Frequently Asked Questions
Multi-Day Workshops FAQ
Workshops Overview
A photo workshop is a multi-day immersive learning trip where photography is the priority.
We build the schedule around the best conditions and include in-field instruction, image critique, and (when time allows) classroom processing sessions. Workshops focus on themes like landscapes, wildlife, night skies, storms, and seasonal conditions.
We run landscape, wildlife, aerial, night skies and storm chasing photography workshops around the world.
From our home base in Kanab, Utah, we offer a strong portfolio of Desert Southwest workshops. We also offer a variety of workshops in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the polar regions including the Arctic and Antarctic.
Visit our Workshops page to see the full list of current offerings.
A great way to get a feel for the experience is to hear directly from past guests.
We have 900+ five-star reviews—you can browse testimonials on both Google and Trip Advisor to see what participants consistently say about their time with us.
You can also visit our Client Images page to see the quality of photographs our participants create while on an adventure with us. Each year, we host the Action Photogs Photo Contest, where guests submit their favorite images from our trips. Viewing past contest videos is another excellent way to see the real results our clients achieve.
At some point, though, you simply have to take the leap. Many guests start with a day tour, overnight adventure, or short workshop to get to know us. Once they do, they tend to keep coming back—at least 75% of our participants are repeat clients.
We’re confident that after your first trip, you’ll understand why.
Pricing, Discounts, and Payments
Each workshop is a little different, but most include:
Small group format with a low instructor-to-client ratio
In-field instruction and hands-on guidance throughout the trip
Post-processing and image critique sessions (when time allows)
Ground transportation during the workshop
Entry fees and required permits
Overnight lodging
Please note that a few workshops have exceptions (such as lodging being priced separately).
For complete and specific details, the “Pricing / What’s Included” section on each individual workshop page is the final and most accurate source of information.
We encourage everyone to become a Loyalty Member—there’s no requirement to have traveled with us before.
Simply visit our Loyalty Program page and purchase the $99 annual membership. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a personalized 10% discount code valid for most domestic workshops and day trips booked during your one-year membership period.
Exceptions: International workshops and select domestic workshops are not eligible for the loyalty discount.
For most members, the savings from just one booking more than pays for the membership.
But the biggest perk? Early access. Loyalty Members receive first notification of new workshops. If you’ve been part of our community for any length of time, you know many of our trips sell out quickly. Early access often means the difference between securing your spot and missing out.
It’s one of the best ways to stay ahead—and save money while doing it.
For most workshops, a 50% deposit is due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is typically due approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. We will contact you in advance to coordinate and process your final payment.
For workshops priced over $10,000, the payment schedule is structured differently. A 25% deposit is due at registration, with additional payments scheduled at 9 months, 6 months, and 4 months prior to departure. Specific payment terms for each trip are outlined on the individual workshop page and in your registration details.
Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected. Tips are completely discretionary and based on the experience you had.
If you’d like to leave a gratuity, our instructors can accept:
- Cash
- Electronic payments (PayPal or Venmo)
Typical workshop range: Most guests tip between $20–$50 per day (depending on trip length and level of service).
Not a “tipping” person? No worries at all—one of the best ways to support us is to leave a kind review and tell friends or fellow photographers about your experience.
These are service and processing fees charged by our online booking platform—similar to the fees you see when purchasing concert tickets or airline tickets. The exact fee amount will be clearly displayed during checkout before you complete your registration.
Workshop Lodging & Food
For many domestic workshops, lodging is offered as a separate add-on during checkout, with both single and double occupancy options available.
We separate lodging for several reasons:
Transparency: You can clearly see the actual cost of accommodations.
Flexibility: Some participants don’t require lodging (locals, RV travelers, or those staying with friends or family).
Fair Discounts: Loyalty discounts apply to workshop tuition only—not lodging. Keeping lodging separate ensures discounts remain simple and equitable.
When adding lodging, you’ll choose your preferred occupancy (single or double) during the booking process.
Double occupancy cannot be guaranteed for solo travelers.
If you request double occupancy, we will do our best to match you with a same-gender roommate. However, if we’re unable to find a match—or if your assigned roommate later cancels—you may be required to upgrade to single occupancy.
If you register and book two spots together, double occupancy is guaranteed.
Please note: Upgrading to single occupancy does not create an exception to our cancellation policy.
Meals are not included on most workshops, which gives you the flexibility to eat what and where you prefer. The majority of our domestic workshops have convenient access to restaurants and grocery stores.
We do include meals on certain all-inclusive workshops, such as Kenya safaris, Galápagos trips, Antarctica expeditions, and other destinations where dining options are limited. When meals are included, it will be clearly stated on the individual workshop page. We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but this cannot be guaranteed—especially in remote locations with limited options.
Yes—you’re welcome to bring a non-photographer companion, and many of our guests do. However, we do not offer non-photographer discounts, as each participant receives the same access and vantage opportunities. The primary cost savings would come from sharing a room with double occupancy.
Workshop Instruction & Prep
All workshops include a pre-workshop Zoom meeting held a few months before departure to review logistics, answer questions, and help you feel fully prepared.
Some workshops—especially international or logistically complex trips—also include a detailed PDF trip packet with itinerary information, travel logistics, packing lists, and other planning details.
To get the most out of your experience, we strongly recommend reading our Ebook ahead of time. Familiarity with the basics (exposure, focus, and common camera settings) makes in-field learning more enjoyable and less stressful. We also encourage you to explore our Education page for additional resources.
All experience levels are welcome—from beginners to working professionals. Our mission is to help you capture your best images, no matter where you’re starting from.
At the beginning of each workshop, we’ll ask about your experience level and your goals. This allows us to tailor instruction specifically to you—whether that’s camera fundamentals, composition, night photography, or refining your editing workflow.
To get the most out of your experience, we strongly recommend reading our Ebook ahead of time. Familiarity with the basics (exposure, focus, and common camera settings) makes in-field learning more enjoyable and less stressful. We also encourage you to explore our Education page for additional resources.
Drones: If you plan to bring a drone, you must already be comfortable launching, landing, and flying safely before the workshop. Our instructors can teach photography techniques, but they cannot pilot your aircraft for you.
Each workshop page includes a recommended gear list, along with any trip-specific requirements. Use that as your starting point.
What you bring should align with your goals, budget, and shooting style. Having the “latest and greatest” gear doesn’t automatically mean better photos—what matters most is using equipment you’re comfortable with and can operate quickly and confidently in the field.
We’ve seen guests create excellent images with a wide range of setups, including basic DSLR or mirrorless kits—and even smartphones.
If you’re unsure what to pack, feel free to Contact Us and we’ll help you prioritize.
Many of our workshops include post-processing instruction and image critique as part of the educational experience.
We teach using Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, focusing on practical techniques and a repeatable editing framework you can apply to your own work.
Sessions are typically demonstration-based rather than strict follow-along classes. This approach helps you learn an efficient workflow without getting slowed down by individual laptop troubleshooting.
While many participants choose to bring one, you are not required to bring a laptop to attend a workshop.
Action Photogs is our private Facebook community exclusively for Action Photo Tours alumni. It’s a supportive space where members share images, receive feedback, and stay connected with fellow participants and instructors.
How to Join:
After attending at least one tour or workshop, simply request to join Action Photogs on Facebook. We’ll approve your request as soon as possible.
Fitness, Weather, & Policies
Each trip is labeled with a physical intensity rating so you can choose the right fit.
- Easy
- Moderate
- Active
- Strenuous
Visit our Physical Intensity page for the difficulty scale and examples.
Even on “easy” trips, expect early mornings, late nights, and some walking with camera gear.
A flexible itinerary is a hallmark of our workshops, allowing us to adapt to changing conditions. If weather prevents access to a primary destination, we will adjust the plan and pivot to alternate locations to make the most of the situation.
Workshops may be modified due to conditions outside our control, and refunds are not issued for weather-related changes.
Workshop cancellations incur a $300 per person administrative fee. If your canceled spot is filled, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method, and the $300 admin fee will be charged separately.
Participant Transfers:
You may transfer your spot to another participant at no charge.
Workshop Transfers:
Transfers to a different workshop are permitted up to 180 days prior to the workshop start date. Within 180 days, contact us and we will determine whether a transfer is possible based on demand and waitlist availability.
Please note that some workshops have unique cancellation terms listed on their individual workshop page, which override this general policy.
See our full Terms and Conditions.
Yes—Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover non-refundable fees and travel expenses if something unexpected happens.
We also recommend emergency medical and evacuation coverage, especially for international workshops.
Day & Overnight Tour FAQ's
Overview & Logistics
A photo tour is a guided outing where photography is the primary objective.
We plan around the best light and conditions, and we provide in-field instruction to help with composition and technical settings.
We offer on-demand single-day and overnight tours around Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Ground transportation is included and provided in our customized lifted 4x4 vehicles, allowing access to remote and scenic locations.
Southern Utah and Northern Arizona offer an incredible diversity of world-class landscape locations—from bucket-list highlights to hidden gems. It’s our favorite playground, and we know it intimately.
We list many popular options on our Tour Page, but we’re happy to recommend additional locations based on your goals, the time of year, and current conditions. Take advantage of our expertise—pick our brains and let us help you choose the best possible experience.
Yes—we do this all the time.
If you’re looking for a private, multi-day experience, simply share your dates, preferred locations, and what you most want to photograph. We’ll design a custom itinerary tailored to your goals, the season, and current conditions to create the best possible experience.
Yes—absolutely. It’s one of our favorite genres.
With some of the darkest skies in the world, Southern Utah is a world-class destination for astrophotography. For the best experience, we typically recommend an overnight camping trip (such as White Pocket, Alstrom Point, or Toroweap), which provides the time and flexibility needed for successful night shooting.
Visit our Night Photography page to learn more and submit your preferred dates. We’ll help you plan around moon phases and seasonal conditions to maximize your results.
We can help you photograph:
Milky Way and stars
Long-exposure star trails
Full moon and moonscapes
Milky Way Season: Generally best from March through early October.
Spring: Most visible in the early morning hours (approximately 2–5 AM)
Summer: Often visible for much of the night
Late Summer to Early Fall (Aug–Oct): Visible earlier in the evening
We’ll help you select the ideal dates and timing based on your goals and current conditions.
Most trips depart from our office 48 N 200 W, Kanab, UT.
Depending on the trip, we may be able to coordinate the following:
Page, AZ: Meet-up along the highway
Zion trips: Pickup on the Springdale side
Bryce Canyon: Pickup in Bryce Canyon City
Please reach out ahead of time so we can confirm the best plan for your tour.
Not at all. Our tours are welcoming to everyone—from first-time photographers to seasoned professionals.
Our job is to get you to incredible locations at the best times for light and conditions, then help you capture your best images with whatever gear you have—whether that’s a mirrorless camera, a DSLR, or even a smartphone.
There is so much beauty out there all around us, and we want to share it with you and helping you photograph it.
Permits
A permit is required to hike Coyote Buttes North (The Wave), and permits are issued through Recreation.gov.
There are two ways to obtain a permit:
1. Advanced Lottery
Apply four months in advance for a permit during a specific month.
Applications can be submitted anytime during the open application period.
You may select up to three preferred dates.
If selected, you’ll receive an email notification and must accept and pay by the stated deadline, or the permit will be forfeited.
2. Daily Lottery (Mobile / Geofenced)
Apply two days before your desired hiking date.
At least one group member must be physically inside the geofence area during the application window (6:00 AM–6:00 PM local time).
A location-enabled mobile device is required.
Daily Lottery Timeline:
Day 1: Apply between 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (two days prior to hike date). Results are posted around 7:15 PM.
Day 2: If selected, you must claim and pay by 8:00 AM. You’ll then pick up your permit in person and attend the mandatory safety briefing at 8:30 AM.
Day 3: Hike to The Wave.
Guide Count Note:
If you obtain the permit yourself and later hire an authorized guide service, the guide does not count toward your group size or the daily visitor limit.
A permit is required to hike South Coyote Buttes, and permits are issued through Recreation.gov.
There are two ways to obtain one:
1. Advance Permits (First-Come, First-Served)
Permits are available on a rolling calendar up to four months in advance.
Reservations open at 12:00 noon (Mountain Time) on the 1st of each month
These permits are for dates in the third month ahead
Example: August dates open on May 1
These permits often sell out quickly.
2. Daily Lottery (Geofenced)
Apply two days before your desired hiking date.
At least one group member must be physically inside the geofence area during the application window (6:00 AM–6:00 PM local time).
Results are announced around 7:15 PM.
Daily Lottery Timeline:
Day 1: Apply (6:00 AM–6:00 PM, two days prior).
Day 2: If selected, you must accept and pay by 8:00 AM (Utah time) and attend a mandatory in-person safety briefing at 9:00 AM (Utah time) at the permit pickup location. Missing deadlines may void the permit.
Day 3: Hike day.
Guide Count Note:
If you obtain the permit yourself and later hire an authorized guide service, the guide does not count toward your group size or the daily visitor limit.
Yes—permits are required.
Toroweap Day Tours:
A day-use permit is required. If you book a tour with us, we will handle the permitting process for your trip.
Toroweap Overnight Tours:
An overnight/backcountry camping permit is required. If you book an overnight tour with us, our office will secure the necessary camping permit through the National Park Service.
In most cases, no advance individual permits are required for other destinations we visit (such as White Pocket, Alstrom Point, Zion, and Grand Staircase–Escalante).
As a company, we maintain the appropriate commercial use permits and authorizations with land management agencies including the BLM, National Park Service, and U.S. Forest Service. This allows us to legally guide and operate tours on public lands.
Overnight Tours
Overnight camping trips are designed to maximize photography at remote locations—capturing sunset, night skies, and sunrise without the need to rush in and out.
These are fully outfitted camping experiences and include meals and non-alcoholic beverages.
We provide the following for each participant:
Tent
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Camp chair
Pillow
If you have special dietary needs, please contact us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Exact timing varies by season, but the general flow is:
Depart mid-afternoon and photograph through sunset
Dinner, followed by several hours of night sky photography
Sleep for a few hours (sunrise may be optional depending on how late we shoot and group preference)
Return the following day around 11:00 AM
Our goal is to maximize the best light and conditions while keeping the experience enjoyable and flexible.
We’re in the high desert, and cold nights are common—even during the summer months.
We recommend bringing warm layers for the evening and early morning hours. In the spring and late fall, you should also pack warm hat and gloves.
Don’t worry—we provide very warm sleeping bags for colder nights. And don’t forget your headlamp.
One of the biggest advantages of our overnight tours is the opportunity for night photography. If skies are clear, we will absolutely head out for astrophotography.
Some of our favorite locations and seasons include:
White Pocket: Best for Milky Way photography from April through October
Alstrom Point: Excellent March through June
Toroweap: Best March through June and again in September/October
If we incorporate low-level lighting, your instructor will provide the necessary lights and equipment. Otherwise, we’ll focus on techniques such as blue-hour blends and long exposures to naturally bring out foreground detail.
Our goal is to help you understand both the technical settings and the creative approach needed to create compelling night images.
Timing & Logistics
Lodging:
No—single-day tours do not include lodging.
Meals/Food:
Food is generally not provided on single-day outings, so please bring what you’ll need for the day.
Meals are included on overnight camping trips.
Every season offers something unique:
Winter: Fewer crowds and the chance for dramatic snow-dusted canyon country. Expect colder temperatures, and some backroads may be inaccessible.
Spring: Variable weather and occasional wind, but Milky Way season begins again (often visible in the pre-dawn hours).
Summer: Hotter temperatures and more visitors, but monsoon storms create dramatic skies. The Milky Way is often visible for much of the night.
Fall: Moderate temperatures, generally more stable weather, and spectacular fall color at higher elevations.
The “best” time ultimately depends on what you want to photograph and the experience you’re looking for.
Yes—solo travelers are welcome. Please note that tours have a two-person minimum for base pricing.
If no additional participants join your selected date, you’ll have three options:
Pay the two-person rate and enjoy a private tour
Reschedule to another date or location
Cancel for a full refund
We’ll communicate with you in advance so you can choose the option that works best for you.
Kids: Older kids—especially those interested in photography—can be a good fit. Parents should use discretion since tours can involve long days and late hours.
Dogs/pets: Pets are not allowed on tours or workshops. For certified service animals, booking a private tour is recommended to minimize disruptions to other guests.
Yes—non-photographers are absolutely welcome. Many guests simply enjoy being out in these incredible landscapes at the best times of day. And if they’d like to learn a bit along the way, we’re happy to teach. In some cases, rental camera gear may be available—just ask.
Non-photographers should understand that the tour pace is designed around photography, which means moving a bit slower to allow time for composing and shooting. That said, there’s plenty to see and experience.
Non-Photographer Discount Policy
(Day tours only – does not apply to workshops)
Our day tours require a two-person minimum to operate.
If only two people total are booked at departure, the non-photographer pays the regular rate.
If the group minimum is exceeded, we may be able to offer a 50% discount for the non-photographer when space allows (for example, if their participation did not prevent us from booking a full-paying guest).
Because this depends on final group size and availability, non-photographer discounts are not guaranteed. When approved, the discount is typically issued as a refund to the original card on file after the tour is completed.
Day & Overnight Tour Policies
Any changes or cancellations incur a $50 administrative fee.
More than 30 days before departure: Full refund of all fees paid. The $50 admin fee will be charged as a separate transaction.
15–30 days before departure: 50% refund of fees paid (minus the $50 admin fee). The remaining 50% may be applied toward a future trip within 365 days of the cancellation date.
Within 15 days of departure: No refunds can be issued.
That said, it’s always worth contacting us—depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer alternative options.
Please see our full Terms and Conditions.
Yes we do. Contact us for discounts on a group of 4 or more people.
Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected. Tips are completely discretionary and based on the experience you had.
If you’d like to leave a gratuity, our instructors can accept:
Cash
Electronic payments (PayPal or Venmo)
Typical range: Guests commonly tip between $20–$50 per person, depending on the trip length and level of service.
Not a “tipping” person? No worries at all—one of the best ways to support us is by leaving a thoughtful review or recommending us to friends and fellow photographers.
Yes—we offer workshops in the Moab area. But because Moab is roughly 5 hours from Kanab, we do not offer single-day or overnight tours there.
