Join Benton Downs for…
Creative Growth
Deepen your artistry and creative eye through photography. Transform your compositions and produce your best work ever.
Technical Experience
Our 30+ years of experience, hands-on instruction and video follow up help you gain technical competence in a way that fits your pace and style.
Trusted Guides
We take the worry out of photographing unique locations. We’ve been there, and we’ll help you capture each location like a pro.
Upcoming Photography Workshops & Classes
2025 Workshops
Magnificent Grand Tetons & Incomparable Yellowstone In One Trip
October 2, 2025 – Oct 9, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
Jackson Lake Lodge & West Yellowstone
Capture incredible landscapes and fantastic wildlife images in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park.
Arkansas Fall Colors & Waterfalls
Oct 30, 2025 – Nov 2, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
Ozark National Forest
Capture the wonderful magic of the Ozark Mountains in north east Arkansas with beautiful colors and lovely waterfalls. Believe it or not, there could even be an elk or two.
Magical & Mysterious Caddo Lake – 2025 Workshops
Nov 13 – Nov 16, 2025
(SOLD OUT)
Nov 16 – Nov 19, 2025
(SOLD OUT)
Nov 20 – Nov 23, 2025
(SOLD OUT)
Caddo Lake State Park
Join us as we capture the unique & beautiful fall landscapes and diverse wildlife at Caddo Lake.
2026 Workshops
The Awe Inspiring Landscape of Beautiful Death Valley
March 15, 2026 – March 19, 2026
Death Valley, California
One of the most amazing geologic areas in North America and the largest National Park in the lower 48 states. The possibilities are endless for amazing images.
Savannah Georgia Women’s Workshop
March 23, 2026 – March 27, 2026
(SOLD OUT)
March 27, 2026 – March 31, 2026
(5 Spots Open)
Savannah, GA
Step into the magic of springtime with our transformative women’s photography workshop, set against the enchanting backdrop of Savannah, Georgia in Spring 2026.
The Oregon Coast – Wild & Rugged
May 26, 2026 – May 31, 2026
(Only 3 Spots Left)
Oregon Coast & Columbia River Valley
For as long as people have traveled from east to west, the views along the Oregon Coast have inspired poetic and literary gold. Join us to create your own visual wealth.
Night Skies at Ft. Griffin State Historic Site
June 12, 2026
June 13, 2026
Ft. Griffin Historic Site, TX
Visit one of the darkest night sky locations in North Texas and explore a piece of the historic western frontier! Choose one night or all three. Learn light painting, focusing and maybe even catch a bit of magic with a falling star!
Chasing Light in Utah with Drones & Infrared
July 15, 2026 – July 20, 2026
(Only 2 Spots Left)
Hanksville & Moab Areas
Embark on an unforgettable photography adventure across Southern Utah’s dramatic landscapes. Explore red rock canyons, sweeping vistas, and lush river valleys while capturing stunning images by drone, infrared, or natural light..
Rocky Mountain Milky Way & Meteors Photography Workshop
August 11, 2026 – August 15, 2026
(Only 1 Spot Open)
Rocky Mountain National Park
Experience the breathtaking night skies of Rocky Mountain National Park during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower and Milky Way season. Whether you are just beginning your astrophotography journey, or have been an avid fan for years, you will love the celestial skies over mountains and lakes.
Iceland Solar Eclipse Photography Workshop
August 8, 2026 – August 14, 2026
Reykjavik & Beyond
In August 2026, a rare and breathtaking phenomenon will cast a shadow across the land of fire and ice — a Total Solar Eclipse, visible from the rugged wilderness of Iceland. This is your invitation to witness it not just as a traveler, but as an artist behind the lens.
Colorado Fall Colors
Sept 27, 2026 – October 2, 2026
(Only 4 Spots Open)
San Juan Mountains
One of the most photographed fall locations in the world, Colorado offers breathtaking vistas full of beautiful, rugged mountains framed by stunning fall colors.
Arkansas Fall Colors & Waterfalls
Oct 29, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026
Ozark National Forest
Capture the wonderful magic of the Ozark Mountains in north east Arkansas with beautiful colors and lovely waterfalls. Believe it or not, there could even be an elk or two.
Magical & Mysterious Caddo Lake – 2026 Workshops
Nov 12 – Nov 15, 2026
Nov 15 – Nov 18, 2026
Nov 19 – Nov 22, 2026
Caddo Lake State Park
Join us as we capture the unique & beautiful fall landscapes and diverse wildlife at Caddo Lake.
2026 Skills Classes
Advanced Editing: Lightroom Classic:
Saturday, January 24, 2026 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
David Downs Photography Studio – Plano, TX
Paint does not create a great painting any more than a raw image creates art. It takes interaction with a creative mind and the proper tools.
Advanced Editing: Adobe Photoshop
February 7, 2026 – 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
David Downs Photography Studio – Plano, TX
Move beyond basic layers to take your images to a new level using blend modes, brushes, generative fill, and luminosity masks.
Meet Your Instructors
David Downs (l.) and Barry Benton (r.) are award-winning photographers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others. Whether students want to create art or simply take better images, the team’s expert guidance help students reach their goal and grow as photographers.
Join our list
Be the first to hear about upcoming photography workshops & other opportunities for learning to get the most from your camera.
