Monument Valley offers photographers some of the most striking and iconic views of the American Southwest. We will be accompanied on each of our twice-daily outings by experienced local Navajo guides. Familiar with the interests and needs of photographers, they will help us explore areas in and around Monument Valley not easily accessible to the average visitor.

We will be rising early to photograph the spring Milky Way arched low in the southeastern sky. On our morning shoots, we will also photograph breathtaking sunrises that typically turn the Valley’s ancient butte formations golden brown. Following late breakfasts each day, we will then spend the bright white mid-day hours resting and processing and reviewing images. Recharged and well fed, we will again head out to photograph the Valley in afternoon and evening light, followed by late dinners.

One full day will be devoted to photographing the Valley from Hunts Mesa. We will head out quite early in order to be positioned on the Mesa to photograph sunrise and to witness the early morning light transform the Valley into a sight to behold. We will have breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Mesa, returning to the View Hotel after sunset.

Our workshop will include exploration outside the Valley in the Mexican Hat area, the Corque Screw Slot Canyon, a visit to Mystery Valley led by a Navajo guide who is a cultural ambassador for Utah State University and an author of several books on Navajo culture and tradition. Mystery Valley houses thousands of Anasazi archaeological sites. We will also explore along the Oljato Road loop, including Eye in the Sky and the North Window. Additionally, we will be photographing at Moki Dugway and nearby overlooks, including Muley Point, taking in a unique view down on the Valley from the north.

To maximize every opportunity to capture striking images of the Milky Way arching over the valley and to make the most of our day on Hunts Mesa, our exact itinerary will be adjusted in consultation with our Navajo guides.

March 27: After checking into our rooms at the View Hotel at 3:00, we will meet for an orientation, followed by an early dinner and then an evening photo shoot, including sunset.

March 28 – April 1: Except for the full day we will spend in Hunts Mesa, each day will include an early morning photography outing, followed by a late breakfast. Late morning to mid-afternoon, each day will be devoted to personal time, rest and processing images, having lunch at the View Hotel, and meeting for image reviews. Afternoon and evening photography will be followed by a late dinner.

April 2: Our workshop and time together in Monument Valley will conclude following breakfast.

The registration fee of $6895 USD includes workshop tuition, single-occupancy accommodations, meals (excluding alcohol) from dinner on March 27th through breakfast on April 2, transportation during the workshop, and gratuities for local guides. (As your workshop leader, I do not expect or accept gratuities.) Couples and friends traveling together can share a room at an $850 USD discount per person. This workshop is limited to six guests.

Not included: airfare and transportation to Monument Valley and travel insurance, which is recommended but not required.

A deposit of $1,500 is payable upon registration, with the balance due 90 days prior to the workshop. For more information or to register, contact me at [email protected] or call 505.901.2544. If I am unable to take your call immediately, please send a voice message, and I will return your call as soon as possible.

Getting to Monument Valley: The Valley is approximately a five-hour drive from either Albuquerque, Phoenix, or Grand Junction and approximately a seven-hour drive from Salt Lake City.

Note: To view more images from Monument Valley, visit the gallery in the ‘Portfolio’ drop-down menu on this site.