Aerial & Landscape Photo Workshop | Badlands and Canyons of Utah | World Photo Travels | Photo Workshops, Guided Tours, Safaris & Expeditions

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Southern Utah is home to some of the most extraordinary desert landscapes in the American Southwest. Sculpted by millions of years of erosion, this region is a world of colorful badlands, towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and vast open spaces that seem almost otherworldly. From the air, these landscapes reveal an entirely new dimension—abstract patterns, dramatic textures, and hidden formations that can only be fully appreciated from above.

Our journey begins in the remote Hanksville region, where we will explore the spectacular San Rafael Swell, including the breathtaking Moonscape Overlook, the colorful Bentonite Hills near the Mars Desert Research Station, the iconic Factory Butte, and the remarkable Long Dong rock formation. Depending on weather, road conditions, and available time, we may also visit Capitol Reef National Park and the surreal landscape of Goblin Valley State Park.

The second part of the workshop takes us to the iconic red rock country surrounding Moab. With a strong emphasis on aerial photography, we will fly in carefully selected locations where drone operations are permitted, including areas adjacent to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park under a special permit. Throughout the workshop, we will also photograph from the ground, capturing many of the Southwest's most celebrated landscapes during the best light of sunrise and sunset.

Designed for photographers seeking to master aerial landscape photography while creating a diverse portfolio, this workshop combines spectacular drone imagery with classic landscape photography in one of North America's most photogenic regions.

Itinerary

Day 1 | November 4, 2026 |

Salt Lake City (Arrival)

• Our journey begins in Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah and the gateway to some of the American Southwest's most spectacular landscapes. As you are traveling from another continent, we recommend arriving a day early to rest and adjust to the time zone before the workshop begins. To ensure a relaxed start to the workshop, we have included your first hotel night at a comfortable hotel just a 5-minute walk from the historic Temple Square.

• In the evening, the group will gather for dinner and a briefing.

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Hotel: The Kimball at Temple Square

Day 2 | November 5, 2026 |

Solt Lake City » Hanksville

• After breakfast, we begin our journey south toward the remote town of Hanksville, the gateway to some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the American Southwest. The drive takes approximately 4 hours (around 5½ hours including stops).
• Along the way, we’ll stop for grocery shopping, as restaurants and food supplies in Hanksville are limited. For the next four days, we’ll prepare our own meals, giving us the flexibility to make the most of the best photographic light at sunrise and sunset.
• For the first four nights of our workshop, we will stay in modern-rustic cabins designed as a premium basecamp for travelers exploring Southern Utah. Comfortable and well-equipped, they provide the perfect place to relax, review images, and recharge between adventures.
• In the evening, we’ll head out for our first photographic outing at the spectacular Bentonite Hills and the Mars Desert Research Station. This otherworldly landscape, with its colorful rolling hills and unique textures, is especially impressive from the air during blue hour.

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Hotel: Muddy Creek Mining Company Cabins

Days 3-5 | November 6-8, 2026 |

Hanksville area

• Over the next several days, we will use Hanksville as our base to explore some of the most spectacular and remote landscapes in Southern Utah. This region of the San Rafael Swell offers endless opportunities for creative aerial and landscape photography, with dramatic formations, colorful badlands, and unique geological patterns.
• Our explorations will include the breathtaking Moonscape Overlook, the surreal Bentonite Hills near the Mars Desert Research Station, the iconic Factory Butte, and the fascinating Long Dong rock formation—each offering a completely different perspective of this otherworldly desert environment.
• Weather, road conditions, and available time permitting, we will also venture to nearby Capitol Reef National Park and the unusual sand formations of Goblin Valley State Park, adding even more variety to our Southern Utah portfolio.

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Hotel: Muddy Creek Mining Company Cabins

Day 6 | November 9, 2026 |

Hanksville » Moab

• After a final morning photography session in the Hanksville area, we will leave the remote landscapes of the San Rafael Swell behind and continue our journey toward Moab, the gateway to some of Utah’s most iconic red rock scenery. The drive takes approximately 2 hours, with ever-changing desert landscapes unfolding along the way.
• On the way to Moab, we will make the most of the evening light. Depending on timing and conditions, we will either explore and photograph the dramatic landscapes of Arches National Park or continue to Dead Horse Point State Park for a spectacular sunset overlooking the vast canyons of the Colorado River.
• If we visit Dead Horse Point State Park, we will do so before arriving in Moab, staying until the last light fades before continuing to our hotel for check-in. The transition from golden sunset to the deep blue tones of twilight will provide a memorable end to our day of exploration.

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Hotel: My Place

Day 7-10 | November 10-13, 2026 |

Moab area

• The second part of our workshop takes us to the legendary red rock country surrounding Moab, one of the most iconic landscape photography destinations in the American Southwest. Over the next several days, we will explore the region’s dramatic canyons, sandstone towers, and unique geological formations, capturing both aerial and ground-based perspectives.
• With a strong emphasis on drone photography, we will fly in carefully selected locations where operations are permitted, including areas surrounding Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park under a special permit. From above, the desert reveals a completely different world of patterns, textures, and abstract compositions.
• Our explorations will include some of Moab’s most spectacular locations, such as Fisher Towers, the Colorado River viewpoints, and the vast landscapes surrounding Canyonlands and Arches. Each location offers unique opportunities for both aerial imagery and traditional landscape photography during the best light of sunrise and sunset.
• Throughout our stay in Moab, we will remain flexible and adapt our schedule to the weather, light, and creative opportunities, ensuring the best possible conditions for creating a diverse portfolio of Southwest landscapes.

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Hotel: My Place

Day 11 | November 14, 2025 |

Moab » Salt Lake City

• We will begin our final day with a short sunrise photography session in Arches National Park before leaving the red rock landscapes of Southern Utah and starting our return journey to Salt Lake City.
• The drive back to Salt Lake City takes approximately 4 hours. We plan to return our rental vehicle at the airport no later than 3:00 PM, allowing plenty of time for your onward travel.
• When booking your departure flight, we recommend choosing a flight after 6:00 PM to allow sufficient time for the airport transfer, vehicle return, and check-in procedures.

Weather & Climat

Our journey will take us through locations ranging from the lower elevations of Hanksville (approximately 4,300 feet / 1,300 meters above sea level) to the higher plateaus of the Moab region, including Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Arches National Park, where elevations reach around 5,600–6,000 feet (1,700–1,800 meters). Temperatures at these higher elevations can be noticeably colder, especially before sunrise and after sunset.

During the day, expect comfortable autumn conditions with typical temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s °F (12–17 °C), while early mornings and evenings may drop into the 20s–30s °F (-5 to 5 °C), particularly on exposed overlooks and during sunrise or sunset photography sessions.

Layered clothing is essential. A warm jacket, fleece, hat, and gloves are highly recommended for early morning and evening shoots, while lighter layers will be comfortable during daytime exploration. Windproof outer layers are especially useful, as many of our photography locations are exposed to open desert conditions.

Snow is possible in November, particularly at higher elevations such as Canyonlands Island in the Sky and some areas around Arches National Park. While significant snowfall is uncommon, occasional winter storms can briefly transform the red rock landscapes into a stunning combination of sandstone, desert textures, and snow-covered formations—creating unique photographic opportunities.

Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction are recommended, as some locations require walking on uneven terrain, rocky surfaces, or sandy paths. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle—the desert sun remains strong even in November.

Fitness Level: Easy

This trip is perfect for photographers seeking a balance of adventure and accessibility, allowing ample time to carefully compose images without the demands of extensive hiking. Whether you are shooting with a drone or a mirrorless camera, you’ll experience the magic of Southern Utah’s landscapes without excessive physical strain.

We schedule early morning, late afternoon, and occasional night photography sessions to take advantage of the best lighting conditions and capture the landscapes at their most dramatic.

On some days, we may take short hikes of up to 2 miles round trip, often over uneven terrain, rocky surfaces, or sandy paths. While these walks are not strenuous, participants should be comfortable walking on natural surfaces and managing occasional slight elevation changes.

What is Included

Terms of Payment

A deposit payment of $1500 is required to confirm booking. We will send you payment instructions upon registration. The remaining balance is due September 4, 2026.
Please register for this photo journey using the form below.