Death Valley Photography Workshops
Photo by Cole Sanada via iStock
I've been to Death Valley quite a few times over the years.
On some occasions, I was just visiting - it's quite the place to explore! But on other occasions, I wanted to try my hand at Death Valley photography.
I have the advantage of being from California and being a photographer, so I know a few of the photography hot spots around Death Valley. But what if you're unfamiliar with the area?
That's where a Death Valley photography workshop comes in...
Unless you know where to go (and when to go, for that matter), it can be a little overwhelming planning a photo expedition to Death Valley. Besides, it's a hot, unforgiving place, so planning a trip on your own can be a bit stressful - you want to ensure you have all the details of your trip locked down so that you're safe and have the opportunity to take some great photos.
If you visit Death Valley as part of a workshop, though, it's all planned out for you. All you need to do is bring your camera and enjoy the ride! Your tour guide will determine when and where to go so that you can walk away with the best possible shots.
Below, I've listed some top-notch Death Valley photography workshops. If you want to visit this area for a photography trip, one of these workshops will be just the right ticket.
Jeff Sullivan Photography Death Valley Photography Workshops
Jeff Sullivan Photography
Jeff Sullivan is a master landscape photographer who leads a variety of photography workshops, most of which are in the Great Basin area of Southern California and Nevada.
In fact, Jeff spent five years researching and writing a guidebook to photographing Southern California. That guide includes more than 40 locations for taking epic photos in Death Valley National Park. Jeff is currently working on a guide specific to the park that has more than 200 locatations (and counting!).
In other words, no one knows Death Valley like Jeff!
Jeff Sullivan Photography
Jeff has multiple Death Valley photography workshops for the 2021-2022
These workshops offer real-time guidance on photographing Death Valley. This includes feedback and instruction from Jeff, so you not only get to explore the most beautiful Death Valley photography spots, but you also get feedback to improve the photos you take.
Jeff personally leads his small group workshops (which are limited to 3-4 attendees). On your tour, you'll find that Jeff has planned every detail and timed each trip to take advantage of the beauty of the park, including spring wildflowers, Death Valley night photography, meteor showers, and more.
With dates throughout 2022, there's a Death Valley photography workshop that will fit any schedule!
Learn more about the Jeff Sullivan Photography Death Valley Photography Workshop
Creative Photo Academy Death Valley Adventure
Creative Photo Academy
Another top option for exploring Death Valley photography spots is the Creative Photo Academy Death Valley Adventure.
This workshop is scheduled for January 14-17, 2022, so time is running out to get registered!
This is certainly a workshop you don't want to miss. Led by Mark Comon, you'll get to explore the best locations around Death Valley National Park under the ideal lighting conditions to capture the best photos.
This workshop is all about learning by doing. You aren't there to listen to photography lectures all day long. Instead, you'll be out in the Park, getting guidance on the technical and artistic aspects of photography from Mark, and shooting the gorgeous landscapes you see before you.
During your time in Death Valley, you'll explore canyons, dry lake beds, sand dunes, and many other interesting features.
You'll have the opportunity to take photos in the early morning and late evening light, so spectacular golden hour photos await!
While you're there, you can enjoy learning your craft amongst like-minded colleagues in a small group setting. It's certainly a long weekend of Death Valley photography that you don't want to miss!
Learn more about the Creative Photo Academy Death Valley Adventure
Death Valley Photo Tours
Death Valley Photo Tours
Led by Michael Gordon, Death Valley Photo Tours offers you a holistic experience while exploring Death Valley National Park.
These workshops not only focus on capturing the images of a lifetime, but they are also a learning experience about photography, nature, wildlife, and the history of the area.
When describing Michael's tours, it's best to use the term "first-class experience." After all, you simply show up and Michael and his team take care of the rest!
Death Valley Photo Tours
Michael plans the tour itinerary, offers photographic expertise, and personally guides you from one location to the next inside Death Valley National Park.
Using more than 25 years of experience exploring this area, Michael will take you from one breathtaking location to the next, giving you the opportunity to capture incredible images of this incredible place.
Tours accommodate guests of all experience levels. You can opt for a three-day tour, a four-day tour, or a five-day tour if you like. You can also design a custom private tour!
Learn more about Death Valley Photo Tours
Jim Patterson Photography Death Valley Photography Workshop
Jim Patterson Photography
Though Jim Patterson resides in the Seattle area, he has spent most of his life in California. And with years of experience exploring the Death Valley area, he has the knowledge of the area and the photographic expertise to make a photography workshop well worth your while.
Jim's goal is to help you have that "a-ha" moment behind the lens. He helps facilitate that partly because of his knowledge of where and when you should be to capture the breathtaking beauty of Death Valley.
The other part of Jim's ability to help his students find success is his focus on explaining photographic theory and philosophy. He gives you the background you need to be successful, offers loads of examples to explain photographic topics, and offers on-the-spot feedback to help you understand what you're doing well and what you might need to work on to get the best images.
Jim Patterson Photography
In the context of a small group, you'll visit gorgeous Death Valley photography spots. Beginners will learn the basics of camera settings while more advanced students will focus on compositional techniques to improve their Death Valley photography.
Additionally, you'll explore many different areas of Death Valley, including heading out at night for night photography and light-painting, weather permitting.
Jim's next Death Valley photography workshop is coming up in March 2022, so head over to his website (linked below), sign up, and get ready!
Learn more about Jim Patterson Photography Death Valley Photography Workshop
TJ Thorne Wonders of Death Valley Landscape and Nature Photography Workshop
Photo by freebilly via iStock
This workshop is led by not one, but two world-class landscape photographers - TJ Thorne and Alex Noriega.
Together, TJ and Alex will guide you through a photographic experience unlike any other in Death Valley.
You'll begin by meeting at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley, which will serve as your base camp for making forays into the park. Subject matter for your Death Valley photography workshop will include badlands, mountains, canyons, sand dunes, and flats.
Of course, the itinerary is flexible to allow for changing weather and light, so you can be assured of being in the right place at the right time to capture the endless beauty of Death Valley.
No matter where you are in the park, TJ and Alex will focus on helping you develop a better understanding of what it takes to create the most compelling images.
You'll learn photographic techniques in the field to maximize the quality of your shots, photo processing techniques to bring out the richness and character of your images, and many other photography techniques in between.
In other words, this workshop is all about going beyond the basics and giving you a full photography experience that will have a positive impact on your development as a photographer.
Learn more about TJ Thorne Wonders of Death Valley Landscape and Nature Photography Workshop
