Adventure with Jess & Ryan into the otherworldly landscapes of Utah's remote badlands. We will be exploring some of the darkest skies in the lower 48!
Along the way, we'll discover epic views filled with textured canyons and uniquely shaped buttes. We both love getting off of the beaten path and exploring the lesser known parts of the wild west and that’s what this workshop is all about!
Focusing on astrophotography, we help you refine your skills and teach you our advanced night photography techniques. Then we take you into the digital darkroom to learn the processing of your images from start to finish. More than that we value the experience of adventuring in the outdoors and will encourage you to enjoy staring up at the stars with us while wandering the dirt roads of these alien landscapes đŸ‘½
This workshop is astrophotography based so we have kept the itinerary flexible to be able to chase clear skies at night and light during daylight hours. If it rains or conditions prove unsafe to venture out we will work on post processing, image critiques and in classroom sessions, there's always so much to learn both in field and in the classroom!
TRIP DATES
MAY 27 - 31, 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
Take to the skies with your drone over these desolate landscapes. You will have the opportunity to capture unique photographs high above the Badlands of Utah.
Then we take you deep into the heart of the desert to photograph the colorful blue hills of Utah's backcountry from an aerial adventure (see last image in carousel above). This hidden location is perfect for photography not only from the ground, but from a drone as well, so don't leave your flying friend at home!
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?
All Lodging Accommodations
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop and each person will have their own designated room.
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
Personalized feedback from both instructors. We will review your top images and give honest feedback on how to improve in camera shots and personalized editing tips.
MEET THE TEAM
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
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 weather 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
Nearest Major Airport
Salt Lake City
Moab Airport is much smaller, but much closer
Meeting Location
Central Utah
4 hour drive from Salt Lake City Airport
1.5 hour drive from Moab Airport
High Clearance Vehicle is REQUIRED
These are backcountry roads, this means a High Clearance Vehicle is REQUIRED (4x4 recommended, but not required). Please contact us if you need assistance in securing a capable vehicle. No previous dirt road driving experience required.
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/Snacks
Meals will often be on the go as we chase light, you will be responsible for your own food.
Travel Insurance
With any trip/adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies.
Cost: $2,899
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.