SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARKS USA

This exciting two-week workshop takes in some of the greatest national parks of the Southwest. Tom will take you to the classic viewpoints at the best time of day to capture iconic images that have immortalised these locations.

The workshop kicks off in the famous Las Vegas with some down time to capture your own shots of the city and enjoy some fine dining, gaming and entertainment. The next day, you will depart for the Grand Canyon National Park where you will be able to capture some breathtaking images of the scenery and gorges from the South Rim. You will also have the opportunity to take photos of grandeur of the Grand Canyon at sunrise, an experience not to be missed.

Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona will also be visited on the workshop. It is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States behind Lake Mead, which stores 30 km of water when full making it a great place to shoot beautiful reflections. You will also get to explore slot canyons and rock formations of the area. There is then a two-night stay in Monument Valley Tribal Park at Gouldings Ranch. You will capture iconic images of the Mittens and many other classic locations in the valley that have been immortalized in countless films and commercials.

After Monument Valley depart for Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Deadhorse State Park where you will enjoy a three night stay in Moab. The Arches National Park is known for preserving over 2000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources. You will also visit Deadhorse State Park, a Utah state park adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, featuring a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River. Horse thieves name the park after its natural corral in the 19th century. The plateau drops and sheer cliffs within the dry desert conditions make it a stunning location for photographers.

A two night stay in Escalante will allow you to see and take in the sunrise at Devil’s Garden, explore Hole-in-the-Wall road and to get gorgeous images of the sunrise Arch. Bryce Canyon National Park is the last stop before heading back to Las Vegas. Despite its name, this is not actually a canyon, but a giant natural amphitheater created by erosion along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. It is well know for its geological structures, called hoodoos, formed from wind, water, and ice erosion of the river and lakebed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange and white colours of the rocks provide for spectacular and unusual images to be captured. When you are back in Vegas you have the opportunity again for your own time to take in the bright lights and city life.

The workshop will concentrate on taking pictures as much as possible in the field but Tom will also talk about planning, designing the locations, composition and the use of natural light. Additionally the workshop  will also informatively include time for you to ask Tom for advice or the opportunity to have him critique your work. Tom will not only help you to spot a great image, but also help you understand the art of composition, lighting, metering and your use of filters. Wherever the location, if you have the desire to capture images to be proud of this event will help you to rethink your creative approach and provide you with images that you will be extremely proud of.

All workshops are limited to only 5 people to insure individual tuition so book early.