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.

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.


Calendar Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

TRIP DATES

April 14-19, 2026

Group Size Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

TRIBE SIZE

Limited to an extremely small group size of 10 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered

Difficulty Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

All experience levels are welcome

Hiking Requirement Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

HIKING REQUIREMENTS

This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 3 miles) through Rocky terrain and high elevations


ITINERARY

Pre-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session

Prior to the start of the workshop, we will hold a zoom classroom session. We will show examples of images from the locations we will be visiting so you know what to expect and how to best compose images using advanced techniques, focus blending and other tips and tricks to make for the best composition. We only get to visit each place once and we want you to be fully prepared so you can get the best images possible while in these iconic places.

Day 1

Our workshop begins at 2:00pm with a meet and greet at our first AirBnB near the Superstitions. After we go over the agenda and get to know one another, we will grab our gear and head out for sunset and blue hour. After sunset, we will take full advantage of the dark skies and continue to photograph the starry night sky.

Day 2

After a night full of stars, we will begin our day with our first classroom session. After class, we will pack our camera gear and adventure out for our last sunset, blue hour and Milky Way fun in the Superstitions.

Day 3

After checking out of the AirBnB, we’ll head out to Sedona. Our next spot is one of the most iconic places in Arizona to photograph, so we will make sure to arrive plenty early for you to fully explore the area and immerse yourself in the experience. Hoping for the opportunity for pristine pools of rain water to gather and create mirror-like reflections in small pockets of the Arizona desert. During the night hours in this otherworldly landscape you will feel like you are photographing water on the moon.This location is a photographer’s playground, full of textures and magical landscapes, making for another unforgettable night of shooting the sunset and stars.

Day 4

After a taking in one of Sedona’s best spots the night before, we will start our day with another classroom session. After class, we will pack our camera gear and adventure out for our last sunset, blue hour and Milky Way fun in Sedona.

Day 5

After another couple of days at some of Sedona’s best spots, we will make our way to our last location off the beaten path! We will spend another sunset and night under the stars before packing up and heading to our last AirBnB.

Day 6

We will wrap up our amazing time together over breakfast and answer any final questions before saying our goodbyes.

Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session

We will hold some of our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on seeing the best and most iconic places Arizona has to offer, we chose to prioritize locations over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will hold live online classroom sessions answering any questions you may have. These will also be screen recorded for you to be able to finish your images at your leisure.


WHAT TO EXPECT

Planning your shoots

  • Scouting and evaluating conditions

  • Composing an image to grab the viewers attention

  • Composing an image with a person in frame to show scale tell a story

  • Utilizing apps for more efficient planning

  • Choosing the right lens and filters for the job

  • How to shoot with plan or vision or editing

Capturing your image

  • How to capture intimate details and abstract images

  • Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images

  • Exposure control - how to use ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed in different scenarios

  • Bracketing, Perspective Blending and Focus Stacking

  • Long Exposure - how to capture blue hour

Bringing the image to life

  • Lightroom and Photoshop - learn our post-processing workflow

  • Luminosity Masks

  • Dodging and Burning

  • Blue-hour Blends

  • Understanding layers and masks

  • Finishing touches using clone stamp and removing distractions

  • Creating Orton glows and painting with light

  • Build Social Media Presence - how to maximize engagement


WHAT IS INCLUDED?

 
Accommodations Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops
 

All Lodging Accommodations

We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop and each person will have their own designated room.


Photo Instruction Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

All Photo Instruction

From the field to the computer, we will cover it all. We will teach you techniques to capture better images and our unique workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop.


Portfolio Feedback Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

Pre & Post Zoom Sessions

Spend more time in nature. Then come back to relive those moments with a session in the digital dark room.


MEET THE TEAM

 
Jess Santos Photographer Instructor Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops
 
 

Jess Santos

She calls the desert her home and first love, but she is a wanderer at heart and is constantly on the road to the next adventure.

Her photography is driven by a desire to share the stories of these wild places and her experience through her imagery. She spends sleepless nights chasing the vibrant colors of desert landscapes and the distant glow of the Milky Way.

She is very proud to belong to the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective as a Sony Alpha Brand Ambassador and an official B&H Creator. As well as Slik Tripods, Cokin Filters and F-Stop Camera Bags.

 
 
 
Ryan Oswald Photographer Instructor Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops
 
 

Ryan Oswald

Ryan is a full time travel photographer & digital artist based out of St. Louis, MO, but is constantly on the move. He is often on the road for months at a time exploring the back roads and capturing iconic views.

His love for the outdoors and endless wanderlust has fueled his obsession for photography. Pursuing his passion has led to traveling extensively all across the globe and teaching photography workshops. Whether it’s chasing that perfect light or the Milky Way, Ryan is in his happy place as long as a camera is in hand!

 

 
 

Our goal is to leave you confident, motivated and passionate about photography with a new set of ideas and perspective! We will teach simple and actionable techniques to scout out incredible compositions and the process of how to approach and execute unique photos in any environment or conditions. The classroom portion of this adventure will teach you combination of Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and methods that allow you to create some powerful images we decided to keep the group small and intimate, thus allowing us to focus and give you much more access to the 2 instructors and 1-on-1 attention. Instructors will be with the group providing thoughts and real time critique as the light changes from sunset to the enchanting night skies.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Airport Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

Nearest Major Airport

Phoenix, AZ

Meeting Location Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

Meeting Location

We will be meeting at our lodging location in Phoenix, Arizona


WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Transportation Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

Transportation

Flights and car transportation are not included.


Snacksa Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

Meals/Snacks

Meals will often be on the go as we chase light, you will be responsible for your own food.


Travel Insurance Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops

Travel Insurance

With any trip/adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies.


Cost: $2,999

Deposit: $900 to reserve your spot

Space is limited and filling up quickly on a first come, first serve basis. With two photography instructors present for the duration of the workshop, you will have plenty of opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction to improve the skills you feel you need to work on!

Join Our Tribe and Invest in Your Passion!

 
Payment Options Vector Arizona Monsoon Milky Way Photography Workshops
 
 

* Please read the workshop F.A.Q. section to learn more about cancellation policies or if you have any other questions.