PHOENIX AIRPORT, we suggest you arrive before Noon on the first day or the day before.
MEETING LOCATION
We will be meeting at our lodging accomodations in Phoenix, Arizona.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
ALL LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop and each person will have their own designated room.
PHOTOGRAPHY
INSTRUCTION
In field photography instruction, Post processing instruction and photo critiques are the best part!
PRE & POST
ZOOM SESSIONS
Spend more time in nature. Then come back to relive those moments with a session in the digital dark room.
NOT INCLUDED
TRANSPORTATION
Flights / car transportation are not included we are helping attendees source capable, fully equipped vehicles
MEALS & SNACKS
Meals will often be on the go as we chase light, you will be responsible for your own meals and snacks.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
With any adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies
RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
We've got limited space and it's filling up faster than a rocket launch, so make like a shooting star and be the first one to snag your spot. And don't worry, with not one, but TWO photography gurus at your beck and call, you'll have more one-on-one time than a astronaut stuck in the space station with their chatty roommate. They'll help you improve those skills you've been neglecting faster than you can say "Houston, we have a problem".
