A City Different
Workshop Leaders: DeLania Truly & Michael Griffith
Join us for a magical and mystical photography tour of northern New Mexico in the fall. Santa Fe is “A City Different,” and the photography opportunities are unlimited … from the Plaza, where art and artisans abound, to the red rocks sites of the country to the history on almost every corner. Beyond photography, you will discover great food and unique experiences on our six-night tour of the Santa Fe and Taos areas.
Join us to capture your best images yet and be inspired for a lifetime.
Workshop dates
October 23, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - October 29, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
What's Included
- A pre-workshop Zoom meeting will be held to support preparation and provide details for the workshop (typically 3-4 weeks ahead of the workshop dates).
- A post-Workshop Zoom Meeting to share images and editing ideas.
- The full itinerary for the best locations to photograph landscapes, architectural interests, and more.
- Field Instruction and support, as needed, based on skill level.
- Lodging for six nights (based on double occupancy; single supplement available for an additional fee).
- Meals during the workshop itinerary (from Thursday night 10/23 until Tuesday night 10/28)
- Transportation during our field instruction in the Santa Fe/Taos area.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to/from Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) or Santa Fe Airport (SAF).
- Transfers to/from airports to the hotel.
- Meals outside of the planned itinerary.
- Alcohol consumed during meals.
- Personal expenses or additional excursions you plan on your own.
Location
Santa Fe is our home base, with lodging right on the plaza. We will visit areas outside of Santa Fe, including Taos. There are two airports that support a visit to Santa Fe. The closest is Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF). Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) is approximately 60-90 minutes from Santa Fe. We can help coordinate transportation to/from ABQ.
Additional Information:
Example Agenda (may vary as needed)
Day 1 (10/23): Travel Day and Dinner. Please arrange your flights to arrive in Santa by 3pm to check into your hotel. If you want to walk around the plaza before dinner, feel free to get a feel for the area. We will start with a welcome dinner of typical Santa Fe/Northern New Mexico cuisine … a spice lover’s delight (just ask if you would like it a little milder).
Day 2 (10/24): Chimayo and Taos: Our drive today will take us north to Chimayo where we will visit the Santuario De Chimayo church, known for its healing holy dirt, which attracts pilgrims from around the world. While here, we will visit a local weaving shop and have lunch in town. We will then take the high road to Taos to visit the Taos Pueblo and most likely stop at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on our way back.
Day 3 (10/25): Santa Fe City: Breakfast followed by a trip to the rail yard for the Farmers Market to capture great street or food photography. It’s also an opportunity to pick up some Santa Fe treats for friends back home.
Around noon, we head over to the historic Santa Fe Plaza, founded in 1609. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the U.S. and in the Plaza is where you will find most of the city’s landmarks, such as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, Native Americans selling jewelry and the famous Loretto Chapel with its mysterious stairs.
After lunch in the Plaza, we will head to the Georgia O’Keefe museum. Her love of this area runs deep through her paintings, and we will walk many of the same trails that she did in our outing to the White Place. Time providing, we will take in some of the many galleries along Canyon Road.
We will travel to a nearby lookout point to capture a beautiful norther New Mexico sunset before dinner.
Day 4 (10/26) Pecos National Historic Park: Today’s travels will take us east to Pecos National Historical Park. Here, you will discover some interesting Native American and Spanish ruins. But the real draw is the ability to descend into a Native American kiva. Try out your flash here, possibly with a red filter.
We will take a lunch break and offer some photo editing time, followed by a short lecture on panning. We will travel to a local mesa to try out our newfound skills.
Tonight is optional. For those who enjoy interactive art, a group of us will head over to the original Meow Wolf. Always fun and some trippy photos can be captured.
Day 5 (10/27) Valles Caldera and San Felipe Pueblo: Let’s rise early today for a morning sunrise in the Caldera, followed by a short hike and photos among the aspen trees. After lunch at a roadside café, we will head to Tent Rocks and photography among the rocks. Time providing, we will stop in the nearby Kewa Pueblo before heading back to Santa Fe.
Day 6 (10/28) The White Place and Ranch Visit: Let’s rise early to head to O’Keefe country for sunrise at “The White Place” (also known as Plaza Blanca for sunrise). It’s a fascinating and unworldly country. Afterward, we will enjoy lunch and continue editing some of the great photos you have captured so far.
Our plans are to spend the afternoon at a ranch for fun photos of horses, roping and so much more!
To close our workshop this evening, Michael will host you at his house for pizza and drinks so we share some of our work from the week.
Day 7 (10/29) Departures: Today is the day to take your memories home with you. Departures from ABQ should be arranged for 9am or later (due to the one-hour drive from Santa Fe). We will work with you to coordinate transportation to either SAF or ABQ airports.
This workshop is designed for any level of photographer, from beginner to pro. Beginners will receive professional support and instruction based on their current skill level. For the advanced photographer, you can add great images to your portfolio, learn about the history of this remarkable region, and build new friendships.
Most of the itinerary requires minimal physical exertion, with a few exceptions (such as Plaza Blanca and Tent Rocks). You should be able to walk easily around town and landscape areas. There will be stairs in many locations, and ladders to enter a kiva. If you have any questions, reach out to truly@bentondowns.com.
We will be based out of a nice hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza, close to the heart of the city (bring your swimsuit if you want to enjoy the hot tub after a long day of photography). Lodging (two beds per room) will be provided for participants for six nights. If you want additional nights, please contact us directly. The price includes double occupancy. A single supplement is available for an additional $1000 for the six nights. Most meals will be included for the group; alcohol is not included.
We will provide transportation for our photography excursions. We will also help coordinate a pickup from ABQ or SAF on the first day (10/23) or last day (10/29) of the workshop. If you plan to arrive early, or depart later, you will need to coordinate your transportation to/from the hotel.
- DSLR or Mirrorless camera: Whether you have a Crop Sensor or Full Frame, you can capture great photos. Be sure to learn more about your camera’s features before you arrive so you can optimize them during the workshop.
- Lenses – This workshop will take advantage of most lenses, from wide angles to telephotos, ranging from 24mm to 200mm or more. Wide Angle & Medium Telephoto (example: 24-70/24-105). A longer lens or macro lens are optional based on your desire to capture specific images.
- Sturdy Tripod: Tripods don’t have to be expensive, just sturdy. This is especially important for long-exposure images and evening photography.
- Filters: If you have a variety of filters, bring them! Polarizers will help with the beautiful adobe and sand colors, fall aspens in the area, or intense glare. Neutral density filters provide you with an opportunity for some longer exposures to capture moving clouds, etc.
- Extra Batteries & SD Cards
Reserve your spot now!
This workshop is still being developed and will include many unique shooting locations and opportunities. The workshop price is $4,295, including lodging, transportation, park/historical site admissions, and meals as described above. A single supplement is available for $1,000. You can hold your spot with a $1,000 deposit. Final payment is required on August 1, 2025.
Important info! We encourage you to create an account when you register so future workshop forms will be prepopulated with your data. Shortly after registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail and a separate email allowing you to pay your registration online. You are not fully registered until your payment is received.
Class size is limited. Reserve now to guarantee a spot.
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