GRAND STAIRCASE ESCALANTE
WILDLY DARK SKIES
Prepare to be whisked away from the city lights into a realm where darkness reigns supreme. We're talking about a place so alien, even E.T. would be like, "Whoa, dudes!" It's like stepping onto another planet, where slot canyons are intricately carved and arches defy the laws of gravity. Yep, you'll be feeling more like an astronaut than a photographer.
TRIP DATES
MAY 13TH TO 17TH, 2026
These dates were chosen specifically to capture the incredibly dark skies of this area
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to a small group of 10 students with 3 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. Most hikes are 2-6 miles through rocky or sandy terrain.
MILKY WAY
This workshop takes place in the darkest skies we've ever been in. Perfect for capturing the Milky Way.
DEEP SPACE
Take your astrophotography to the next level by learning how to capture some deep space images.
TWO SPECIAL EVENTS
We have a Star Wars themed shoot planned for May the 4th, followed by a Cinco de Mayo party, street tacos for all!
OVERLANDING
These locations are in true desert wilderness. Camping near locations allows more time for photos.
THIS WORKSHOP
IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Explore in your very own overlanding rig. Don't have an overlanding vehicle? Let us help you find one.
Many of the photography locations in this workshop are hidden in a vast system of backcountry trails in the Desert.
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
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
DEEP SPACE
PHOTOGRAPHY
While we love capturing the beauty of earthly landscapes under the starry night sky, we also believe it's high time to take your camera to infinity and beyond. Our deep space photography session isn't just an ordinary stargazing experience; it's an intergalactic adventure where we'll teach you how to capture the majesty of celestial wonders.
It's more than just pointing your camera at the sky and pressing a button. While most photographers are chasing after starry skies, you will be discovering the universe with your lens, because as they say, the sky's not the limit - it's just the beginning!
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 your future favorite teachers ever!
JESS SANTOS
RYAN OSWALD
IAN LAUER
PRE & POST
ZOOM SESSIONS
Prior to the start of the workshop, we will hold a zoom classroom session. We only get to visit each photography location once and we want you to be fully prepared to capture the best images possible.
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Following our time in the field, we will come back together for a post workshop, epic edit session, each instructor will walk you through their entire editing process and the best news is you get to sit back and learn, everything is screen recorded for you to review at your own pace.
GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE
NEAREST AIRPORT
You will want to fly into
LAS VEGAS or ST. GEORGE AIRPORT, arrive before 10am.
MEETING LOCATION
We meet in the town of Escalante, Utah (4.5hr Drive from Las Vegas Airport)
4X4 REQUIRED
These are backcountry roads, this means a high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
BREAKFAST
& DINNER
Leave the cooking up to us, breakfast and dinner are provided on this workshop in true camping style.
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
TRAVEL INSURANCE
With any adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies
OVERLAND VEHICLE RENTAL
If you do not own you own overlanding rig, please contact us to assist in securing a capable vehicle. No previous dirt road driving experience is required. We will show you the way.
Due to liability, rental and insurance agreements, clients will be responsible for fees and paperwork related to the rental vehicles. If you have your own overlanding rig this does not apply. Rental fees are NOT included in the tuition cost of the workshop and can range from $199 - $300 per day.
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, not two but three 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. We'll help you improve those skills you've been neglecting faster than you can say "Houston, we have a problem".
