Experience the raw beauty of Southern Utah on a photography workshop that spans iconic landscapes and hidden gems. 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, explore infrared possibilities, or simply revel in the rich palette of sandstone, volcanic rock, and lush river valleys—this is the Southwest at its most photogenic.
Workshop Leader: David Downs
Certified Professional Photographer, Master of Photography
Discover the Wonders of Southern Utah
Southern Utah is a breathtaking fusion of towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and sweeping desert vistas. This workshop explores some of the region’s most iconic and visually rich locations, including Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks, the stunning overlook at Dead Horse Point, and the winding path of the Colorado River. From vibrant sunrises over sandstone arches to the layered geology of ancient riverbeds, every stop offers photographers a new perspective on the dramatic beauty of the Southwest.
Western Exploration: Hanksville & Beyond
The western leg of the workshop centers around Hanksville—a rugged, lesser-known area packed with photographic opportunities. Drone enthusiasts will revel in the surreal textures of eroded badlands, labyrinthine slot canyons, and the interplay of shadow and shape only seen from above. The region is also a dream for infrared photography, revealing haunting tones among sandstone, limestone, and volcanic rock. Along the river corridors, vibrant green vegetation adds a stunning contrast to the earth-toned landscape, perfect for expansive vistas or intimate landscape studies.
Eastern Adventure: Moab, Arches & Canyonlands
The eastern portion of the workshop immerses you in the red rock majesty of Moab and its surrounding parks. Arches National Park delivers iconic stone spans that glow with color at golden hour, while Canyonlands offers vast, cinematic views shaped by time and water. The Colorado River carves its way through this dramatic terrain, providing serene foregrounds and reflective light. With ever-changing skies and endless compositions, this area is a playground for photographers seeking both grandeur and nuance in their work.
During our journey, you can enjoy:
Drone Photography Techniques: Panoramas, Video Capture, Editing.
Infrared Techniques: Wavelength impact, processing, visualization.
Hands-on Learning: Small group experience with personalized feedback.
Incredible Vistas: There is no other place in the US with this topography.
What’s Included:
- Lodging for five nights.
- First & last night dinner.
- Ground transportation to and from Salt Lake City will be provided during the workshop.
- Admission to all parks.
- Three pre-workshop Zoom meetings will be held to support preparation and provide details for the workshop. We want to ensure every participant is as prepared as possible when they arrive in Utah to take full advantage of their equipment.
- 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.
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Salt Lake City International Airport (SAV)
- Meals and drinks during the workshop (except for two group meals, excluding alcohol).
- Personal expenses or additional excursions you plan on your own.
Workshop dates
July 15, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - July 20, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
Location
Arrive & depart from Salt Lake City, with photography taking place across the southern part of Utah.
Workshop topics
- Drone & Infrared photography & videography
- Landscape composition and visualization
- Focus stacking and bracketing
- Using filters for landscape and mid-day photography
- Night sky photography
Additional workshop details
Click an arrow to expand a section and display (or print) its info.
Lodging/Meals information
We will be based out of hotels in Hanksville and Moab. Lodging will be provided for participants for five nights. Two group meals are included; other meals and drinks will be at your own expense. If you want additional nights before or after the workshop, please contact us immediately to help you secure the lowest rates possible.
Agenda
Beginning about 90 days out from the workshop we will host a series of Zoom calls to go over our flight plans as a group and discuss best ways to be prepared. We will also try to answer all questions you may have.
Day 1: Arrival Day & Sunset Shoot
Arrive in Salt Lake City by 12:00 PM and load up for drive to Hanksville. We will get checked into our rooms, grab some dinner and head out for drone and night sky photography.
Day 2 & 3: Sunrise to Sunset
From sunrise to sunset & beyond, our group will enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes you've ever seen and capture them by drone, IR and standard photography methods. We'll be in the Hanksville area and visit Capital Reef National Park.
Day 4: Sunrise and Canyonlands
Sunrise and exploration once more near Hanksville before we head around the southern part of Canyonlands National Park including a stretch of 125 miles without services of any kind. We will end the day in Moab and a sunset/nightsky shoot at Dead Horse Point.
Day 5: Moab Area
The iconic Mesa Arch sunrise shot is our goal with the bookend being a sunset session in Arches National Park.
Day 6: Departure Day
We'll take another shot at Mesa Arch or Dead Horse Point for sunrise before gathering our gear and heading back to Salt Lake City with a stop or two along the way.
(This agenda is definitely subject to change based on weather and un foreseen issues such as street or location closures.)
Transportation
You should plan to fly into Salt Lake City International Airport with an arrival by 12:00 PM on the first day. You will dropped off at the airport by 2:00 PM on the last day.
Recommended photography gear
- Drone with appropriate licenses/training for the use anticipated.
- IR Converted camera or filters for those interested in learning or enjoying the art of IR Photography.
- DSLR or Mirrorless camera: Whether you have a Crop Sensor or Full Frame, you will be able to 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 14 mm to 500mm or more.
- Sturdy Tripod: Tripods don’t have to be expensive, just sturdy. This is especially important for long exposure images and evening photography. There will be some excursions that will not require the use of a tripod … just your camera and a few lenses.
- Filters: If you have a variety of filters, bring them! Polarizers will help with the beautiful adobe and sand colors, or strong glare. Neutral density filters provide you with an opportunity for some longer exposures to capture moving clouds, etc.
- Extra Batteries & SD Cards
Level of Experience/Physical Requirements
This workshop is designed for the intermediate to advanced photographer.
Although a large part of our workshop will be from locations very near the vehicles there will be at least two hikes requiring effort, one potentially significant effort due to distance and elevation gain (Delicate Arch). If you have concerns, please contact David@bentondowns.com.
We will be providing water throught the trip but each person is responsible for their own snacks.
Location pro tips
Although it can be quite warm during the day and the sun intense due to altitude, long sleeves and a second layer should be brought with you as evenings and particularly mornings can be cool. Consider clothing from Columbia, Patagonia and Coolibar.
Reserve your spot now!
Pricing
- $3,450 with individual rooms, transportation, and two meals.
- A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot for the workshop. The balance will be due March 1, 2026. Should you have to cancel, we will make every effort to fill your spot, and if successful, we will refund your deposit minus credit card charges.
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.
If you pay by deposit, you will be billed, via online invoice, the balance due on March 1, 2026. All payments other than the deposit are subject to our standard cancellation policy.
