Desert Nightscapes Photo Workshop

Sept 27-Oct 1, 2027 - Sold Out

Desert Nightscapes is a Southwest photography workshop focused on capturing the Milky Way over the region’s most striking landscapes—White Pocket, beautiful arches, odd hoodoos, deep canyons, and much more! With the Milky Way visible soon after dark, the schedule is more sleep-friendly than most astro trips. If clouds move in, we’ll pivot to daytime photography and you’ll also get post-processing training to bring out the best in every image. All ground transportation is included in lifted 4x4 trucks to reach our remote shooting locations.

Tuition

$2295
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Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Sarah Shumaker
2nd TBD

Physical Intensity

White Pocket Night Photography Desert Nightscapes Photo Workshop

Highlights

Photograph the Milky Way over the stunning Southwest desert landscapes! Dates are timed for optimal dark skies and favorable weather.
Visit many great locations like White Pocket, Inchworm Arch, the Grand Canyon, Zion, and many hidden gems.
Sleep-friendly schedule with the Milky Way visible shortly after dark.
Small group of 8 participants and 2 pros for personalized instruction.
Daily image critique and post-processing training included (night sky blending, noise reduction, Photoshop layers, stacking, etc.)
Transportation provided in lifted 4x4 trucks to reach remote locations.
Flexible itinerary to take advantage of weather and light, including daytime photography if skies are cloudy.
Learn various foreground enhancement techniques such as low-level lighting, blue-hour blends, and long night exposures.

Itinerary

The itinerary will remain flexible so we can chase the best conditions. Clear skies mean a stronger focus on Milky Way photography, while clouds or storms will shift our attention toward dramatic daytime landscapes. The outline below is a sample of what you can expect. We’ll spend most of our time in the field shooting, with classroom sessions for post-processing and image critiques woven throughout the workshop.

Day 1: We’ll meet in the afternoon for introductions and an orientation covering workshop flow, gear setup, and night photography techniques. That evening, we’ll head out for sunset followed by our first Milky Way session after dark. We expect to return around 1AM.
Day 2: After a relaxed morning, we’ll hold an image critique and post-processing session. That afternoon we’ll travel by 4x4 to White Pocket, where swirling sandstone formations create incredible foregrounds for sunset and Milky Way images. We’ll photograph into the late evening before returning to town. Expect a late night if skies are clear.
Day 3: We’ll begin with a mid-morning classroom session focused on more advanced night sky editing techniques. After lunch, we’ll explore a nearby slot canyon. Following dinner, we’ll photograph sunset and blue hour at Inchworm Arch, staying on location as the Milky Way rises.
Day 4: We'll hold another classroom session today to work on the previous night's images. Then we'll decide as a group if we go to Zion, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or the Grand Staircase Escalante. We'll head out that afternoon for our sunset plus Milky Way shoot.
Day 5: Enjoy a relaxed morning and our final classroom session. The workshop concludes before 11AM, and you may plan return travel for anytime after that.

Desert Nightscapes Photo Workshop Milky Way

Logistics

Please arrive in Kanab, UT prior to 1PM on Day 1 for an orientation session at our local Kanab office. We didn’t include hotel stays on this trip to allow you the flexibility of a lodging option of your choice. There are many good properties in Kanab like the Hampton Inn, Springhill Suites, and La Quinta. Note that the Comfort Suites is within a half block walk of our business office which will be our central meeting point for all excursions.

All participants on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. We aren't planning any long hikes on this trip, but the uneven terrain, sand, and steep uphills can make short hikes seem much harder. You should be comfortable walking around 1-3 miles per day.

Because the Milky Way is visible in the late evening during this time of year, our schedule is designed to maximize shooting opportunities without sacrificing too much sleep. On most days we'll head out to shoot in the afternoon and shoot into sunset and the blue hour. The Milky Way will be visible starting at 8:30PM and we'll usually keep shooting until around 11PM-Midnight. On clear nights, expect a late arrival back in Kanab. We won't be shooting sunrises on the nights we are out for astro.

We'll hold mid-morning classroom sessions focusing on refining your night sky editing skills. We'll use Lightroom and Photoshop for our demonstrations. You do not need to bring a laptop as our sessions will not be the follow-along step-by-step type. You will learn techniques for low-level lighting, blue hour blends, and long night exposure blends.

If skies are cloudy, we won't do any night sessions and will focus on sunrise and sunset photography, we’ll pivot to dramatic desert landscapes during sunrise and sunset, ensuring you return home with a strong and diverse portfolio.

Weather tends to be pretty temperate this time of year, with warm midday temps and cooler nights. Please see the gear list further down for recommendations. A pre-workshop zoom meeting will be held when we're a few months out.

Pricing

$2295 per Person

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Trip Includes:

5-Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors and 8 Students.
All Ground Transportation in Lifted 4x4 Trucks.
Post-processing instruction and image critique.
Park Entrance Fees
Lighting equipment and fixtures for night photography.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Kanab, UT.
Hotel Lodging
Meals, beverages, and snacks.
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due May 27, 2027.
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.

Desert Nightscapes Photo Workshop Milky Way Night Photography Tours Utah Arizona Workshops

White Pocket Milky Way Photo Workshop Night Photography

Recommended Camera Gear

Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body. A full-frame camera is recommended for night photography.
Backpack to comfortably carry your camera gear. Make sure you have a rain cover for your backpack.
Wide Angle Lens. We recommend a 16-35mm lens. If you have wider lenses in the 11-15mm range, bring them along! For night photography, you will want a wide angle lens that is at least f/2.8 or faster.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Telephoto lenses will come in handy if we go to Bryce, Alstrom Point, or the Grand Canyon.
Circular polarizer filters are useful for daytime photography.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Remote cord for your camera.
Laptop if you wish to backup or work on your photos during the tour (not required).

Personal Gear List

Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants (keeps sand out of your shoes).
A rain jacket and one warm layer since it can get cooler at night.
Headlamp for night photography.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat
Water bottle or hydration bladder
Hiking poles (optional)

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

      All reviews
 
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   Tripadvisor
 
 
  
 
 
 
  Excellent4.9977 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent977 reviews
 
    
 Excellent4.9392 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent392 reviews
 
    
 Excellent4.9585 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent585 reviews
 
 
 
   
 
 
      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 Google  
   
   Mark Jen Hunt 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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  
   
   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.

Sarah Shumaker

Photography Instructor

Sarah brings a rare combination of backcountry experience, technical camera knowledge, and patient instruction to every workshop she leads. As an avid hiker, canyoneer, and 4x4 explorer, she has spent years traveling through remote corners of the desert Southwest in search of unique perspectives and locations far beyond the standard roadside view.

Her love of photography grew from that time outdoors. The more Sarah explored wild canyons, rugged backroads, and hard-to-reach desert landscapes, the more she wanted to capture those places and share them with others. She enjoys studying maps, scouting new locations, and finding scenes that feel fresh, personal, and full of discovery.

Sarah is especially skilled at night photography and enjoys teaching guests how to photograph the Milky Way and the starry night skies. In the field and classroom, Sarah is often praised for her technical expertise. She is comfortable working with a wide range of camera systems and enjoys helping guests understand their settings, solve problems quickly, and gain confidence with their gear. She also brings strong post-processing skills in Lightroom and Photoshop, helping photographers carry their creative vision from capture to finished image.

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