Arrival, Orientation & First Light in the Desert

We ease into the experience with a balance of logistics, intention, and our first unforgettable sunset.

Noon — Meet in Moab
We’ll gather in town for lunch, meet the group, and begin setting the tone for the workshop. This is where we align expectations and start building the community that makes these trips so impactful.

Orientation & Preparation
We’ll walk through safety protocols, communication systems, and overlanding logistics. Just as importantly, we’ll spend time clarifying your personal creative goals so you leave with more than just photos.

Afternoon — Head to Camp
We’ll drive out of Moab and into the desert, transitioning from pavement to dirt as the landscape opens up. Once at camp, we’ll get set up and ready for our first shoot.

Sunset — Anticline Overlook
Our first shoot sets the tone: expansive desert views, layered canyon light, and a chance to dial in composition, exposure, and creative vision right away.

Day 2 — Into the Backcountry & Technical Terrain

This is where the experience deepens—both photographically and in terms of terrain.

Sunrise — Desert Overlook Session
We’ll start the day with a quiet sunrise shoot, focusing on reading light, simplifying compositions, and refining your ability to see strong images quickly.

Morning — Break Camp & Travel
We pack up and begin moving deeper into the backcountry. Depending on timing and conditions, we may pass back through Moab briefly before heading out again.

Afternoon — Chicken Corners Trail
We transition fully into overlanding mode as we navigate the iconic Chicken Corners trail. This route offers a mix of technical driving, sweeping canyon views, and constant opportunities to stop and shoot.

Sunset — Colorado River Overlook at Chicken Corners
Sheer cliffs, winding river views, and dramatic scale define this location. We’ll work on composition under pressure—balancing exposure, depth, and storytelling in a high-impact environment.

Day 3 — Remote Landscapes & Big-Picture Vision

 

 

We push farther into the backcountry, focusing on storytelling, composition, and finding unique perspectives.

Sunrise — Desert Formations Near Camp
We’ll photograph hoodoos and desert textures in soft morning light, working on subject isolation and creative framing.

Morning — Break Camp & Travel to Deadman Point
This drive takes us deeper into remote terrain, with opportunities for both technical driving and spontaneous photo stops along the way.

Afternoon — Camp & Explore
After setting up camp, we’ll scout the surrounding overlooks and discuss how to approach large-scale landscapes in a more intentional, story-driven way.

Sunset — Deadman Point & the Green River
We end the day overlooking one of the most iconic river systems in the Southwest. This is about more than capturing a scene—it’s about creating images with depth, mood, and meaning.

Day 4 — Refine, Reset & Finish Strong

Our final day is about bringing everything together—refining your images, resetting physically, and ending with intention.

Sunrise — Final Light at Deadman Point
We return to this expansive overlook with a fresh perspective. This session is about applying everything you’ve learned—composition, light, and storytelling—while slowing down and being more intentional with each frame.

Morning — Break Camp & Return to Moab
We pack up camp and begin our journey back toward Moab, transitioning out of the backcountry after several days of fully immersive travel.

Midday — Reset & Post-Processing Session
After checking into a local hotel, you’ll have time to shower, recharge, and reset. We’ll then gather for a post-processing session focused on editing images from the trip—covering workflow, creative direction, and how to bring your vision to life in the final image.

Afternoon — Apply What You’ve Learned
This is where things click. We head back out with fresh eyes—combining your in-field growth with your editing insights to create more cohesive, intentional work.

Sunset — Final Shoot (Group Choice Location)
We’ll choose our final location as a group—often landing on iconic options like Marlboro Point or Determination Towers. No matter the choice, expect dramatic light, strong compositions, and one last opportunity to push your creative boundaries.

• All lodging
• All listed meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
• Camping equipment
• All activities during the workshop
• All permits and park fees
• Professional photography guiding and instruction
• Annual membership with Nature Photography Collective

• Transportation to/from Moab, UT
• Lodging outside of workshop dates
• Alcoholic beverages
• Souvenirs and personal items
• Trip Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

You'll be camping in scenic, remote locations as we overland through Southern Utah. Accommodations include comfortable rooftop tents mounted on the Jeeps or ground tents, depending on your preference.

We offer individual or shared sleeping arrangements, and everything is provided — including sleeping pads, bedding, and camp gear. Whether you're traveling solo or with a partner, you'll have a cozy place to rest after a full day of adventure and photography.

See our overlanding setup here.

• Sturdy tripod and ballhead
• Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body.
• Wide angle lens (16-35mm range), preferably with max aperture of f/2.8 or faster for night photography. 
• Mid Range 24-70mm.
• Telephoto lenses in the 70-200. If you have it, bring a 100-400. If not, that's ok.
• Circular polarizer and ND filters for your lenses. If you like shooting with grads, bring them along.
• Backpack to carry your gear
• Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies
• Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or follow along during the post-processing instruction

• Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants
• Warm jacket for cool mornings
• Rain gear (jacket), and protection for your camera gear
• Headlamp
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
• Water bottles (at least 2L)
• Hiking poles if you like having them
• Bug spray
• Personal Sleeping bag and pillow. If you don't have them we have you covered.