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Death Valley: Land of Extremes
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$1,260.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Las Vegas, NV / Las Vegas, NV
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
Photograph the world's premier desert landscapes - Death Valley National Park
Visit iconic locations such as Badwater Basin, the Mesquite Sand Dunes, and Zabriskie Point
Discover hidden gems that our expert guides have uncovered after years of visiting the park
Improve your photography skills with one-on-one time with a professional instructor, and leave with an expanded portfolio of excellent images
Join a small group of like-minded photographers for a trip of a lifetime to capture the beauty of Death Valley.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes and otherworldly beauty of Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the contiguous United States. This vast wilderness encompasses towering mountains, sprawling sand dunes, shimmering salt flats, and ancient badlands, providing endless opportunities for photographers to capture the most incredible desert vistas and geological formations.
As one of the premier landscape photography destinations in the world, Death Valley is known for its extremes. It is the hottest place on Earth, with the hottest temperature ever recorded at Furnace Creek in the park. It is also the driest place in North America and is home to the lowest point in the continent, Badwater Basin, which sits at 282 feet below sea level.
Our photography excursion focuses on capturing the essence of this extraordinary landscape, from the towering sand dunes to the unique salt basins, groves of Joshua trees, and much more. We will visit iconic locations such as Badwater Basin, the Mesquite Sand Dunes, Artist's Palette, and Zabriskie Point, as well as hidden gems that our guides have discovered after years of visiting the park. You'll capture the stunning vistas from mountain overlooks, vast playas with mud cracks, and other unique and breathtaking landscapes.
The workshop dates are carefully chosen to align with the phenology of the park, allowing us to witness a wildflower bloom (if it occurs) and experience Death Valley's comfortable winter weather conditions. Our expert instructors will guide you through the techniques and skills necessary to take your photography to the next level, and you'll receive ample one-on-one time to improve your skills.
Join us for the trip of a lifetime and capture iconic Death Valley, a landscape photographer's paradise. You'll leave with a wealth of memories and an expanded portfolio of excellent images, all while experiencing the fun and camaraderie of fellow photographers. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to capture some of the world's most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes.
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Transportation to and from Las Vegas, Nevada
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
We will meet at our hotel in Las Vegas, NV for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will start off the trip with an early departure from Las Vegas, NV. We will drive ~2 hours to Death Valley National Park and stop at a few of the iconic locations mid-morning. Depending on conditions, we will photograph Zabriskie Point, 20 Mule Team Canyon, Artist’s Palette, and Dante’s View. We will grab lunch in the park and check in to our hotel for the week in Furnace Creek. We will take a short break before heading out to the Mesquite Sand Dunes for sunset, then back to Furnace Creek for dinner.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On Day 3, we will once again venture into the ever changing Mesquite Sand Dunes for sunrise. We will shoot well into the morning, as the light seemingly gets better and better. We will take a short break mid-morning. We will venture out early afternoon again to the only grove of Joshua Trees found in the park. A long drive, but worth it! It will be a later dinner
Day 4 (B,D)
Day 4 is all about salt flats and playas. We will start off with a sunrise in the Badwater Basin area. The basin encompasses an extremely large area, thankfully, we know where to find the best formations. We’ll shoot well into the morning and visit another location within the basin as well. Another mid-day break around lunch and another early afternoon start, as we will head to the Panamint Valley for sunset. A lesser visited gem in the park, Panamint will have incredible playas with mountain views waiting for us. We will head back after sunset and grab dinner at Furnace Creek once again.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Our sunrise shoot will take us up into the mountains of Death Valley to an incredible vantage point overlooking Badwater Basin. After sunrise, we will return to the valley and visit the Mesquite Sand Dunes if the light is still good mid-morning. We will take a break after lunch before heading to Cottonball Basin for sunset. The basin features everchanging formations. Another great dinner is in store after sunset back at the hotel.
Day 6 (B)
Our final morning will take us back near Badwater Basin, but this time the focus will be on mud cracks. We will explore a wash with great mountain views overhead. After our morning shoot, we will head back to Las Vegas, NV to say our goodbyes after an amazing workshop!
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
We will meet at our hotel in Las Vegas, NV for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will start off the trip with an early departure from Las Vegas, NV. We will drive ~2 hours to Death Valley National Park and stop at a few of the iconic locations mid-morning. Depending on conditions, we will photograph Zabriskie Point, 20 Mule Team Canyon, Artist’s Palette, and Dante’s View. We will grab lunch in the park and check in to our hotel for the week in Furnace Creek. We will take a short break before heading out to the Mesquite Sand Dunes for sunset, then back to Furnace Creek for dinner.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
On Day 3, we will once again venture into the ever changing Mesquite Sand Dunes for sunrise. We will shoot well into the morning, as the light seemingly gets better and better. We will take a short break mid-morning. We will venture out early afternoon again to the only grove of Joshua Trees found in the park. A long drive, but worth it! It will be a later dinner
Day 4 (B,D)
Day 4 is all about salt flats and playas. We will start off with a sunrise in the Badwater Basin area. The basin encompasses an extremely large area, thankfully, we know where to find the best formations. We’ll shoot well into the morning and visit another location within the basin as well. Another mid-day break around lunch and another early afternoon start, as we will head to the Panamint Valley for sunset. A lesser visited gem in the park, Panamint will have incredible playas with mountain views waiting for us. We will head back after sunset and grab dinner at Furnace Creek once again.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Our sunrise shoot will take us up into the mountains of Death Valley to an incredible vantage point overlooking Badwater Basin. After sunrise, we will return to the valley and visit the Mesquite Sand Dunes if the light is still good mid-morning. We will take a break after lunch before heading to Cottonball Basin for sunset. The basin features everchanging formations. Another great dinner is in store after sunset back at the hotel.
Day 6 (B)
Our final morning will take us back near Badwater Basin, but this time the focus will be on mud cracks. We will explore a wash with great mountain views overhead. After our morning shoot, we will head back to Las Vegas, NV to say our goodbyes after an amazing workshop!
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Physical Requirements
Walking on sand dunes is tough. The sand shifts under your feet as you walk, making it hard to keep your balance. Each step sinks a bit, making it feel like you're moving through thick mud. The sand is unpredictable, so you have to be careful not to trip or fall.
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
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PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
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Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024