2027 Southern Utah Aerial & Autumn Colors

7 Days

Sep 27, 2027 - Oct 3, 2027: 6 spots remaining

Limited to 6 participants

Experience the raw beauty of Southern Utah on a photography workshop that spans iconic landscapes and hidden gems.

Quick Facts

Skill Level i

Intermediate, Advanced

Fitness Level i

Easy, Moderate

Terrain

Uneven Terrain, Flat Walkways, Temperature Extremes

Location

Hanksville & Moab Deserts

Tuition

$4,250

The Experience

Experience the raw beauty of Southern Utah. From the red rock arches of Moab to the sweeping vistas of Canyonlands, the winding Colorado River, and the surreal textures near Hanksville, every stop offers striking contrast and unforgettable color. Capture dramatic scenes with a drone or simply revel in the rich palette of sandstone, volcanic rock, and lush river valleys—this is the Southwest at its most beautiful!

2027 Southern Utah Aerial & Autumn Colors

What You Will Learn

In the Field

Efficient Drone Photography
Composition From The Air
Auto Panorama Capture & Composition
Video Settings and ND Filters
IR Composition & Wavelink Consideration

Beyond the Capture

Planning Drone Photography & Videography
Editing Drone Images
Creating Color Profiles for IR Edits
Practice instructions/sessions

Through The Lens

Planning Your Trip

Nearest Airport

Grand Junction Regional / Moab / Salt Lake City (GJT or CNY or SLC)

Lodging Suggestions

Provided during workshop: Muddy Creek Mining Company, Moab Hotel

Transportation

Provided during workshop: 4 Wheel Drive High Clearance Vehicles

What's Included:

Five nights of lodging
Workshop ground transportation included
First and last dinners
Admission to all parks
Three pre-workshop Zoom meetings
One post-workshop Zoom meeting

What's Not Included:

Airfare to Salt Lake City
Most meals and drinks
Alcoholic beverages not included
Personal expenses and incidentals
Self-planned additional excursions
Travel Insurance

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & First Evening

Arrive in Hanksville no later than 2:00 PM. We’ll get checked in, gather as a group, grab something to eat, and talk through the week ahead. That evening, we’ll head out for our first sunset photography session in the surrounding desert landscape.

Day 2-6

Desert, Aerial & Autumn Photography

Over the next several days, we’ll explore a wide range of locations throughout Southern Utah, photographing from both the ground and the air. We’ll look for dramatic desert formations, bold color, intimate details, sweeping landscapes, and opportunities for fall color at higher elevations.
As the workshop progresses, we’ll transition farther east, where we’ll photograph from elevated viewpoints, explore river corridors and distinctive desert terrain, and take advantage of opportunities for sunset, night-sky photography, and additional fall color when conditions cooperate.

Day 7

Final Sunrise & Departure

We’ll wrap up the workshop with one final sunrise session in a unique location before saying our goodbyes and departing for home.

What Our Students Say...

Instruction and Independence!

This was a terrific workshop whether you are a beginner or a more experienced photographer. If I needed help or had a question either David or Barry was right there. If I wanted to wander off and work on my own composition, I could do that. The perfect balance of instruction and independence.

One of the very best!

I’ve participated in a number of photographic workshops. This was one of the very best!

Michael Griffith

You Walk Away Learning So Much!

I have attended several photography workshops, including with some National names – this one is a class apart. David and Barry bring their down to earth style to the workshop and you walk away learning so much – while actually taking pictures. This is a hands-on lesson – which makes it really interesting. I would absolutely do a workshop with them again.

Arun K

No Matter Your Skill Level, You Won’t Be Disappointed!

Sign up for a workshop! Through the one on one coaching of David and Barry, I came away with more confidence in my ability to get great landscape and astrophotos. No matter your skill level, you won’t be disappointed.

Rhonda H

Taking My Photos To Another Level!

This was a great workshop for me. I learned several things that definitely help take my photos to another level.

Marian K

Benton Downs meets and exceeds my expectations

My priorities for a workshop are always to see new places, especially at my age, learn something new, get feedback on my compositions in camera, get ideas for compositions or small scenes or creative ideas that I may not be seeing, meet new people, be in a small group, and offer all of that for an affordable investment. Benton Downs meets and exceeds my expectations by going above and beyond by adding in a zoom meeting before and after each workshop, by offering editing or critique advice during or after the workshop, and with their friendliness and caring about each participant. Anything else is a bonus. I would highly recommend BDW as one of the top workshop groups in the country. Thanks Barry and David!

Roberta K.

Meet Your Instructor

David Downs

Read David's Bio

David Begis