Death Valley and Stars

Mar 13-18, 2027 - 1 Spot Left!!

Discover the rugged beauty of Death Valley and the Alabama Hills—where soaring vistas, sculpted sand dunes, colorful canyons, and surreal landscapes await your lens. We’ll venture beyond the usual spots to capture remote gems like the legendary Racetrack Playa. This workshop is perfect for expanding your skills, from wide-angle close-ups to long-lens compositions.

Timed for dark skies, you'll have the chance to shoot stars and the Milky Way when conditions align. We provide all transportation to and from Las Vegas, and a separate lodging package is available for your convenience. Post-processing instruction is included to help you bring your images to life. We aren't planning much hiking on this workshop, but to photograph the dunes you will need to walk around 2 miles in the sand with your camera gear.

Tuition

$2950
Loyalty Members
Save 10%

Max Group Size

Max 5 Students

Instructor(s)

Ryan McGinty

Physical Intensity*

Highlights

Photograph a variety of landscapes across Death Valley with sand dunes, salt pans, huge views, towering canyons, mud cracks, and much more!
Dates are timed for dark sky conditions. We'll be out capturing the stars and Milky Way when skies are clear!
Contemplate the mystical moving rocks at the Racetrack Playa.
Capture the arches and rock formations of the Alabama Hills.
Transportation is provided to/from Las Vegas. No need to rent a car!
Itinerary is flexible to chase the best weather conditions.
Small group of 5 participants and 1 pro instructor. Take your photos to the next level with in-field instruction and digital darkroom training
Expect a good assortment of classic locations and off-the-beaten path spots!
Post-processing and image critique sessions.

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Badwater at Night Death Valley Night Photo Workshop

Itinerary

The exact itinerary will be kept flexible to account for the weather and current conditions in the park. We will optimize our time for the best possible photography. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1: The workshop begins with 9AM pickups near the Las Vegas International Airport. From there, we begin the drive to Death Valley, stopping for lunch along the way. We hold our orientation session that afternoon, get check in, and head out for our first sunset shoot.
Day 2: With nice clouds in the sky, we wake up early to photograph the salt polygons at Badwater. We venture further afield to colorful badlands and slot canyons. In the afternoon and through sunset we photograph old cars, joshua trees, colorful badlands, ghost towns, and more!
Day 3: With clear skies in the forecast we wake at 2AM and head out to the sand dunes to capture the Milky Way. We find some nice compositions with the sweeping curves of the dunes and photograph through blue hour and sunrise. Late afternoon we reconvene for an intensive post-processing session and then photograph fields of mud cracks for sunset.
Day 4: Some clouds rolled in overnight and we get an absolutely a brilliant sunrise over the otherworldly badlands. We explore a side canyon and then head back for breakfast. We reconvene for a midday image critique and post-processing session and then make a decision on where to shoot sunset based on the weather and group interest.
Day 5: With clear skies overnight, we wake up at 2AM and shoot some Milky Way panoramics over the landscape. We stay out for sunrise and and return check out and drive to Lone Pine. We get settled into our new hotel and then explore the amazing rock formations for sunset.
Day 6: If skies are clear, we are up very early to capture the spring Milky Way with the arches of the Alabama Hills. We stay out through sunrise and return for breakfast. We'll check out mid-morning and start the drive back to Las Vegas. Depending on traffic, we should be back to the Las Vegas Airport around 3PM.

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Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Death Valley California Alabama Hills Lathe Arch

Logistics

To simplify travel logistics, we are providing all transportation starting and ending near the Las Vegas International Airport (LAS). There is no need for you to rent a car. If you'd rather drive your own vehicle to Death Valley, please let us know and we'll tell you where to meet us. If you are staying in Vegas the night before, we recommend the Tru by Hilton (free airport shuttle).

Lodging within the park is in very short supply and is very expensive if not secured well in advance. We have pre-paid 5 nights of lodging for our group with 4 nights in deluxe rooms in Stovepipe Wells and 1 nights in Lone Pine. When you checkout, you will add the lodging package to your booking based on double or single occupancy. Please see the Pricing Section below for more details.

*Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. We aren't planning any long hikes but you should be comfortable walking 2-3 miles per day while carrying your photo gear. The sand dunes are the most physically taxing and we may be walking 1-2 miles in the sand.

Food is not included as part of the workshop. You are free to bring your own food or eat at nearby restaurants. Dining options are pretty limited and pricey in Death Valley so you may want to buy some provisions before arriving (mini-fridge in the rooms but no microwaves).

Expect high temps in the 60's-80's and lows in the 30's-50's, so be sure to bring warm layers. In case of inclement weather, bring a rain jacket and something to cover your backpack. High winds are common in Death Valley and it's helpful to have a cover for your camera in the event of a sand storm. Please see the gear list further down.

At the conclusion of the workshop, we are estimating our return time to the Las Vegas Airport to be around 3PM. However, that could vary depending on traffic and highway conditions. We do not recommend booking any flights before 5PM. Or you can book an extra night in Vegas and fly out the next day.

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Death Valley Photo Workshop Night Photography Dunes

Death Valley Photo Workshop Badwater Flooded

Pricing

$2950/Person + Tax

Save 10% by Joining Our Loyalty Program

Trip Includes:

6-Day intensive photo workshop with 2 professional photographer instructors.
All ground transportation during the workshop including round-trip transport to Las Vegas. There is no need to rent a car!
Post-processing and image critique sessions.
All necessary permits and entry fees for the places we will visit.
Night photography.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting.
5-night lodging package will be added to your booking at checkout. It includes 4 nights with Deluxe Rooms at Stovepipe Wells and 1 night in Lone Pine. Cost is $775 or $1550 for double or single occupancy respectively.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Las Vegas.
Meals, beverages, and snacks.
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due Nov 7, 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.

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Recommended Camera Gear

Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
Wide angle lens in the 14-30mm range. For night photography, you will need a lens that is at least f/2.8 or faster.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Long telephoto lens for landscape compression and abstracts. We recommend something in the 100-400mm range.
Circular polarizer filters for your lenses. If you like shooting with grads, bring them along.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Remote cord for your camera.
Cover for your camera/lens to protect against high winds.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos.

Personal Gear List

Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and hiking pants.
A rain jacket and several warm layers.
Headlamp
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat, Warm Hat, and Gloves
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Hiking poles if you like having them.

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Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Death Valley California Alabama Hills Mobius Arch

Death Valley and Stars Photography Workshop

Can I Bring a Non-Photographer Companion?

How Do Deposits and Final Payments Work?

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.

What Is Your Loyalty Program and How Does It Work?

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.

Why Is Lodging Sometimes Priced Separately?

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.

What Level of Photographer Do I Need To Be?

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.

How Will I Know If I'll Like Your Trips?

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—90% of our participants are repeat clients.

We’re confident that after your first trip, you’ll understand why.

What Level of Physical Fitness Is Required?

Should I Have Trip Insurance?

See All FAQ's

Badwater Salt Polygons Death Valley Photo Workshop

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

      All reviews
 
   Google
 
   Tripadvisor
 
 
  
 
 
 
  Excellent4.9978 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent978 reviews
 
    
 Excellent4.9392 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent392 reviews
 
    
 Excellent4.9586 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent586 reviews
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   thomas frazier 
 November 10, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my first Action Photos workshop but won't be the last. We had excellent guides who showed us the Utah Badlands and Capitol Reef from great vantage points. I returned home with beautiful photos and an improved knowledge of my camera. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ann Hopta 
 November 5, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been on three Action Photo Tour’s trips. That, in itself should say that I’m impressed and have enjoyed these trips. The leaders on all three trips were there to teach/help wherever they saw it was needed and to make sure you got memorable photos.

The most recent trip was to the Dolomites in Italy. It was a wonderful trip, well planned, and I have some phenomenal photos from it.

I would not hesitate to book with Action Photo tours again.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ahop1 
 November 5, 2026
 
 
 Verified I would travel with them again!
I have been on three trips with Action Photo Tours. On all three trips the leaders were well informed, helpful and insured we got memorable photos. Two of the trips were within the States, while the third trip was to Europe. All trips were organized, and well planned. Needless to say, I would book with them again.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pat Villa 
 November 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The two instructors were humble and helpful. Wendy and Sarah! They had to rearrange the schedule due to flooding the week prior but we still had an amazing opportunity to see a lot
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cal Huge 
 November 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I booked the tours, I wanted to learn more about landscape photography and not just look at unusual rock formations and pretty sites.  My hopes and expectations never imagined how fantastic our time with Mark would be.  His experience and knowledge of camera settings and helping me see the shot before I took it was amazing.  I learned much more than I had hoped about framing the photo and how my camera functions than I had hoped.  I am bird/wildlife photographer, and this week expanded my landscape horizons. We had some weather challenges that Mark used his super knowledge to visit places that were not planned but even better for me.  Plus, I celebrated my 84th birthday at Toroweap that was very exciting and truly memorable.  I hope to come back more.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cal H 
 November 2, 2026
 
 
 Verified Fantastic
When I booked the tours, I wanted to learn more about landscape photography and not just look at unusual rock formations and pretty sites. My hopes and expectations never imagined how fantastic our time with Mark would be. His experience and knowledge of camera settings and helping me see the shot before I took it was amazing. I learned much more than I had hoped about framing the photo and how my camera functions than I had hoped. I am bird/wildlife photographer, and this week expanded my landscape horizons. We had some weather challenges that Mark used his super knowledge to visit places that were not planned but even better for me. Plus, I celebrated my 84th birthday at Toroweap that was very exciting and truly memorable. I hope to come back more.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Zawlocki 
 October 31, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended the 2026 Colorado Fall Colors Workshop in early October and the locations, conditions and itinerary were fantastic! I had never been to this part of Colorado and words cannot describe the beauty.

I was even more impressed with our photography guides Shane and Kevin. They were helpful, accommodating, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I met them. Highly recommend them!

I did have an issue with the hotel room in Crested Butte, which was not the fault of Action Photo Tours. The situation was manageable but I would have been disappointed had we stayed at this location more than 2 nights. The hotel was aware of the issue but their "solution" was unusual and wasteful.  I have shared the specifics with Action Photo for future reference and they noted my comments for future tours.

I will highly recommend this workshop to my photographer friends!! The one common statement said by most of the workshop attendees while shooting in the field was “ this place is amazing!”  I couldn’t agree more!  I have never seen more grown men standing in silence with just smiles on their faces!

I still give a rating of 5 stars based on the photography experiences, which I will never forget.

I look forward to future tours with Action Photo !!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   John B 
 October 22, 2026
 
 
 Verified Beautiful Newfoundland
Photography workshop was very well planned and executed.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ed D 
 October 20, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great overnight tour of White Pocket
I did the overnight tour of White Pocket with Mark as my guide. The trip was great. Conditions for photography were very good as the large storm spawned by the hurricane had just passed through, so lots of ponds and lakes to work with. Mark was an excellent guide. He is very personable and knowledgeable about White Pocket and other sites in the area, took care of all the logistics of the overnight stay, and provided good information and instructions for photography, including night photography. Couldn't be more pleased with the trip.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Kuning 
 September 15, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is for people who want to be better photographers and get great shots - it's not for the faint of heart. We were up well pre-dawn each day and late each night (with a break during the day) and hiking to great locations. This company is serious about finding the great places to be at the right time of day, and then working with each attendee to improve their shots. I learned a tremendous amount on this trip from how to use my camera better for focus bracketing plus exposure bracketing to new techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop (and I wasn't a novice in these apps.) Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Steve P 
 August 31, 2026
 
 
 Verified Go where few have gone. See what few have seen.
David Swindler has built a reputation as an outstanding photographer but also runs small personalized photography workshops around the world. Recently I attended the 5 day Marble Canyon workshop in Arizona. We were able to capture spectacular sunrise, sunset and monsoon photos (still and drone) of Marble Canyon at different locations along its 65 mile path into the Grand Canyon. Base camp was Cliff Dwellers Hotel. We enjoyed clean comfortable rooms and excellent food at their restaurant. Our photography expert and guide, Shane McDermott -a professional photographer himself, was very easy going and willing to help us in anyway we needed. The workshop taught us new drone skills as well as better composition techniques for shooting stills. I am not an advanced photographer but was looking to advance my photography knowledge and experience and achieved this in spades. If you are looking for a new experience and willing to step into a place very few people have ever witnessed, then the Marble Canyon workshop with ActionPhotoTours.com is for you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   S.R. Potts 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David Swindler has built a reputation as an outstanding photographer but also runs small personalized photography workshops around the world.  Recently I attended the 5 day Marble Canyon workshop in Arizona.  We were able to capture spectacular sunrise, sunset and monsoon photos (still and drone) of Marble Canyon at different locations along its 65 mile path into the Grand Canyon.  Base camp was Cliff Dwellers Hotel.  We enjoyed clean comfortable rooms and excellent food at their restaurant.  Our photography expert and guide, Shane McDermott -a professional photographer himself, was very easy going and willing to help us in anyway we needed. The workshop taught us new drone skills as well as better composition techniques for shooting stills.  I am not an advanced photographer but was looking to advance my photography knowledge and experience and achieved this in spades. If you are looking for a new experience and willing to step into a place very few people have ever witnessed, then the Marble Canyon workshop with ActionPhotoTours.com is for you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marcus Simon 
 August 23, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took a photo workshop at the Wave and Escalante near Kanab, Utah, Moab monsoon workshop, and a Marble Canyon drone workshop.  They were awesome workshops! Great instructor, locations, and people.  I highly recommend the Action Photo Tours Team!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lucia Souza 
 August 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently returned from the Mount Rainier workshop, and it was an incredible experience. From the beginning, A.J.Rich and Shane McDermott made sure everything was well organized and that we had the best opportunities to capture great images.
They carefully scout locations before the workshop and are always available in the field to answer questions about cameras, tripods, drones, and other equipment, regardless of the brand. Their knowledge, patience, and professionalism truly make a difference.
A.J.and Shane clearly love what they do, they represent Action Photo Tours exceptionally well, I highly recommend them for both  private or group workshops.
Thank you for another amazing trip, I’m proud to be part of the Action Photo Tours family and already looking forward to the next adventure!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   SouzaLu 
 August 16, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great workshop with a reliable and professional company!
I recently returned from the Mount Rainier workshop, and it was an incredible experience! From the beginning, A.J Rich and Shane McDermott made sure everything was well organized and that we had the best opportunities to capture great images. They carefully scout locations before the workshop and are always available in the field to answer questions about cameras, tripods, drones, and other equipment, regardless of the brand, their knowledge, patience, and professionalism truly make a difference, A.J. and Shane clearly love what they do and represent Action Photo Tours exceptionally well, I highly recommend them for a group or private workshops. I’m proud to be part of the Action Photo Tours family and already looking forward to the next adventure!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sherl Cayton 
 July 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a really outstanding photog workshop into Glacier National Park with AJ Rich and Kevin McNeal of Action Photo Tours.  They both went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great experience.  They were very helpful while in the field shooting and informative with processing procedures.  Can't wait to join them on another adventure!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cindy Seavert 
 July 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my first photo tour, and I am just floored with how much fun we had, how much we learned, how much sleep we lost  =].
We shot gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, Palouse Falls, barns, the Weber house, Steptoe Butte, everything was just so photogenic.  Our guides, Wendy and Ryan, were excellent.  I learned a lot in the afternoon classes as well as when we were out shooting.  We had a wonderful group of ladies, it was so much fun.  I signed up for another one, down south, for next year.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cindy S 
 July 3, 2026
 
 
 Verified Fantastic Photography Tour!
Ryan and Wendy, our guides, were fantastic, very knowledgeable, and very patient lol. We all had a really fun time. Ryan and Wendy both kept asking if anyone needed help with composition or anything. The places we went to were very cool, I felt like I was on another planet in Steptoe Butte. We packed a lot in while we were there. Everyone in our group was fantastic (we were the Chicks that Click group). I enjoyed it so much I signed up with another tour down south next year.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Subrata Sen 
 June 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 3rd trip with Action Photo Tours was along the southern Oregon /Northern California coast. They are the Swiss multi-tool of the photo-travel world. They go everywhere, all at the right times, with the most considerate, knowledgeable and organized tour leaders. I highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Liltrave 
 May 17, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great tour to white pockets
My husband wanted to go to White pockets and it would have been a difficult drive for us. You must have a four-wheel-drive high clearance vehicle. The drive there is one hour on paved highway, but then another one hour on a very bumpy back road so be prepared. We met Kevin at the office in Kanab. It's out-of-the-way and hard to get to so it was nice to have someone who knows the area. Kevin was really good about pointing out areas to take pictures and advising my husband on photo opportunities in a different perspective. Kevin was knowledgeable about photography & very nice.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cindy P 
 May 2, 2026
 
 
 Verified Beautiful Patagonia
Patagonia is beautiful. One of my favorite trips.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Roberto Morgenstern 
 April 16, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible workshops. Excellent Company. Very profesionals. Strongly recomended.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   _rmu66 
 April 16, 2026
 
 
 Verified Extremly recomended.
Wild Horses in Utah, an incredible experience. Action Photo tours is highly recomended. Been in many workshops with them and always a great experience.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andree Thorpe 
 April 1, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m honestly not even sure where to begin, this photography trip completely exceeded every expectation I had.
I’ve attended and assisted in many workshops over the years, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience incredible places like South Georgia, Svalbard, Antarctica, Iceland, and Greenland. But this journey to the Maasai Mara was something else entirely. It moved me in a way I didn’t expect, there were moments when I literally had tears running down my cheeks.
Everything was absolutely flawless. The organization was seamless from start to finish, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without worrying about a single detail. The depth of knowledge shared about wildlife photography was exceptional, insightful, practical, and truly inspiring.
And the team, just phenomenal. From the workshop leaders to the drivers, everyone played a part in making this experience unforgettable. The drivers, in particular, were outstanding, their skill, intuition, and ability to position us perfectly for incredible shots made all the difference.
This wasn’t just a photography trip. It was an emotional, inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with me forever. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of it.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   R D 
 March 31, 2026
 
 
 Verified A great Time!
What a great time! Very well executed flexible schedule which brought us to the right location each day. Wendy and Sara are knowledgeable and top tier guides. The hardest decision is which trip to do next with Action Photo Tours.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lynn C 
 March 28, 2026
 
 
 Verified Great Action Photo Tour to the Southern Plantations in Charleston, SC
My husband and I just finished our first photography tour with Action Photo Tours. It was excellent! Each day's activities were timed so we were in the best location at the right time. Our guide, Shane did everything possible to make our experience the best it could be. He was always available and able to answer our questions, and the group used different brands of cameras with various plug-ins. He has an incredible depth of knowledge, and he clearly loves photography and helping people. We had two classroom sessions. The first session was very informative and really highlighted a global way of looking at processing pictures. It has changed the approach I will take going forward. Shane was very positive about the pictures we had taken and then worked with us to achieve the best outcome for each picture. We will definitely try other tours with Action Photo with the hope that all the guides share Shane's level of enthusiasm for photography and desire to make the tour the best experience it can be.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dean Fiergang 
 March 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Milky Way Photography with Wendy Casey and Sarah Shumaker was an excellent trip!!!!!!  These two people hosted a perfectly executed photo tour with ample hands on assistance, and the most wonderful disposition ever!  They are true professionals, in their own photographic skills, ability to teach and communicate effectively, plan and execute, adapt to changes in weather, and cater each trip to the abilities of the group.  I hope to join them each on future trips!!!   WILD HORSES NEXT?
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dean F 
 March 26, 2026
 
 
 Verified Milky Way photography
Milky Way Photography with Wendy Casey and Sarah Shumaker was an excellent trip!!!!!! These two people hosted a perfectly executed photo tour with ample hands on assistance, and the most wonderful disposition ever! They are true professionals, in their own photographic skills, ability to teach and communicate effectively, plan and execute, adapt to changes in weather, and cater each trip to the abilities of the group. I hope to join them each on future trips!!! WILD HORSES NEXT?
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Shely 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just returned from an OUTSTANDING ADVENTURE led by Wendy Casey and seconded by Sarah Shumaker in the MILKY WAY AND BEYOND WORKSHOP.   At least three characteristics of this trip stood out and made it an excellent experience.   First, the Milky Way itself.  The skies cooperated and the Milky Way stood out prominently, inviting observers to consider themselves as citizens of the Galaxy for those few hours where we stood alone in peaceful night weather soaking it its lights.   Second, the Utah foreground opportunities in this workshop are simply outstanding -- almost other-worldly.  They are just made for this adventure.  And third -- the instruction.  Wendy had all participants -- even very experienced photographers -- bring their camera body, night time lens, tripod and cable release to a day-time pre-shoot session, to ensure that everyone could and did find the settings on their camera in the light, which made the participants much more efficient and effective at night, when we wanted to douse lights as quickly as possible.  If you are a Milky Way fan, try this workshop.  If you have no experience with the Milky Way, this is great way to work into it.

Bob Shely
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jen H 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Verified Well Curated Itinerary and Fun!
If you are looking for an "obsessed" photography itinerary that pushes your skills and fills your heart, look no further. I just wrapped up the March 15–20, 2026 Death Valley workshop, and it was a masterclass in both curation and community. This wasn’t just a tour; it was a deep dive. We hit the icons like Artist Palette, Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin but the real magic was in the "grind." The team’s dedication is unmatched; they coordinated a midnight departure for a 2.5-hour drive just so we could capture the Milky Way over Racetrack Playa. So cool!!! Between that and two other early-morning astro sessions, the "minimal sleep" was a small price to pay for the full heart and amazing photos I’m taking home. A massive thank you to Ryan McGinty. His technical expertise helped me master more of my camera settings and was so patient and kind. They don't just take you to a location; they ensure you walk away with the shot and the knowledge to recreate it. The best part of an Action Photo Tour is the kindred spirits you meet. From the endless laughs with fellow participants to the spontaneous connections made over sunrise excursions, this workshop attracts a fantastic group of creatives. Ryan and Kevin recommend additional areas for me to explore as I was stayed three extra nights. I’m heading back to work exhausted but with a very full heart (and numerous photos). If you want a workshop that values time, effort, and incredible locations, book with Action Photo Tours. I look forward to booking another workshop with them.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Larry C 
 March 16, 2026
 
 
 Verified Moab Photo Workshop - Great!
Just completed a week in Moab, Utah on Actions Photo's "Level Up Moab" workshop. This workshop was billed as being designed to help "break through creative plateaus and take full control of your photography", so in addition to getting great shots I learned some new techniques and tricks even though I’m pretty comfortable with my camera in manual mode. The instructors are great and the scenery in and around Moab is unique and beautiful. Highly Recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   lstuartmd 
 February 10, 2026
 
 
 Verified Action Photo Tours is the best in the industry
These guys are excellent. Great photo tours from those doing it as a hobby to professionals. They take you to the best locations and help you with composition and post processing. I've been on several of their tours and can't wait to go on more.

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.

Altiplano Adventure Photo Workshop South America

12 DAYS

Dec 8-18, 2026 - 1 Spot Left!!

Death Valley and Stars

Mar 13-18, 2027 - 1 Spot Left!!

Tuition

Max Group Size

Instructor(s)

Highlights

Itinerary

Logistics

Pricing

$2950/Person + Tax

Recommended Camera Gear

Personal Gear List

Ryan McGinty

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