Desert Awakening
Landscape and Astrophotography Workshop
Kanab, Utah
Desert Awakening in Southern Utah
Immerse yourself in the striking desert landscapes of Kanab, Utah, where every scene tells a story of rugged beauty and timeless wonder. This workshop will take you to some of the most iconic locations in the region, offering endless opportunities to capture the unique and dramatic scenery that has captivated photographers and adventurers for years.
Photograph the vibrant sandstone formations as they rise against the blue desert sky, and explore vast valleys dotted with the first blooms of spring. Wander through the surreal landscapes of slot canyons and sweeping sand dunes, where the natural textures and colors create the perfect backdrop for your photographs. Witness the play of light and shadow across ancient rock formations, sculpted by time and the elements.
This workshop combines the thrill of capturing Kanab’s renowned desert beauty with the excitement of seeing it in a fresh, creative light. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just beginning your journey, the magic of this place will inspire and elevate your work. Join us and experience the extraordinary beauty of Kanab, Utah.
Vision & Goals
This workshop is designed to inspire and elevate photographers of all skill levels by sharpening their abilities to capture the breathtaking beauty of Kanab’s dramatic desert landscapes. With hands-on guidance and expert instruction, you’ll enhance your creative and technical skills while exploring the region’s most iconic and awe-inspiring locations. Whether you're refining your techniques or learning new approaches, this workshop is all about expanding your capabilities and taking your photography to the next level.
Alongside skill-building, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow photographers, fostering a shared passion for the art and craft of capturing nature’s wonders.
Creative Exploration
Composition: Learn the fundamentals of framing your shots to create visually striking and well-balanced images, whether capturing sweeping landscapes or intimate details.
Visual Flow: Master the techniques to naturally guide the viewer's eye through your photographs, creating a harmonious and engaging experience.
Visual Storytelling: Elevate your storytelling abilities through photography, transforming each image into a compelling narrative of the landscape’s beauty and your journey through it.
Knowledge Expansion
Master Techniques and Processes: Unlock the best practices for capturing iconic scenes, including blue hour photography, exposure blending, and focal length techniques tailored for landscape shots.
Advanced Editing Skills: Take your post-processing skills to the next level with tools such as Lightroom, Photoshop, Helicon Focus, and Starry Landscape Stacker, perfecting your workflow to enhance image quality.
Enhanced Image Quality: Learn the power of techniques like image stacking, exposure bracketing, and applying color theory to produce vivid, sharp, and emotionally resonant photographs.
Quality Outputs
Stunning Portfolios: Leave the workshop with a portfolio of stunning images, capturing both the grandeur of Glacier National Park and the night sky, that you can proudly showcase.
Ongoing Resources and Support: Receive resources and continuous support beyond the workshop, helping you refine your skills and maintain your creative momentum.
Engagement and Community
Interactive and Enjoyable Learning: Engage in hands-on learning with real-time feedback, while fueling your passion for photography and deepening your connection to the natural world.
Supportive and Collaborative Network: Become part of a collaborative community of like-minded photographers, sharing ideas, techniques, and a lasting network of fellow photography enthusiasts.
Locations & Itinerary
Locations
To protect these natural areas the specific locations will only be shared with workshop participants and may adjust based on weather and/or other factors but we will generally be visiting remote locations within ~90 minutes of Kanab, Utah. The locations visited are remote, require 4x4 vehicles and knowledge of traversing difficult landscapes.
Transportation to all workshop locations is provided.
All of the imagery on this page represents locations we could visit during the workshop.
Itinerary
Pre-Workshop Zoom
We'll have a Zoom session to introduce ourselves, go over essential gear and key camera settings to familiarize you before the workshop, review the itinerary, and cover all the important logistics for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Weather permitting we will have at least one night of astrophotography. These options will be discussed during the pre-workshop call.
Day 1
Arrive in Kanab, Utah. Check in to lodging, settle in and discuss logistics for evening.
3-4pm head out for afternoon/evening locations
Day 2 - 3
4:30 - 5am - Head out for Sunrise Locations
10am - 1:30pm - Free time. A great time to rest up and review images from previous sessions.
2pm - 3pm - Post Processing discussions / image critiques
3pm - 4pm - Head out for afternoon/evening locations until ~10pm depending on location.
Day 4
4:30am - 5 am - Head out for last sunrise location.
10am - Group Breakfast and good byes.
Meet Your Guide
Justin Northcraft is an adventurer, photographer, and content creator deeply immersed in the realms of landscape, aerial, lifestyle, and astrophotography. A dedicated creative professional since 2006, Justin currently calls Utah home, drawing endless inspiration from its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. His pursuit of visually compelling content is driven by a commitment to uniqueness and originality.
In addition to his creative endeavors, Justin is passionate about education and fostering lasting relationships with his workshop clients. He believes in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences, creating a collaborative and enriching environment where everyone can grow and thrive. Join Justin on a journey of exploration and learning, and elevate your photography skills while building meaningful connections within a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Logistics
Location: Kanab, Utah
Nearest Airports:
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) – Located in St. George, Utah, this is the closest major airport to Kanab. It's about a 1.5-hour drive to Kanab.
McCarran International Airport (LAS) – Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, about a 3.5-hour drive to Kanab.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Located about a 5-hour drive to Kanab.
Lodging: Is included and will be shared with participants closer to the workshop. Options for single and double occupancy are available.
Transportation: Transportation from the hotel in Kanab to all workshop locations is provided. Transportation to and from Kanab, Utah is up to each participant.
Difficulty
This workshop is rated Challenging, so get ready for an exciting adventure! We’ll be hiking upwards of 3-6 miles a day over uneven, rocky and sandy terrain, with moderate elevation changes of about 500 feet. Some sections may test your endurance with uphill climbs, but they’re totally doable with a steady pace. The trails can be rugged, but the stunning desert scenery makes every step worth it.
Reminder: You’ll need to carry your photography gear along with essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection. This workshop is located in the desert, so staying hydrated is key! Make sure to bring at least 2-3 liters of water and enough snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day. The dry climate and higher temperatures mean we’ll be taking extra care of ourselves.
The effort required will definitely pay off with some amazing shots and a memorable experience in this incredible landscape!
Workshop Pricing & Registration
Once you register for the workshop, you will receive additional emails for collecting additional registration information, workshop logistics, and our liability waiver.
Please note that workshop schedules may be subject to change or rescheduling due to unexpected circumstances, including adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen events. For additional information related to changes in schedules, cancelations and other important information please see our Workshop Policies.
Important Items:
- If selecting the deposit, the remainder of the balance will be due 90 Days prior to the workshop.
- Trip Insurance is NOT included as part of this purchase, it is highly recommended that you purchase trip insurance through a 3rd party to protect your investment.
What’s Included:
4 Days and 3 Nights of adventure and learning
Lodging
Transportation to all workshop locations in a 4x4 vehicle
Expert guidance and instruction In field
Dedicated and recorded post processing session
Access to my personal collection of equipment including Sony camera’s, E-Mount lenses, star trackers, filters and other miscellaneous equipment
Special use photography location permits
Group breakfast on the last day
What’s Not Included:
Airfare and Transportation to and from Kanab, Utah
Meals & Drinks
Personal Items
Trip Insurance (Highly recommended)
Instructor Gratuities
Testimonials
-
"This was an amazing class! Thank you for helping me learn what settings work best and how to locate different areas of the night sky to photograph! I look forward to honing my skills in the future!"
Jason H.
-
"Justin is very knowledgeable in all aspects of photography and post-processing. He listens to the participants to make sure all questions are answered. Justin made some suggestions on composition but also allowed each photographer to seek their own image."
Eric T.
-
"As a newbie to astrophotography, I felt pretty overwhelmed, but this workshop made it all simple and fun. Justin's energy and clear, step-by-step guidance were great. I left knowing my camera settings, how to handle light pollution, and some cool editing tricks. Plus, hanging out with the other participants made it an awesome experience!"
Michael B.
-
"Fantastic experience all the way around! Justin is incredibly knowledgeable and extremely patient. I learned so much in just a few hours. This workshop completely opened up my eyes to new photographic opportunities! "
Jacqueline P.
-
"Not only did I learn the concepts/techniques for astrophotography, Justin and my fellow photographers were able to help me problem solve my issues with obtaining sharp images by problem solving the focus settings on my camera. I look forward to taking more classes. Thanks for a great class in a beautiful setting."
Doug B.
-
"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop! I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in photographing the night sky."
Richard A.
-
"This workshop was an eye-opener for astrophotography. The hands-on session under the stars was magical, and the editing tips were super helpful. I now feel more confident capturing and editing amazing night sky photos."
Lisa K.
-
"This was my first workshop with Justin and my first time at capturing milky way photos. Justin was very informative and I learned a lot about astro photography"
Shannon A.
-
"Loved the experience and especially the tips and tricks. I left feeling confident in my ability to experiment and my ability to handle my camera & settings. The workshop made me hungry to go out and take more star photos!!"
Ada T.
-
"I had a very enjoyable evening learning astrophotography. Justin did a great job working with each of the attendees on a personal basis. I came away with a greater understanding and excitement for astrophotography. I highly recommend Justin."
Tom R.
Recommended Camera Gear:
DSLR/Mirrorless Camera
Lens Focal Lengths Ranging from 14mm to 200mm. A 24-70 being very versatile in this location.
Misc Accessories: Tripod, Batteries, Memory Cards, Intervalometer
Laptop & External Storage
Recommended Personal Gear:
Comfortable clothing & footwear
Backpack capable of carrying your camera gear, 2 liters of water and snacks.
Weather conditions can vary greatly this time of year, seeing warmer temps as well as evenings close to or below freezing with significant wind and potential for rain. Being prepared and having layers and options for a variety of conditions is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
DSLR/Mirrorless Camera: An essential for capturing high-quality images.
Lenses: A range of focal lengths is recommended. I typically carry and use lenses from 15mm to 200mm.
Tripod: Essential for steady long-exposure shots.
Remote Shutter Release/ Intervalometer: Useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures and required for exposures longer than 30 seconds.
Fully Charged Camera Batteries: To ensure sufficient power for the workshop duration.
Memory Cards: Extra memory cards are beneficial for capturing ample shots.
-
Laptop and Storage: Highly recommended for the included post processing sessions. It is also good practice to backup your images on multiple storage devices during workshops. Storage devices can fail, backing up your images will ensure if one does you're not loosing your content.
Headlamp: Headlamp with red light to reduce eye strain during the workshop
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Dress for weather conditions and comfort.
Notebook and Pen: For jotting down tips and techniques during the workshop.
Smartphone or Tablet: If using stargazing apps, a fully charged device may be helpful.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during the workshop.goes here
-
No prior photography experience is necessary; our workshops cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced photographers.
Each workshop typically has individuals new to photography, astrophotography and those that are full time photographers looking to advance specific skills.
This provides a wealth of knowledge, support and frequently develops friendships that last beyond the workshop.
If you feel your experience level is too low or high, please reach out!
-
Easy: Minimal physical effort. Short walks on mostly flat terrain with easy access to photography locations. Suitable for most fitness levels and no special gear required.
Example: Locations are near parking lots or require less than 1 mile of easy hiking.Moderate: Moderate effort required. Includes some uneven terrain, short hikes (1-3 miles) with minimal elevation gain. Participants should be comfortable walking on varied surfaces.
Example: Short hikes on well-defined trails with occasional rough or rocky areas.Challenging: Increased physical effort. Longer hikes (3-6 miles) on uneven or rocky terrain, with moderate elevation gain. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to carry their own gear.
Example: Trails may involve steep sections or rocky paths, with extended periods on foot.Strenuous: High level of physical exertion required. Hikes over 6 miles, often on steep, rugged, or high-altitude terrain. Participants must have good fitness and be comfortable carrying gear for extended periods.
Example: Backcountry hikes or remote locations with significant elevation gain or rough trails.
-
While I do my best to control the weather, it doesn't always listen.
In the event of adverse weather, the workshop will continue so long as the concepts can be taught. This may impact the workshop duration, location and or date.
My focus is ensuring the best experience while keeping safety in mind. Please see our Workshop Policies page for more information.
-
While the workshops are tailored for registered participants, exceptions can be possible but could include additional fees as many of the locations we visit require permits and insurance for the workshop.
If you are looking to bring someone with you, please reach out before the workshop.
-
How many participants are typically in a workshop?
The number of participants may vary based on the workshop type. Generally, we aim for smaller groups to provide individual attention.
What are the physical demands of the workshop?
Our workshops can involve moderate hiking or walking. Please check the workshop description for specific physical ratings.
Are accommodation and travel included in the workshop fee?
Travel and accommodation details vary for each workshop.
What is the cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is detailed on our Workshop Policies page.
How do I reserve my spot in the workshop?
Reserving your spot can be done by registering online or contacting us directly. A deposit or full payment is generally required to secure your spot depending on the workshop type.
Do I need specific software for post-processing?
It is beneficial to have access to photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop for post-processing, but it's not mandatory. While my processes use Adobe products, the concepts can be applied in other programs.
Will I receive any printed materials or notes?
Some workshops may provide printed materials, notes or recorded virtual session; however, most information will be shared verbally and or digitally.
Is transportation provided to workshop locations?
Transportation details will be specified in the workshop description. Participants need to arrange their transportation.
Is there an age requirement for the workshops?
Our workshops are generally geared for participants 18+. If you are or would like to bring a minor please contact us before booking.
Are there any discounts available for returning participants?
Returning participants might qualify for discounts or exclusive offers. Contact us for specific details.
Will I have internet access during the workshop?
Internet access might be limited or unavailable in certain locations. We recommend informing family or friends about the potential communication gaps.
Is there any follow-up support or resources provided after the workshop?
We offer post-workshop resources, including helpful tips, a dedicated community, forum, and Q&A sessions for participants.