Above the Canyons Drone Workshop

Apr 16-20, 2027

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

Max Group Size

  • 8 Students Max
  • 2 Pro Instructors

Instructor(s)

  • Shane McDermott
  • David Swindler*
  • Kevin Dobo*
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop

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.

Above the Canyons Photo Workshop

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.
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Drone Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop

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.

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.

We also recommend you get a 3 nautical mile strobe light for your drone to help you maintain line of sight with your aircraft and ensure FAA compliance when flying in blue hour.  You can find one that fits your specific drone model with a simple internet search.  If you don't like hand launching and catching, we recommend that you bring a landing pad for your drone.  Finally, bring a foldable stool if you'd like to sit down while flying.

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.

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.

Above the Canyons Drone Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop

Pricing

$2,295/person + Tax

$2,065/person with Loyalty Discount

 

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.
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Drone Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Drone Photo Workshop

Your Workshop Experience

Physical Activity
This workshop is rated Easy to Moderate. Most photography locations are close to where we park, and no hiking experience or special level of fitness is required. One location involves a walk of a little over one mile round trip. Walking surfaces may include sand, rocks, and uneven ground.

We move at a relaxed photography pace, with plenty of time for drone setup, photography, questions, rest breaks, and careful footing. Guests should be comfortable carrying the drone, camera equipment, and personal items they choose to bring over these distances. Our instructors are happy to help guests navigate unfamiliar terrain and find comfortable places to photograph whenever needed.

Backcountry Driving
Some locations require travel on rough and bumpy backcountry roads. Guests with significant neck or back concerns are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can describe these drives in more detail.

Daily Schedule
Because we photograph during the best light, some mornings may begin around 5:00 AM, and evening sessions may occasionally continue until approximately 10:00 PM. Midday downtime is a regular part of this workshop, giving guests time to rest, recharge batteries, back up images, and prepare for the next outing. Guests are also welcome to sit out an outing when they would benefit from additional rest.

Above the Canyons Photo Workshop
Above the Canyons Photo Workshop

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).
  • 3nm Anti-Collision Drone Strobe Light
  • Drone Landing Pad (optional but recommended).
  • 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).
  • 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, Hat, and Thin Gloves.
  • Water bottle
  • Foldable Stool if you wish to sit while flying.
  • Trekking Poles - bring them if they help you for the short hikes.
FAQ Page
Shane McDermott

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Shane is a seasoned photography instructor with more than 25 years behind the camera and over ten years of experience leading photo workshops. His work is rooted in presence, patience, and a deep relationship with light, shaped by a lifetime spent exploring both creative expression and the natural world.

For more than 30 years, Shane’s practice of yoga and meditation has helped him see beyond surface appearances, and he brings that same awareness into the field. He doesn’t just teach people how to photograph beautiful places; he helps them slow down, truly see, and develop their own creative vision.

Many photographers arrive at iconic locations chasing “the shot” they’ve seen before. Shane gently guides them away from imitation and into genuine discovery, helping them understand how light, form, color, and texture can speak directly to their own sensibility. His passion is helping participants move from simply capturing a scene to creating something that feels alive and deeply personal.

That creative process continues after the cameras are packed away. Shane also guides photographers through RAW processing, adjustment layers, and thoughtful image development, helping them translate the emotion and magic they felt in the field into finished photographs that reflect their own vision and passion.

Ryan McGinty Profile Photo Olympics

Ryan McGinty

Photography Instructor

Ryan McGinty is a seasoned landscape photographer living in the Palouse area of southeastern Washington.  His first-hand experience in this unique agricultural area makes him the perfect instructor to lead people to out-of-the-way places for those once-in-a-lifetime rainbows, sunsets and sunrises in the beautiful rolling hills. He loves chasing the light and diligently checks weather apps to get the latest sun and rain predictions, cloud formations, wind and temperatures for the best locations and light.

His interest in photography started at an early age and continued in college with graduate work at Brooks Institute of Photography.  His experience in portrait, wedding, film, and medium and large format photography give him an extraordinary background for his award-winning landscape photography.

His passion for the Palouse is only exceeded by his passion for photography and his desire to show people his favorite places.  He takes a legitimate interest in his clients and strives hard to ensure they get the best shots. His photographs have been published in books, calendars and travel guides.

Cypress Swamps
Nov 1-5, 2026

Faroe Islands
Oct 5-11, 2026

Wild Scotland
Oct 10-18, 2026

Death Valley Photo Workshop Mobile

Death Valley
Nov 11-16, 2026

Alaska Aurora Borealis
Feb 23-Mar 2, 2027

Wild China
Feb 23-Mar 5, 2027

From Amazon to Andes
Apr and May, 2027

Death Valley & Stars
Mar 13-18, 2027