Overview

At first glance, the largest National Park in the Lower 48 appears to be nothing more than a stark and desolate wasteland, desiccated by sun and wind in the rain shadow of the High Sierra and the Panamint Range. Depite its reputation as a land of extremes – the driest place in the United States, the lowest elevation in North America, and the hottest place on Earth (in summer anyway) – the careful observer will find Death Valley to be a place of elegant and haunting beauty.

This workshop will be led by renowned photographers Michael Frye and Jerry Dodrill. Both instructors have photographed Death Valley extensively and know its secrets well. We will photograph at a variety of locations in the park during our morning and evening field sessions, with emphasis on the dunes, salt formations, water courses, and sculpted designs in the canyons. At this time of year, the days are comfortable and the nights are cool, and the weather can bring anything from sunny bluebird skies to dramatic boiling storm clouds. Death Valley serves up surprises each time we return. If a wet winter precedes the workshop, blankets of golden and purple wildflowers may cover the hills and alluvial fans along the edges of the valley.

The workshop includes eight field sessions, classroom lectures and ample hands-on instruction and critiques. Group meals provide an informal setting to socialize and address specific interests that may not be covered during lectures and classroom discussion.

The class size is limited to a small group of ten to ensure that everyone gets the time and attention they need, both in the field and the classroom.

Based out of Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel, located ideally near Mesquite Flat Dunes, and with all meals, snacks and beverages included, this is a superb workshop scenario. We hope you’ll join us!

Note: Visionary Wild, LLC operates this workshop under a permit issued by the National Park Service at Death Valley National Park.