Drama of Death Valley

3rd-7th February 2025 ($2800)

Experience the beauty of the barren.

Winter in Death Valley is an exceptional time of the year as passing storms generate incredible atmosphere with remarkable light. There is an increased chance of catching reflections as the salt pans are transformed into giant mirrors. Woven with the tapestry of sand dunes, salt flats and majestic mountains, Death Valley is a favorite for obvious reasons amongst landscape photographers. The plethora of subjects, the diversity of the landscape, the relative solitude the location offers all combine to produce an unforgettable experience. 

The patterns and textures of the valley create the opportunity for compelling visual stories through composition and light. In addition to the dramatic angled light of sunrise and sunset, Death Valley is home to some of the darkest skies in the contiguous United States. 

We are specifically staying inside the park at Stove Pipe Wells (accommodations included in workshop fee) to shorten our commute to various locations and in turn this gives us more time to shoot and rest.

This workshop will require mild hiking (no more than 1-2 miles) through rocky or sandy terrain.

Drama of Death Valley

Itinerary

Workshop commences at 3pm on Monday February 3rd.
Workshop will end mid morning on Friday February 7th.
Each day we will be shooting during periods of angled light, as well as take advantage of clear skies at night. Post processing, image critique, and portfolio review sessions will be conducted mid day. We will be covering the iconic locations as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path. Exact itinerary will be dependent on conditions within the park for open roads, and photographic opportunities.

Detailed itinerary will be emailed to participants one month before the start of the workshop along with packing list. We will adapt our daily itinerary to take advantage of changing weather conditions. In Death Valley we will be exploring Mesquite Dunes, Artist's palette, Zabriskie point, salt flats at Badwater Basin, Mosaic canyon, Devil's golfcourse, and Golden canyon. In each location we will be hiking to spots that offer compelling compositions. We also have the option of heading to nearby Alabama Hills if the atmosphere seems more favorable at that location.
Group size is limited to 8 students and two guides to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered.



During our journey in the field you will learn:
-How to distill the scene before you to create an evocative image.
-Find compelling compositions that convey a strong visual story.
-Observing the nuances of light and finding the best light for the scene.
-Focus stacking, focal length blend, and perspective blend.
-Mastering the technical details of image capture including bracketing and exposure blend.
-Choice of focal length and creative ways to use lens distortion.
-Using filters.

During the dedicated post processing sessions you will learn:
-Planning your shoot. Learn to predict weather using apps.
-Blend multiple exposures as well as images in photoshop.
-Final image rendition for focus stacking using Photoshop and Helicon focus.
-Learning how to use luminosity masks for tonal adjustments.
-Specific steps that can be taken in post processing to strengthen the visual pathway through your image.


Drama of Death Valley

Meet Joshua Durum

Joshua Durum is a canyoneering, Climbing, and hiking guide based out of Zion National Park. Josh has lived in and explored the southwest over the last seven years. An avid backpacker he has hiked the Pacific Crest trail from Mexico to Canada both in 2020 and in 2022. He has also hiked the Continental Divide trail from Canada to Mexico in 2021. When he is not backpacking or guiding you will find him climbing, canyoneering, biking or running.

Josh joins our team to bring his wilderness expertise and extensive geographical knowledge of places far from the beaten path.

Included

-Hotel Lodging on all nights based on Double Occupancy. Lodging is provided within Death Valley National Park at Stove Pipe Wells in order to be in close proximity to shooting locations.

-Single supplement ($700)

-Photography, Post Processing Instruction, Image Critiques.
-Park Entrance Fees

Not Included

- Transportation from your home to Death Valley, California.
- Transportation to shooting locations. Clients will be encouraged to carpool to minimize driving.
- Travel insurance highly recommended.
- Meals, Snacks and drinks.

Refund Policy

If canceled by participant 60 days before start of workshop credit can be applied to future workshops.
If canceled within 60 days of start of workshop no refund will be issued.

Workshop fee: $2800

Deposit $1000 due at time of registration.
Full amount due 60 days prior to start of workshop.

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