Traverse the expansive desert of Death Valley with Jess Santos & Ryan Oswald in this immersive Night Photography Workshop. Drifting sands, volcanic rock, sparkling salt flats and textured mud playas make up the diverse compositional wonderland of Death Valley National Park.
During this photography workshop we will chase the Milky Way through California's secluded desert. You will learn all of our advanced astrophotography techniques used capture stellar images of the night sky. Your experiences in this dark sky park will inspire imagery that truly tells a story in a way that only the unique natural phenomenon of Death Valley National Park can.
This workshop is a little different...
Every attendee will have their own self-contained room on wheels! We are securing overland rigs (or similar) for this adventure because having the freedom to base camp near our locations allows us more photography time.
Together we will take you on a backcountry journey that will leave you with wild photographs and wild experiences. Many of the photography locations in this workshop are hidden amongst a vast system of backcountry trails in the Mojave Desert and there is no better way to explore than outfitted with your very own overlanding rig.
Pack your camera, your sleeping bag and your favorite pillow... leave the rest up to us! Even the cooking, breakfast and dinner are provided on this workshop in true camping style.
(Please see adventure inclusions below for more info and/or send us a message)
TRIP DATES
March 25 - 30, 2025
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to a small group size of 10 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
All experience levels are welcome
HIKING REQUIREMENTS
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 3 miles) through rocky or sandy terrain
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 12:00pm with a meet and greet in Las Vegas, Nevada. From there we will gather arrange the vehicles for anyone not using their own as well as supplies stop. We will then have a briefing, a 4x4 discussion, chat a bit and strategize for the first evenings location, arriving very early to ensure time to travel for varying driving experience levels. We will set out for our first shooting session. We will then setup camp and take full advantage of the dark skies to continue to photograph the stars.
Day 1
Meet and Greet, Sunset, Blue Hour, and Milky Way
Our workshop begins at 2:00pm with a meet and greet in Lone Pine, California. After a briefing and a settings discussion, we'll set out for our first shooting session. After sunset, we will take full advantage of the dark skies and continue to photograph the stars.
Day 2
Rugged Backcountry Roads & Unforgettable Night Shoot
We'll start the morning with our telephoto lens, getting close up, intimate arches and mountains. After a short break, we'll head. to class, Then we'll set out for another night of shooting sunset & stars in one of our favorite backcountry locations.
Day 3
Sunrise, Sunset, Blue Hour, and Milky Way
After an amazing morning of shooting, we'll head back for a short break before continuing with our classroom sessions. Then it's time to round up our camera gear for another sunset and twilight shoot to capture some of the most breathtaking scenery in Death Valley.
Day 4
Sunrise Goodness and Open Editing Session
We'll start our morning with sunrise before heading back into town After a quick recharge, we all meet for an editing session This is a great chance to go through your memory cards. Then out for more night shooting in the desert playas.
Day 5-6
Sunset & Twilight at Iconic Death Valley Location
Our last spot is one of the most iconic places in Death Valley, so we're arriving early to immerse yourself in the experience.After shooting our last sunrise, we'll wrap up our week over breakfast this is a great time to get peer and instructor critique.
Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
Instead of sacrificing locations, we will hold our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on seeing the best and most iconic places Death Valley has to offer, we chose to prioritize locations over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will hold a live online classroom session answering any questions you may have.
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
MEET THE TEAM
Jess Santos
Jess 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
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 3 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
All Lodging Accommodations Included
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop. Each student will have their own single occupancy room reserved.
Nearest Major Airport
Las Vegas
Meeting Location
We will be meeting in the town of Lone Pine, California. This is a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas
4x4 High Clearance Vehicle is REQUIRED
These are backcountry roads, this means a High Clearance Vehicle with 4 Wheel Drive is REQUIRED. We are helping attendees source capable and equipped vehicles if they do not own their own, please contact us if you need assistance in securing a capable vehicle. No previous dirt road driving experience required.
Rental fees are NOT included in the tuition cost of the workshop and can range from $199 - $300 per day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Transportation
Flights and car transportation are not included.
We are helping attendees source capable and equipped vehicles if they do not own their own.
If you would like help finding a suitable vehicle, please let us know.
Meals & Drinks
You will be responsible for your own meals and drinks for the duration of the workshop.
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 three 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!
* Please read the workshop F.A.Q. section to learn more about cancellation policies or if you have any other questions.