Eastern Sierras Fall

Nov 5-10, 2026 - Sold Out

Variety is the name of the game on this 6-day photo adventure.  We'll explore our favorite locations along the Eastern Sierras such as the Alabama Hills, the Bristlecone Pines, Mono Lake, Eureka Dunes, the Owens Valley, and many hidden gems.  You'll photograph crazy rock formations, arches, hot springs, jagged mountain peaks, pastoral valleys, alpine lakes, ghost towns, sand dunes, and much more.  Night photography is also an option if skies are clear! Although we aren't planning any long hikes on this workshop, some of the locations are at high altitude which can make it feel more taxing. All participants will need to be able to walk at least 2 miles with their camera gear for the best photos.  Supercharge your trip by adding on our Death Valley and Beyond Workshop, Nov 11-16, 2026!

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 2 Instructors
  • Max 8 Students

Instructor

  • Ryan McGinty
  • Kevin Dobo
Eastern Sierras Fall Autumn Photo Workshop California

Highlights

  • Photograph the vibrant fall colors along the Eastern Sierras corridor.
  • Explore the many arches and bizarre rock formations at the Alabama Hills.
  • Experience the dramatic and and often snowy Eastern Sierra Mountains.
  • Walk among the ancient bristlecone pines, capture the tufa formations at Mono Lake, and photograph steaming hot springs and alpine lakes.
  • Photograph the undulating patterns and curves of the remote Eureka Dunes.
  • Transportation is provided to/from Las Vegas. No need to rent a car!
  • Take your photos to the next level with in-field instruction and digital darkroom training by our pro photographers.
  • When skies are clear, we'll incorporate some night photography.
  • Make it epic and add on our Death Valley and Beyond Workshop Nov 11-16!
Eastern Sierras Fall Autumn Photo Workshop California

Itinerary

The exact itinerary will be kept flexible to account for the weather and current conditions. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

  • Day 1:  Meet at 9AM in Las Vegas for pick-ups near the Las Vegas International Airport.  We'll immediately hit the road towards Lone Pine, CA where we'll hold a short orientation session, and then head out for our first sunset shoot among the arches and rock formations of the Alabama Hills.
  • Day 2:  We get up early for a short hike into the Alabama Hills for our sunrise shoot. The snow-covered peaks in the background light up brilliantly!  We return for breakfast and check-out, heading up to Bishop, CA where we'll be based for the next 4 nights. For our sunset shoot, we decide to photograph the fall colors and an interesting lake with some very bizarre formations!
  • Day 3:  We capture a phenomenal sunrise at the hot springs and return to town for breakfast and a short midday break. That afternoon, we drive high up into the mountains to photograph the ancient bristlecone pines. Their gnarled bark and interesting textures create some unique photo opportunities. We return to town after sunset.
  • Day 4:  It's another early morning as we make our way to the mythical Mono Lake for sunrise.  We explore tufas of all shapes and sizes. We grab breakfast and then head up to explore a ghost town. At sunset we photograph some of the brilliant fall colors against the mountains.
  • Day 5:  We photograph sunrise at a clear and calm alpine lake with reflections galore. After breakfast, we start the long drive out to the remote Eureka Dunes.  We'll hike into the dunes and find some fantastic compositions free of footprints. Listen closely, and you'll hear the sands sing!  We return to town well after dark.
  • Day 6: It's hard to believe it's our last day together. We capture sunrise in the pastoral Owen's Valley before checking out of the hotel. We start the drive back to Las Vegas, arriving at the airport around 2PM.
Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop
Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Mono Lake Ryan McGinty
Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Death Valley California Autumn
Eastern Sierras Fall Autumn Photo Workshop California

Logistics

Plan to arrive in Las Vegas prior to 9AM on the first day.  We will pick everyone up near the Las Vegas Airport.  If you are staying in Vegas the night before, we recommend the Tru by Hilton.  We will be providing all ground transportation during the workshop so there is no need for you to rent a car. We will return to Las Vegas between 2-3PM on the final day.

To simplify logistics,  five nights of hotel lodging have been pre-paid for our group, one night in Lone Pine and four nights in Bishop.  During checkout you will add your lodging package based on either single or double occupancy.  See the Pricing section for more details.

We have designed this workshop to pair nicely with our Death Valley and Beyond Workshop, Nov 11-16, 2026.  If do both, you can book your own lodging for the night of Nov 10th either in Las Vegas or in Stovepipe Wells.

Our itinerary is flexible since we don't know what Mother Nature will throw at us.  Some years we get early snowfall that can hamper access to some of the higher elevation locations. If that happens, we have many Plan B locations that are equally stunning, especially with the snow covered mountains! Our dates are timed for prime fall colors along the Eastern Sierras, but seasonal and climactic fluctuations could change that.  We reserve the right to modify the itinerary based on safety concerns and current conditions.

Time will be set aside for post-processing and image critique throughout the workshop.  There is no need for you to bring a laptop unless you want to download and or edit your images.  All levels of photographers are welcome on this workshop and we'll tailor the instruction to the unique needs of the group.

No long hikes are planned on this workshop but you should be able to walk a total of 2-3 miles throughout the day with your camera gear in tow.  Note that the hiking will be more difficult at high elevations and on the sand dunes.

Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Death Valley California Alabama Hills Lathe Arch
Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Mono Lake Moon
Death Valley Sand Dunes

Pricing: 6 Days

$2,950/person + Tax

$2,655/person with Loyalty Discount

Trip Includes:

  • 6 Day Intensive Photo Workshop with max 5 participants and 1 pro.
  • All ground transportation to/from the Las Vegas Airport.
  • Photography guiding and instruction throughout the trip.
  • Post-processing and image critique sessions.
  • Park Entrance Fees and Permits.
  • Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting.
  • 5-night lodging package will be added to your booking at checkout. Cost is $450 or $900 for double or single occupancy respectively.

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

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

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due July 5, 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.

Physical Activity
This workshop is rated Moderate. There are no long hikes (all less than 1 mile roundtrip), but we are active, walking a total of 2–3 miles most days. We move at a relaxed photography pace, with plenty of time to stop, set up your equipment, ask questions, and navigate the terrain comfortably. Walking surfaces may include rocky paths, uneven desert ground, and soft sand at the dunes. Guests should be comfortable carrying the 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.

Elevation
Most photography locations are between approximately 4,000 and 7,000 feet, with a few locations above 10,000 feet. While we will not be walking long distances at these higher elevations (less than 0.5 mile), the thinner air can make even short walks feel more tiring than they would at sea level. We take our time and allow guests to move at a comfortable pace. Those who know they are especially sensitive to elevation may wish to discuss the itinerary with their healthcare provider before the workshop.

Daily Schedule
Because we photograph during the best light, some mornings may begin around 5AM, and evening sessions may occasionally continue until approximately 7-10 PM. When skies are clear, we may also offer an optional night photography session. Midday breaks and classroom sessions are included whenever the schedule allows, 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.

Death Valley Photo Workshop
Eastern Sierras Photo Workshop Mount Tom Ryan McGinty
FAQ Page
Death Valley Photo Workshop

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 lenss for landscape compression and wildlife encounters.  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 weather and high winds.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do some editing during the trip.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and hiking pants.
  • A rain jacket and several warm layers (upper and lower body) as it can get very cold in the high country.
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat, Warm Hat, and Gloves
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Hiking poles if you like having them.
Eastern Sierras Fall Autumn Photo Workshop California
All reviews
Google
Google
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor
ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 54.9969 reviews
4.9Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent969 reviews
ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 54.9387 reviews
4.9Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent387 reviews
ExcellentTripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 54.9582 reviews
4.9Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Excellent582 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Susan Kuning profile picture
Susan Kuning
September 15, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
Steve P profile picture
Steve P
August 31, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google
S.R. Potts profile picture
S.R. Potts
August 26, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
Marcus Simon profile picture
Marcus Simon
August 23, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
Lucia Souza profile picture
Lucia Souza
August 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
SouzaLu profile picture
SouzaLu
August 16, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google
Sherl Cayton profile picture
Sherl Cayton
July 21, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
Cindy Seavert profile picture
Cindy Seavert
July 4, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
Cindy S profile picture
Cindy S
July 3, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google
Subrata Sen profile picture
Subrata Sen
June 8, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
Liltrave profile picture
Liltrave
May 17, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Tripadvisor
Cindy P profile picture
Cindy P
May 2, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Beautiful Patagonia Patagonia is beautiful. One of my favorite trips.
Posted on Google Google
Roberto Morgenstern profile picture
Roberto Morgenstern
April 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Incredible workshops. Excellent Company. Very profesionals. Strongly recomended.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
_rmu66 profile picture
_rmu66
April 16, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google
Andree Thorpe profile picture
Andree Thorpe
April 1, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
R D profile picture
R D
March 31, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Tripadvisor
Lynn C profile picture
Lynn C
March 28, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google
Dean Fiergang profile picture
Dean Fiergang
March 26, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
Dean F profile picture
Dean F
March 26, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google
Robert Shely profile picture
Robert Shely
March 25, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
Mark Jen Hunt profile picture
Mark Jen Hunt
March 25, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Tripadvisor
Jen H profile picture
Jen H
March 25, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google Google
howard grodin profile picture
howard grodin
March 19, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Good afternoon, This is my second adventure with Action Photo Tours. My trip to India was an amazing experience. There are several steps before boarding an airplane and David provided me (and the group) with detailed instructions for filling out the eVisa so the process was smooth. Once we were in Delhi, we all met at the Pride Hotel and transportation was arranged so we felt safe with our bags when traveling to Delhi Airport. David and Nitish provided us with ticket information with Indiago airlines to our first jungle camp. They also provided us with a PDF checklist as security in India is much stricter than in the United States. I learned that all camera equipment is going to put into a bin for screening along with the camera case separately. Also, I already bring several 2.5-gallon clear ziplock bags that I used to place all cords, chargers, hard drives, so the scanner can see that these items are safe. At all three camps, the morning sessions were generally better for photography since the tigers and other wildlife usually were more active. However, with wildlife, anything is possible so the important thing to be prepared. We had several tiger sightings at Tadoba and Kanha national parks. We are restricted to staying on the dirt roads whereas the tigers are free to roam the wilderness. We all photographed a single male or female tiger walking in the woods and occasionally would choose to walk down the road which provided us with exciting opportunities while giving the tiger plenty of room so that it does turn away to head back into the jungle. My group with Nitish had 1 good leopard sighting at Pence but the other 2 vehicles did really did not. The overall experience of seeing these large animals up close is something that I will never forget. David and Nitish provided our group with plenty of individual instruction as requested/needed which improved our overall keeper rate. If you ever dreamed of going to India, make sure that you arrive a few days early (At your expense) so that you can go see the Taj Mahal and part of the golden triangle before starting your wildlife journey. David and Nitish are awesome to work with and made the entire experience worth the 17–20-hour flight from US to Delhi.
Posted on Google Google
Larry C profile picture
Larry C
March 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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 Tripadvisor
Larry C profile picture
Larry C
March 16, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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 Google Google
Lloyd Stuart, M.D. profile picture
Lloyd Stuart, M.D.
February 10, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding photo tours with experts. They take you to the best locations and help you with post processing. Most of their clients have been on numerous tours - me included.
Posted on Google Google
robert golub profile picture
robert golub
February 10, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Just finished a winter workshop in Yosemite. Not as much snow as I hoped for, but nevertheless an outstanding workshop. The guides were incredible. Extremely knowledgeable and incredible teachers. I highly recommend Action Photo Tours.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
lstuartmd profile picture
lstuartmd
February 10, 2026
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Mike S profile picture
Mike S
November 29, 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A fun year with Action Photo This has been a fun and busy year with four photo adventures with Action Photo Tours, with the most recent on the Cypress Swamp workshop. The year began with a fun N. Utah winter adventure, followed by two spectacular Milky Way workshops in the Bisti Badlands and White Pocket, and finally the Cypress Swamp. I enjoy the small group size workshop environment and look forward to exploring other APT adventures.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
snapngo profile picture
snapngo
November 22, 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Coyote Buttes South Sunset Tour While my husband had visited Coyote Buttes South, I had never been there. We chose Action Photo Tours because they are photography oriented and were the only guide service offering a sunset tour. Our guide Kevin is an accomplished photographer and we enjoyed talking with him about photography in this area and other locations in the US. While my husband recognized several formations from his previous trip, Kevin showed us new areas to explore. As a bonus, a group of big horn sheep appeared and almost seemed to pose for us. We stayed til dusk so that we could get great sunset photos.Before visiting Coyote Buttes South, you must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. There is a limited number of permits to be had, so you must obtain your permit several months in advance of your visit. The roads to Coyote Buttes South are covered with deep sand and are constantly changing. Do not try this route on your own in a typical rental SUV. Rather than risk getting stuck or breaking down (it does happen), working with a guide such as Action Photos is invaluable.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Victor B profile picture
Victor B
November 15, 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Excellent experience I congratulate Action Photo Group for organizing these photography tours. Very well organized, excellent instructors, outstanding service, and above all, very professional.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Rick D profile picture
Rick D
October 12, 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Great learning experience! Shane McDermott & A.J. Rich of Action Photo Tours were the instructors on two 5-day drone workshops I attended in Sept. & Oct in Utah. Their instruction, patience and professionalism shown in both drone workshops I attended in Hanksville and Kanab, Utah was terrific. I learned a lot about flying, capturing outstanding images & enjoying the comraderie of fellow drone enthusiasts! These workshops were very successful experiences. I look forward to my next Action Photo experience!!!Rick DavisonO’Fallon, IL
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.

Kevin Dobo

Kevin Dobo

Photography Instructor

Kevin’s passion for landscape photography began more than 40 years ago during a youth group bicycle tour along the coast of Maine. At just 16 years old, he returned home, developed dozens of rolls of film, and quickly realized that what had captured his attention wasn’t people, but coastlines, forests, light, and the natural world.

That early connection between photography and outdoor exploration has shaped Kevin’s life ever since. His photographic journey and active outdoor lifestyle led him from his native Ohio to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, through the Rockies of Colorado, and eventually into the Desert Southwest. He now lives in Kanab, Utah, where he leads Action Photo Tours day tours, overnight tours, and multi-day workshops.

Kevin’s primary passion is Southwest monsoon storm photography, which began after attending Action’s Storms & Saguaros workshop. From his first successful lightning capture, he was hooked. Since then, he has built a strong working knowledge of weather forecasting and spends weeks each summer chasing storms across southern Arizona and New Mexico.

In addition to storm photography, Kevin enjoys intimate landscapes, abstract and minimalist compositions, drone photography, and astrophotography. In the field, he enjoys helping guests slow down, recognize strong light and composition, and experience the simple pleasure of capturing a magical moment outdoors.