Overview

Nevada’s Valley of Fire derives its name from the firelight glow of red sandstone formations reflecting the sun’s magic-hour rays. Swirling “wave” formations, majestic arches, wind-eroded pocket caves, water-polished slot canyons, layered beehives, hoodoos, and layered ridges catching sunset like flickering flames are among the incredible array of landforms here. The color of the rock ranges from oranges, yellows, and pinks to magenta and blue.  Mesozoic petrified trees and cryptic petroglyphs left behind by ancient cultures are found at several sites around the park. It’s the southwest in microcosm, conveniently located just an hour from Las Vegas.

This workshop is a camping trip limited to a small group of ten. Our base camp right in the middle of the landscape will allow us to focus on photography in the field, making the most of the potential of the place. Instructors Jeff Foott and Justin Black will lead the group on photo excursions to capture the best morning and evening light. During mid-day hours, the group will head into slot canyons and other sheltered areas to photograph in the warm glow reflected from the colorful stone. Jeff and Justin will guide participants through the process of conceiving, planning, and creating inspired photographs among the wind-chiseled, swirling formations.

There will be plenty of time in the field for personalized instruction, discussion, and Q&A. Back in camp each evening, we will gather to review and critique the day’s images on our laptops. Those who are interested can even take advantage of the clear desert air to photograph by moonlight.

Jaw-dropping moments are something I’ve had more than my fair share of during my long career as a nature photographer and cinematographer. In Nepal, I once had a wild tiger unexpectedly leap from camouflaged cover no more than twelve feet away from me. In Botswana, an angry mother elephant nearly flipped my open Land Rover with her tusks. And, I’m sure I’ve experienced whichever emotion it is that arises beyond “elation,” when the full moon began to rise unexpectedly into the perfect place in my composition as I photographed the warm afterglow of dusk on the red rock of Utah’s Castle Rock Spire.

But one year, suffering from spring fever, I decided to explore Valley of Fire. I had driven past the park countless times, uninspired by the dull brown rock visible along the highway. Valley of Fire is one of the first places to warm up in the spring, though, so off I went.  As I ventured into the main part of the park for the first time, the sculpted and faceted multi-colored sandstone landscape before me surpassed my wildest expectations. Over the next few days, I hiked most of the main drainages looking for color and design. Some of the best was within a hundred yards of the road, some a mile or two back, but exquisite compositions were everywhere. It was reminiscent of Coyote Buttes in some spots, complete with its own “wave” except many times more colorful. As if the beautiful rock designs were not enough, big horn sheep and ancient petroglyphs are commonplace. For a place that appears from the road to be an underwhelming state park, Valley of Fire reveals itself as one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. –Jeff Foott