Utah Southwest Landscape Photography Workshop 2027 | USA
A premium, small-group workshop designed around dark skies, iconic desert landscapes, and a repeatable Lightroom Classic + Photoshop workflow. We shoot sunrise and sunset most days, schedule multiple Milky Way sessions around new moon, and run practical editing sessions so you leave with finished images and a process you can reuse.
For all skill levels who want Utah icons + astro in a max-4 group with hands-on coaching.
Note: This workshop is scheduled around a new-moon window (typically late April to mid May). Final dates are confirmed once logistics, permits/permissions (where required) and instructor work authorisation are locked in.
Answer-first: A small-group max-4 Utah Southwest photography workshop running late April to mid-May 2027 (10 days, 9 nights) covering Moab, Arches National Park (Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Windows Section, Mesa Arch), Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, and Hanksville/Factory Butte badlands. Scheduled around new moon for Milky Way photography opportunities (subject to clear skies and weather). Includes 7× 2-hour editing sessions (basic Lightroom Classic through advanced Photoshop techniques). All-inclusive on the ground: twin-share accommodation, local transport, and Salt Lake City airport transfers included. Pricing: AU$9,900 twin-share / AU$12,300 single upgrade (limited availability). Suitable for all skill levels.
Workshop snapshot
High-touch coaching, iconic locations, dark-sky astro, and a repeatable editing workflow.
Sunrise/sunset landscapes plus multiple astro nights scheduled around new moon.
Composition, exposure, sharpness checks, focus workflows, and quick 1-on-1 help.
Lightroom Classic + Photoshop: culling, colour, blending, panoramas, and clean astro processing.
Accommodation, local transport, and airport transfers from SLC are included so you can just shoot.
- Planning: light, weather, moon, access, and "Plan B" decision-making.
- Field workflow: exposure transitions, focus, stability, and fast setup in the dark.
- Astro fundamentals: composition, focusing, noise control, and clean Milky Way files.
- Editing workflow: clean colour, contrast, local adjustments, blending and panoramas.
- Portfolio outcomes: aim to finish 3–6 hero edits during the trip.
- Small group (max 4) means more feedback, less waiting.
Testimonials
Read all testimonials from past workshop participants.
What you'll photograph
We plan around light and conditions, with flexible backups to keep the trip productive.
- Arches National Park: Delicate Arch (sunset), Double Arch, Windows Section (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch), Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch, and classic sandstone formations
- Canyonlands National Park: Mesa Arch (sunrise), Island in the Sky overlooks, Grand View Point, and vast desert vistas
- Dead Horse Point State Park: Sunrise/sunset and blue hour layers over Colorado River canyon
- Goblin Valley: Dark-sky landscapes, hoodoo formations, foreground design, and astro opportunities
- Hanksville / Factory Butte: Bentonite badlands, desert textures, scale compositions, and layered hills
- Flexible bonus stops: Roadside compositions, alternate viewpoints, and less-crowded locations within 2–3 hours radius
- Astrophotography: Multiple attempts (5+ nights) across different foregrounds (Goblin Valley, Factory Butte badlands) to hedge against clouds and haze
Some locations have timed entry, access rules, or permit/permission requirements that can change. We verify details with official sources and pivot if needed. See winter southwest Utah photography planning guide for seasonal context.
10-day itinerary
A clear structure with buffers. Exact shoot locations shift with weather, clouds, crowds and access.
Day 1 — SLC pickup + transfer to Moab + sunset
Salt Lake City airport pickup (coordinated arrival time). 4-hour drive to Moab. Settle into accommodation. Optional sunset session if energy/light permits. Group intro + week overview.
Day 2 — Canyonlands Mesa Arch sunrise + editing session + sunset
Pre-dawn start: Mesa Arch sunrise (conditions/crowds permitting). Return for breakfast + rest. 2-hour editing session (Lightroom Classic fundamentals). Sunset at Dead Horse Point or alternate overlook.
Day 3 — Arches Windows Section sunrise + editing session + Delicate Arch sunset
Pre-dawn: Windows Section (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch) for sunrise light. 2-hour editing session (local adjustments + blending). Delicate Arch sunset (iconic composition, 3km round-trip hike).
Day 4 — Arches Double Arch + flexible day + astro option
Morning: Double Arch and alternate Arches compositions (Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch). Rest. Astro opportunity #1 (conditions permitting): Goblin Valley region or Arches dark-sky zone.
Day 5 — Moab flexible "second attempt" day + astro
Sunrise: Revisit Canyonlands/Arches based on Days 2–4 conditions. Alternate: explore roadside compositions or less-crowded viewpoints. Rest. Astro opportunity #2 (conditions permitting): Factory Butte region.
Day 6 — Transition: Goblin Valley region + sunset + astro
Drive to Hanksville/Goblin Valley region (2 hours). Explore bentonite badlands + desert textures. Sunset coaching at Goblin Valley hoodoo formations. Astro opportunity #3 (prime dark-sky location, weather permitting).
Day 7 — Factory Butte golden hour + editing session
Pre-dawn Factory Butte sunrise (badlands, scale, foreground design). Return for breakfast + rest. 2-hour editing session (Photoshop blending + panoramas). Optional afternoon exploration or rest day.
Day 8 — Hanksville badlands sunrise + rest + astro
Early start: Hanksville bentonite hills and badlands compositions. Return for breakfast. Full rest day (catch up on sleep, personal editing, explore town). Astro opportunity #4 (conditions permitting).
Day 9 — Buffer / second attempt day + "finish your edits" session
Flexible day: revisit best locations from Days 5–8 based on conditions, or explore alternate spots. 2-hour "finish your edits" session (polish 3–6 hero images, workflow Q&A). Optional astro opportunity #5 if previous nights were cloudy.
Day 10 — Return to SLC + departures
Early morning departure from Hanksville region. 4-hour drive to Salt Lake City airport. Drop-off coordinated with flight departure times. Workshop wrap + portfolio review (optional).
Access note: Some locations have timed entry, access rules, or permit requirements that can change. We verify details with official sources (National Park Service, BLM) and pivot if needed. If any astro night is unsuitable due to clouds/weather, time is replaced with extended sunrise/sunset coaching or deeper editing sessions.
Pricing & booking
Pricing is in $AUD. Final dates are confirmed around a new-moon window (typically late April to mid May).
Includes accommodation + transport + airport transfers + editing sessions + National Park entry fees + breakfast Days 2–10.
Single room accommodation (9 nights). Subject to availability. Total: AU$12,300
Please read the Cancellation Policy before registering interest. Travel insurance is strongly recommended (mandatory, minimum AU$100).
Direct answers
The questions that usually decide it.
Is this suitable for beginners?
What does "all-inclusive on the ground" mean?
Is this timed for the Milky Way?
Do you guarantee Milky Way conditions?
Do I need a laptop for editing sessions?
Do I need a visa for the USA?
What camera gear do I need for Utah landscape and astrophotography?
Is single accommodation available?
What's the fitness level required?
What's the cancellation and refund policy?
What past workshop participants say
