Above the Canyons Drone Workshop

Aug 22-26, 2026

Aug 27-31, 2026

Join our Above the Canyons Drone Photography Workshop and capture breathtaking aerial landscapes across the red rock wonderlands of Southeast Utah. Explore the dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, winding rivers, and textured landscapes of Moab and Mexican Hat from above as you master your aerial photo techniques. Designed for drone enthusiasts and landscape photographers alike, this immersive workshop blends creative exploration with expert instruction in one of the most photogenic regions on Earth. Expect plenty of individual attention with a small group of 8 participants and 2 pro instructors.

Tuition

$2295
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Max Group Size

8 Students Max
2 Pro Instructors

Instructor(s)

Shane McDermott
David Swindler*
A.J. Rich*

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Capture Epic Aerial Landscapes: Fly your drone high above Southern Utah’s deep canyons, winding rivers, and dramatic sandstone pinnacles.

Explore Diverse Terrain: Photograph an incredible variety of textures and geological formations across the Moab and Mexican Hat regions.

Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants for personalized instruction, ample flight time, and flexible shooting conditions.

Expert Guidance: Learn from two professional drone photography instructors with extensive aerial and landscape experience.

4x4 Off-Road Access: Travel in lifted 4x4 vehicles to reach remote and photogenic canyon overlooks far beyond the crowds.

Drone Post-Processing Mastery: Refine your aerial images with focused classroom sessions.

Aug 22-26 Book Now

Aug 27-31 Book Now

Itinerary

In order to give our clients the best possible photography experience, we keep the itinerary flexible to account for weather, conditions, and group interest. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1: We begin at 2PM in Moab, UT with a short orientation session and classroom style instruction. When we're done, we grab a quick bite to eat and head out to shoot sunset from an impressive location with sandstone spires, buttes, and pinnacles.
Day 2: We wake up early and venture out to an impressive canyon with sweeping aerial views. There are numerous options for composition as we fly over the vast landscape. We return for breakfast and hold a post-processing session where we'll cover our favorite techniques to enhance your aerial images. That evening, we take in some beautiful river views as it winds through sculpted sandstone canyons below.
Day 3: After driving some rough 4x4 roads, we drone at first light over some incredible canyons that are perfect for large panoramic aerial photography. Once the good light is past, we fly one last battery over an area with interesting abstract compositions. We return for breakfast, check out of the hotel, and make our way to Mexican Hat, UT. Once we get checked in, we'll charge batteries and head out for a sunset shoot over some impressive geological formations.
Day 4: We are up early for sunrise flights over the canyons and winding rivers. With clouds in the sky, we get some dramatic light and conditions. After a midday break, we regroup for some image critiques and suggestions. For sunset, we drive over to a new area with big views of the sweeping canyons below us.
Day 5: It's hard to believe it's our last morning shoot so we make the most of it by taking you to one of our favorite locations in the area. Everyone is thrilled with the images they've taken! We return for breakfast, check out of the hotel, and drive back to Moab UT. We can drop you off either in town or at the Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY). The workshop will conclude by 2PM at the latest.

Aug 22-26 Book Now

Aug 27-31 Book Now

Drones

We will be watching the weather closely and go to locations with best chances for incredible aerial images. We'll also be monitoring the potential for strong winds and storms. If weather conditions are not suitable for flying a drone, we'll resort to ground level photography.

All participants are responsible for flying their own drones. Action Photo Tours is not responsible for any drone malfunctions, crashes, or accidental damage. If you crash or damage your drone, there are no backups for you to use unless you bring a second drone. If weather conditions are unsafe for flying, we will not have any drones in the air. None of the areas we visit require any sort of technical flying. All are wide-open landscapes with no obstacles.

We highly recommend that you learn the basics of flying BEFORE coming on the workshop. The instructors can help you with improving your image acquisition, but they cannot fly nor operate your drone.

All participants need to bring at least 3 batteries for their drones. We recommend the latest drone models for best image quality, battery life, and flight technology.

If you want to shoot any drone video, filters are highly recommended for your drone. We recommend the circular polarizer and ND combo filters sold by companies like Polar Pro. Please note that video is NOT a focus of our photography workshops.

You will need to be able to download your drone images after each outing onto something like a laptop or portable hard drive. If you lose your drone, you don't want to also lose the images you worked so hard to acquire! You can also bring multiple memory cards and swap those out between flights if that helps you feel more comfortable.

Logistics

Please arrive in Moab, UT prior to 2PM on the first day of the workshop. When you checkout, a 4-night lodging package will be added to your booking based on either single or double occupancy with 2 nights in Moab and 2 nights in Mexican Hat. Please see the pricing section below for more details.

All ground transportation during the workshop is included in lifted 4x4 trucks. When we go between Moab and Mexican Hat, everyone is limited to 1 suitcase and 1 camera bag.

Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) serves the greater Moab area. If you prefer a larger airport, you can fly into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction and drive to Moab. Having your own car will give you more flexibility in terms of restaurants and shopping. Note that food, meals, and beverages are not included in the workshop fee and you will be on your own for most meals.

Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. We aren't planning any long hikes, but the uneven terrain, sand, and steep uphills can make short hikes seem much harder. You should be comfortable walking a max of 1-2 miles per day while carrying your gear. Most locations will not require any hiking.

*Shane McDermott will instruct both workshops. David Swindler is the 2nd instructor for Aug 22-26, 2026 and A.J Rich is the 2nd instructor for Aug 27-31, 2026.

Please see the gear list below to ensure you come prepared. We'll also setup a zoom meeting with all participants when we're 1-2 months out. Since our dates fall during monsoon season, we highly recommend that all participants bring a tripod and ground level camera. If you wish to capture daytime lightning, a lightning trigger will be required. See the gear list further down.

Pricing

$2295/person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

5-Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
All Ground Transportation in Lifted 4x4 Trucks.
Specialized drone instruction
Post-processing instruction and image critique.
Park Entrance Fees
4-night lodging package with 2 nights in Moab and 2 nights in Mexican Hat will be added at checkout. Cost is $500 for double occupancy or $1000 for single occupancy.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Moab, UT.
Meals, Snacks, and Beverages.
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due May 22, 2026.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Aug 22-26 Book Now

Aug 27-31 Book Now

Recommended Camera Gear

Drone and controller. We recommend one of the newer models for best image quality and battery life.
At least 3 drone batteries, battery charger, and extra propellers.
ND and or Circular Polarizer Filters for the drone (Optional).
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body and Lenses (in case we can't fly). We recommend a wide angle zoom in the 16-35mm range along with a mid-range zoom in the 24-70 or 24-105mm range.
Tripod (in case we can't fly).
Lightning trigger if you wish to capture possible daytime lightning. We recommend the Lightning Trigger Brand LT-IV for best results.
Extra memory cards and cleaning supplies.
Comfortable backpack that can carry your drone, camera gear, snacks, and water.
Laptop or external hard drive to back up your photos.

Personal Gear List

Sturdy footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
A rain jacket and a warm layer since it can get cold at night.
Headlamp with fresh batteries.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Sun Hat.
Water bottle
Trekking Poles - bring them if they help you for the short hikes.

Aug 22-26 Book Now

Aug 27-31 Book Now

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Artist's Statement: Through all of my wanderings, photography has remained a constant, providing the creative link between my passion for adventure and the outdoors. I will never get enough of that “Wow!” feeling when I see a stunning image rendered on my camera’s LCD and helping guide others to that same experience is the bacon in the beans for me. I am excited to start working with Action Photo Tours. Everything about their instructors, locations, deep research, proficiency and stop-at-nothing vibe shows me that I have found the company where we can all grow and have countless “wow” moments together.

From the inseparable experience of unity, the camera is not something I “look at” the world through it is an opportunity to see something in myself. Photographs are no longer lost extractions of time; they become holographic reflections of the precious whole in every part. I love to guide those passionate about photography and those wanting to celebrate the extraordinary beauty of nature. If you seek a deeper connection with yourself and the astonishing beauty of our planet, I invite you to embark on this journey of creative discovery. I seamlessly weave together the technical and artistic dimensions of photography and help students learn to cultivate a greater level of presence, perception, and perspective. I have endless patience for those who genuinely seek to unlock their unique creative brilliance and transform their passion into pixels.

Photography has been a transformative experience of Self-discovery more than it has been about great image-making. The interior landscapes of my Soul have been the primary territory of my exploration. From a place within, the landscapes and creatures of our great planet have provided amazing opportunities to learn about myself and my connection to the world.

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras. He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.