Set off on an special photographic adventure to two of the American West’s most iconic desert landscapes—Death Valley National Park and the Alabama Hills. Timed to coincide with a rare supermoon event, this workshop is a unique opportunity to capture the stark beauty of these diverse environments under extraordinary light. With their unique geology, surreal landforms, and dramatic skies, these locations provide an incredible canvas for creativity, making this one of the most productive and inspiring photography trips you’ll take this year.

Death Valley National Park

As the largest national park in the contiguous United States, Death Valley is a landscape of extremes and contrasts. Towering sand dunes, vast salt flats, windswept playas, and rugged mountain ranges come together in an environment that feels both ancient and otherworldly. From the crackled textures of Badwater Basin’s salt polygons to the rolling Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and the painterly tones of Artist’s Palette, Death Valley offers photographers an endless variety of compelling subjects.

During this workshop, you’ll photograph dramatic desert scenes at both sunrise and sunset, when the low-angle light reveals the contours and textures of this remarkable terrain. As night falls, the supermoon will rise, casting a silvery glow over the landscape and creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for nightscapes and creative compositions. Our itinerary is designed to take full advantage of this rare lunar event, ensuring plenty of opportunities to capture the desert under moonlight as you’ve never seen it before.

Alabama Hills

Nestled at the foot of the towering Sierra Nevada, the Alabama Hills are a striking contrast to the vast openness of Death Valley. Here, rounded granite boulders and naturally sculpted arches frame views of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. This area’s rugged beauty has long attracted photographers, climbers, and filmmakers alike, with scenes from classic Westerns to modern blockbusters filmed among its iconic rock formations.

Key locations like Mobius Arch, Boot Arch, and the sweeping views toward Lone Pine Peak provide ideal settings for both wide landscapes and intimate detail shots. The interplay of soft granite textures against the jagged Sierra skyline creates endless compositional opportunities, especially under the glow of the supermoon, when long shadows and moonlight add an otherworldly dimension to the scene.

Beyond its dramatic geology, the Alabama Hills are rich in natural and cultural history. Wildlife sightings are common, with chances to spot desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of raptors, while ancient petroglyphs and artifacts tell stories of Native American habitation stretching back thousands of years.

Why This Workshop Is Special

This workshop is built around the supermoon, a rare astronomical event that only occurs a few times a year. The timing couldn’t be better—autumn offers ideal conditions in both Death Valley and the Alabama Hills. Cooler temperatures and soft seasonal light make this one of the most rewarding times of year to visit these destinations.

While the supermoon is a major focus, this trip offers so much more. You’ll be photographing diverse desert environments, from vast salt flats and cracked playas to towering dunes, weathered arches, and snow-capped peaks. The variety of subjects and settings makes this workshop an exceptional opportunity to expand your portfolio with a wide range of compelling images.

Whether you’re chasing moonlit landscapes, golden hour scenes, or experimenting with creative techniques like composites and blends, this trip provides the perfect balance of guidance, adventure, and photographic inspiration.