Capitol Reef and Badlands Workshop 2027

01 · Day 1

After meeting in Torrey, we’ll begin with an orientation and a conversation about your experience, creative goals, and what you hope to strengthen during the workshop. Our first field session takes us into Capitol Reef National Park for sunset, where we’ll work with wider landscapes along the Fremont River, golden cottonwoods, sandstone walls, and reflected light. This opening session introduces the workshop’s methodical approach to composition, exposure, lens choice, and identifying the true subject within a busy scene.

02 · Day 2

We’ll begin the day among colorful bentonite formations beneath immense sandstone monoliths, studying layers, shape, visual flow, and the subtle separation of similar tones. As the light changes, we’ll shift toward smaller scenes along a winding canyon stream, working with cottonwood leaves, reflections, water, rock, and intimate compositions. After a midday break and discussion, we’ll return to the field for sunset in the Utah Badlands, where fall color and sculpted desert terrain create opportunities for both grand landscapes and compressed telephoto studies.

03 · Day 3

Blue hour begins among the badlands and distant mesas of Caineville, where soft light reveals delicate color and texture before direct sunlight reaches the landscape. Later, we’ll enter a quiet white-sandstone canyon to photograph reflected light, mud cracks, flowing lines, and abstract details that are easy to overlook. The afternoon includes time for image review and post-processing, with practical Lightroom and Photoshop instruction based on photographs made during the workshop. We’ll finish with another sunset field session chosen around the day’s weather and strongest conditions.

04 · Day 4

Our final sunrise is spent along the Fremont River as first light reflects from sandstone cliffs and begins to illuminate the cottonwoods. We’ll revisit the ideas developed throughout the workshop: slowing down, simplifying complicated scenes, recognizing meaningful light, and building stronger compositions with intention. The morning also allows time to refine anything that has been especially challenging and to discuss how these approaches can carry into your future photography. The exact location remains flexible so the workshop can end with the best available combination of color, weather, and light.