More Than A Photo Tour... We Are A Learning Adventure.
Stark Beauty In A Land Of Extremes
Please Note: Due to August 2023 Record Rainfall from Hurricane Hilary many of the parks roads are currently closed. These closures may require us to substitute locations.
A Discovery Series Workshop
January 23 - 27, 2024
Tuition: $3850 USD - This workshop is limited to 4 students
Embark on an extraordinary four-day photography odyssey amidst the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Our immersive workshop invites photographers of all levels to capture the raw, untamed beauty of this unique desert environment. This small group workshop led by James Neihouse will explore the nuances of Death Valley, participants will explore iconic locations such as Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
The Badlands at Zabriskie Point have attracted the eye of many landscape photographers over the years. This is just one of the stops in our workshop.
From the play of light and shadow on the vast salt flats to the surreal hues of Artist's Palette at sunset, each day offers unparalleled opportunities to refine your craft and capture the stark yet awe-inspiring landscapes that define Death Valley. Through a perfect blend of on-location shoots, in-depth tutorials, and group critiques, our workshop aims not only to hone technical skills but also to foster a deep appreciation for the art of desert landscape photography. Join us on this transformative journey to unlock the secrets of capturing the hauntingly beautiful landscapes that make Death Valley a photographer's dream.
Death Valley has it all from Artist’s Palette to Zabriskie Point, the attentive eye will surely find unique compositions.
About This Workshop
What You'll Learn:
Rocks are moved around the Racetrack Playa while stuck in an ice sheet, leaving a trail of their travels.
Among the things we'll talk about are - How to "see the light" and the way it affects the image. Lens options for landscape composition and subject isolation. High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques for landscape. Using Focus Stacking techniques to achieve unlimited depth of focus. How to use filters to control exposure and enhance your photograph. Smartphone apps that can help you plan your photo session and maximize your time in the field.
With James Neihouse as your instructor you will receive the benefit of his many decades of experience as a professional image maker, with ample one-on-one instruction time in the field, as well as spirited critiques and post processing training.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Death Valley Photography Workshop is appropriate for photographers of average fitness levels. During the course of each day of the workshop we will walk/hike, on average, 5k (3mi). A variety of terrain will be encountered, trails range from improved easy access, to sandy paths, to uneven rock. Altitudes may vary from -82m (-266’) below to 2150m (7,000’) above sea level. Average January temperatures in Death Valley range from highs of 21°C (70°F) to lows of 4°C (40°F) and will vary with altitude with higher regions being well below freezing.
It is expected for all participants to be able to carry their own personal gear and water during the workshop. You will receive a document with greater detail on all aspects of the workshop after you register.
Little Hebe Crater is often missed by tours visiting Ubehebe Crater. We will explore the many photographic possibilities of this little gem during the workshop.
What You Can Expect:
Professional, one on one photographic instruction on par with your level of experience.
Minimum of 8 hours per day of in-field shooting and instruction
Positive, interactive and fun learning environment
Class sizes limited to four students to insure personal attention
Drinks and snacks while in the field
What’s Included:
Lodging (single occupancy), Park Entrance Fee, Field Photography Sessions, Class Session on Digital Image Processing, and Critiques, Box lunches and assorted drinks will be provided on days we are in the park.
What’s Not Included:
Airfare, and meals, other than those mentioned in the workshop description, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and anything not specifically mentioned in the workshop description.
Lodging In Death Valley National Park:
We strive to pick quality, comfortable lodging that fits with the logistics of the workshop. Most of time the hotels will have a 3 star or better rating. In some cases hotels with that rating level are not located close enough to the workshop location, it those situations the accommodations selected will be best available.
What To Bring:
Taking advantage of dynamic weather is something we will explore in our Death Valley Workshop.
Here are my suggestions for camera gear to bring, of course, you are free to bring whatever you would like:
One or two camera bodies, may be digital or film.
Suitable tripod with ball head
Flash (optional)
Wide angle lens
Medium length zoom lens (70-200mm is ideal)
300mm lens or longer
Lots of memory cards, and card reader (lots of film if that’s what you’re shooting)
Laptop Computer
External hard drives
Backpack style camera bag
After you have registered you will receive a pdf with lots of information specific to your workshop. In the meantime you can visit our “Preparing For Your Workshop” page.
Schedule*:
Arrive at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport by 12:00pm on Day 1 to make the two hour drive to Furnace Creek in Death Valley.
If you are planning on driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley here is a map with several routes.
Day 1 - Check into hotel. Afternoon meet & greet, and orientation. Night sky photography opportunity.
Day 2 - Depart Furnace Creek at 05:45 for Zabriskie Point sunrise, 20 Mule Team Canyon, Dante’s View, Sunset at Artist Palette, return to Furnace Creek.
Day 3 - Check out of Furnace Creek at 05:45 for sunrise at at Badwater, Natural Bridge, Devil’s cornfield, break for lunch, check into Stovepipe Wells hotel, Sunset at Mesquite Dunes.
Day 4 - Depart Stovepipe Wells at 05:15 for early morning at Harrisburg or Skidoo Mines, charcoal kilns, return to Stovepipe Wells for lunch, then sunset at Ubehebe Crater, night sky at Rhyolite Ghost Town, return to hotel
Day 5 - Sunrise at Cottonball Basin, back to hotel for post-processing, critique session, and lunch, workshop ends at 12:00pm.
*Schedule is subject to change to ensure optimal field time, adjust for weather conditions, and road closures.
Images From Previous Workshops
Group size is limited, not only for a more favorable instructor to student ratio, but also to help minimize the human impact on the natural environments we will be photographing. At James Neihouse Photography Workshops we strive to uphold the Leave No Trace - Code for Outdoor Ethics, and NANPA - Principles of Ethical Field Practices
Register:
To hold your place in this workshop you may choose to place a $500 DEPOSIT. This option is available until until October 25, 2023. The remainder of the workshop fee will be due on December 24, 2023.
January 23 - 27, 2024
$3,850 USD
Please be sure to READ and UNDERSTAND our Policy on Payments, Deposits, Cancellations, and Refunds and our Workshop Agreement before you proceed.
You are encouraged to purchase trip insurance to protect your investment in case of an unforeseen situation or emergency that requires you to cancel your workshop. Here is a review of travel insurance companies - Travel Insurance Reviews
We accept credit cards, and PayPal. Credit card payments are handled through Stripe.com and you should receive a payment confirmation from them.
Contact Us to pay using bank transfers, bank checks, Venmo*, and Zelle or for information about other payment options. Installment plans are available.
*Venmo payments must be made from a mobile device.
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