Immerse yourself in the vast, untamed beauty of the desert in Death Valley with Adrian Klein. This experience is for photographers eager to explore dramatic landscapes, shifting light, and striking natural contrasts. From sweeping dunes to rugged mountain backdrops, the park provides an endless array of captivating compositions. Whether you’re drawn to grand views, abstract details, small scenes, or simply the interplay of light on the land, this workshop will provide the opportunity to experience the essence of the desert from popular to lesser-known locations.
Death Valley is popular among nature photographers for very good reasons. As far as varied desert landscapes from below sea level to a mile above, there aren't many other places that offer up the creative potential as the 5th largest national park in the states. What better time to come than winter when the climate is comfortably hospitable to humans? If we are fortunate, we may get a weather disturbance rolling through for atmospheric skies or windy dunes. Even without interesting weather, the geology alone can keep a nature photographer busy for many days.
Beyond photography, this workshop is an invitation to connect with the desert’s serene and powerful presence. The silence, the vastness, and the ever-changing light create an environment that fosters creativity and appreciation for nature’s extremes. With our small group size and many opportunities in the field, you’ll leave not only with memorable Death Valley images but also with a newfound perspective on the beauty of isolation and the art of photographing it.
A chance to photograph a variety of scenes and subjects throughout the workshop.
We are here to help you throughout the workshop, whether you have just a couple questions or many.
A chance to share photos each day in a small group setting to get feedback in a safe and open space.
Processing overview can range from real time processing demos, presented processing tips, or showing the steps taken on existing work.
These can range on a variety of topics, expect one or two during this workshop.
A chance to have fun and enjoy being around other photographers from being in the field to meals and traveling together. I regularly hear good feedback about this.
Participants are responsible for transportation. Car-pooling encouraged. Have a vehicle you are comfortable driving in a dusty dirt/gravel road environment.
The best option for major airport with commercial service is LAS. PGP and LAX are other options but will add to your driving time.
Lodging is not included. We will provide suggested lodging that we use and where we will meet to start field sessions. This option is one of few, and located in the park. Camping is available.
Participants are responsible for meals. We will have optional meal gatherings scheduled for the group throughout the workshop. This is a great way to interact with fellow participants.
Always suggested if you have concerns about getting a refund should the trip be cancelled, or you need to cancel.
Each participant will bring their own equipment. You should bring what you are comfortable carrying and prepared to travel over soft or uneven terrain.
We will meet at 2:30 pm at the hotel we are based out of. We will go over logistics and do introductions. Then, we will head out for a sunset session, followed by an optional no-host dinner in Death Valley.
The plan is to have time in the field, mostly focused on the first few hours and the last few hours of each day, except in locations like a canyon, where we have more flexibility for good lighting. Additionally, we will have one or two days of class-type sessions that include participant image reviews, processing tips, and a presentation or two. The weather forecast and conditions leading up to the event will determine the timing of these events throughout the workshop. We want to remain flexible in order to be out in the field during optimal times when possible.
We will finish up the workshop with a field session in the morning that will conclude no later than 9:00 am, followed by a no-host optional breakfast before checking out and heading home.
