Grand Canyon Monsoon Photo Workshop

Aug 5-9, 2023 - Sold Out!!

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When monsoon storms roll in, there's no better place to be than the Grand Canyon.  We'll spend two nights at the North Rim Lodge, hopefully chasing dramatic skies, lightning, and storms. With clear skies, conditions are perfect for Milky Way photography! With permits to guide all over the Southwest, the final day is location TBD based on the weather forecast. Expect to learn many new photographic skills, weather forecasting techniques, and post-processing tricks. Consider pairing this with our White Pocket Monsoon Workshop Aug 9-12, 2023.

Tuition

  • $2250
  • Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

  • 5 Students per Instructor
  • Max 10 Students

Instructor(s)

  • Nickolas Warner
  • 2nd Instructor TBD

Physical Intensity

Grand Canyon Photo Workshop Monsoon Season Arizona Photography

Highlights

  • Monsoon season is a great time to photograph the Grand Canyon with the chance of dramatic skies, rainbows, lightning, and epic light.
  • Enjoy the quiet North Rim of the Grand Canyon away from the maddening crowds of the South Rim.
  • Workshop dates are timed for optimal monsoon conditions along with no moon interference for Milky Way photography.
  • After the Grand Canyon, we have one "open" day with location TBD depending on the weather forecast and group interest.
  • Some locations we visit are far off the beaten path. You will acquire a diverse set of images during our time together.
  • Learn many new photography skills, weather forecasting techniques, and post-processing tricks from pro-photographer instructors.
  • Can't get enough of the Monsoon Mania?  Consider joining our White Pocket Monsoon Workshop Aug 9-12, 2023.
Grand Canyon Lightning Storm Photography Workshop

Itinerary

The itinerary is being kept flexible to account for weather and current conditions. Expert forecasting, group consensus and weather will dictate our final itinerary.

  • Day 1 (Aug 5):  Meet at 1PM in Kanab, UT for a mandatory introductory session.  We'll cover logistics and make plans for our upcoming days together. After an early dinner, we drive out to the Grand Canyon. With a sky full of dramatic clouds, we are treated to a brilliant sunset! We check into the North Rim Lodge after dark.
  • Day 2 (Aug 6):  We are up early for sunrise at one of our favorite east-facing viewpoints. After breakfast, we do some short hikes along the rim and then enjoy a midday break. We regroup later in the afternoon and head out to very remote and photogenic viewpoint.  As storms start to move across the canyon, we get out our lightning triggers to capture the bolts. The light breaks through at sunset treating us to a distant rainbow and impressive colors! When we get back to the lodge, we notice the skies have cleared, so we stay out to take some Milky Way photos over the canyon.
  • Day 3 (Aug 7):  We wake up early and go out to Cape Royal for sunrise. The skies are pretty clear so we focus more on the light as it illuminates and accentuates the canyon features.  After checking out of the hotel, we meet up and review the weather forecast. We decide to head to a viewpoint further west and head out that way for sunset. We return to Kanab after dark and check into our hotel.
  • Day 4 (Aug 8): This is our "open" day and the itinerary will be dictated by the weather forecast and group interest. We have permits to guide all over the Southwest, so we have the freedom to go where we'll have best conditions. We'll return to the hotel after the evening shoot.
  • Day 5 (Aug 9):  Departure day or you can join our our White Pocket Monsoon Workshop Aug 9-12, 2023.
Grand Canyon Monsoon Lightning Photo Workshop Nickolas Warner
Grand Canyon Monsoon Season Photography Workshop North Rim
Grand Canyon North Rim Photo Workshop
Grand Canyon Photo Workshop Milky Way Night Photography North Rim

Logistics

Please arrive at the Best Western Red Hills in Kanab, UT on Aug 5th prior to 1PM Utah time for an orientation session. Four nights of double occupancy accommodations are included in the price for the nights of Aug 5th and 6th at the North Rim Lodge, and Aug 7th and 8th at the Best Western in Kanab. Single occupancy available for an additional charge.

You need your own transportation to get to the gateway location of Kanab, UT. We will provide transportation for all workshop outings. You are welcome to drive your own vehicle out to the North Rim if you prefer. If you want to ride with us, we have a safe place you can leave your vehicle. Please pack light since we won't have space for more than one large suitcase per person.

All participants on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition.  Although we aren't planning any long hikes on this trip, the uneven terrain and elevation can make short hikes seem much harder.  You should be comfortable walking around 2-3 miles per day while carrying your camera gear. Bring your hiking poles if you like using them.

See the gear list further down for specific recommendations.  No matter what the weather does, we’ll get awesome photos.  Make sure you bring warm clothes since we will be at high elevation and it can get cold at night or if a storm moves in. A rain jacket is a must in case the weather is unsettled. You will also want a rain cover for your camera backpack.

If skies are clear night, we will photograph the Milky Way. Each participant will need their own headlight. We also recommend everyone bring a fast wide angle lens (f/2.8 or faster) along with a remote cord for long exposures.

The workshop will conclude the morning of Aug 9th in Kanab.  You can stay longer in the area or head somewhere else. If you can't get enough of the Monsoon Mania, consider joining our White Pocket Monsoon Workshop Aug 9-12, 2023.

Pricing

$1995 Per Person

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Trip Includes:

  • 5-Day Intensive Photo Workshop.
  • 2 Nights of double occupancy lodging on the North Rim (Frontier Cabins) and 2 nights double occupancy lodging at the Best Western in Kanab.  Single supplement is $350.
  • All ground transportation and photography guiding during the trip.
  • Permits and fees for National Parks and all areas we visit.
  • Night photography and instruction.
  • Post-processing training and image critique

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Kanab, UT.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Meals and snacks.

 

When you complete the checkout process, you will be given the option to either pay the full amount or put down a 50% deposit.  If you pay the deposit, the remaining amount will be charged 90 days prior to the trip to the credit card we have on file.

Grand Canyon Photo Workshop North Rim Photo Extravaganza
This spot on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was difficult to get out to, but the views were sure worth it as you could shoot in just about every direction! At sunset, several storms were moving through and it was tough to decide which one to concentrate on. This is a single shot image using my lightning trigger at 1/4sec shutter speed. The sound of the booming thunder all around me was an experience I won't soon forget. Within a few minutes of taking this shot, the rain began to fall in earnest. Even though I was completely soaked, I was grinning from ear to ear. What a magical evening. I'll have lots more to share from this night.
Grand Canyon Photo Workshop North Rim
Grand Canyon North Rim Photo Workshop

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Sturdy tripod and ballhead
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
  • Wide Angle Zoom Lens (16-35mm on full frame, 10-22mm on crop sensor).
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Telephoto lenses are optional but are useful for distant storms, cloud patterns, and canyon details.  Suggest 100-400mm range.
  • Bring a circular polarizer filter and or 3-stop ND filter for your wide angle and mid-range zoom lenses.
  • Lightning trigger. We recommend the Lightning Trigger Brand LT-IV for best results.
  • Extra batteries for your camera and lightning trigger along with extra memory cards.
  • A blower and micro-fiber cloth for cleaning.
  • Remote cord for your camera.
  • Backpack or case for your gear.
  • When it starts raining, we will be packing up. Bring your lens hoods to help keep droplets off your lens!
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or follow along during the post-processing instruction.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy footwear, hiking socks, and long pants.
  • A rain jacket since it can get cold when storms roll in.
  • Headlamp for when we are out at night.
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat
  • Water bottle.
Nickolas Warner Alaska

Nickolas Warner

Photography Instructor

Nickolas is a photographer and tour guide with a particular interest in extreme and unusual locations.  His travels have taken him to some fascinating locations, but the American Southwest is his favorite place to photograph.

Nickolas spent the past decade guiding in Alaska, where he provided instruction on photographing the aurora borealis, and shared his knowledge of the far north’s rugged terrain and resilient wildlife.

When not guiding, Nickolas enjoys long distance hiking and extended backpacking trips through remote wilderness areas.

Nickolas's portfolio can be found at Nickolas Warner Photography

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