Hidden Gems of the Southwest

Dec 2-6, 2026 - Sold Out

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Get off the beaten path on this 5-day adventure and explore some of the most geologically diverse lands on the planet!  We have special access to seldom photographed places across the Southwest with spectacular rock formations, huge vistas, crazy hoodoos, and gigantic arches. One of the highlights is photographing a sandstone arch high on the rim that glows a brilliant orange at sunset! Post-processing and image critique will be offered during the workshop to help make the most of your images.  Participants should be in good physical condition as we'll be walking up to 1-2 miles per day over rocky and or sandy terrain.

Tuition

  • $2995
  • Includes Lodging & Local Guides

Max Group Size

  • 5 Students per Instructor

Instructor(s)

  • David Swindler

Physical Intensity

Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop

Highlights

  • Photograph some of the most remote and stunning landscapes in the Southwest with special access!
  • Capture a spectacular and rarely visited arch as it glows orange with gorgeous reflected light.
  • Expect plenty of learning and attention with a small group of 5 participants.
  • Workshop fee includes 4 nights hotel lodging, Navajo & Hopi guides, entrance fees, and backcountry permits.
  • All ground transportation is included.
  • Post-processing and image critique sessions will help you make the most of your images!

Itinerary

  • Day 1 (Dec 2):  Meet at 1PM in Tuba City, AZ for a mandatory orientation session.  After a quick dinner, we'll head out to our sunset spot. We decide as a group to check out some interesting rock formations and hoodoos. We enjoy some great light and clouds.  We return to town after dark.
  • Day 2 (Dec 3):  We wake well before sunrise to photograph a gigantic arch. The light is spectacular and the sky fires up for an incredible show.  We head back to town for breakfast and a midday classroom session. After lunch, we head out to a rarely photographed arch that glows a brilliant orange at sunset. This arch is gigantic and will blow your mind! If skies are clear we will stay out after dark for astrophotography.
  • Day 3 (Dec 4):  We are up early to shoot sunrise at an impressive canyon.  We do some short hikes to several different photo spots as the light changes.  In the afternoon, we meet one of our local guides and head into an area with some of the most bizarre and incredible rock formations. You could spend days just wandering around in search of brilliant compositions!
  • Day 4 (Dec 5):  We shoot sunise from a rarely visited viewpoint offering lots of creative potential.  The morning clouds add nice atmosphere to our shots. We'll do another classroom session after breakfast.  That evening, we head out to a dramatic backcountry viewpoint of the Grand Canyon with the Colorado River far below us.
  • Day 5 (Dec 6):  It's another early morning as we head out to photograph one of our favorite views of the Grand Canyon. The drive is long and rough, but the solitude we have at such an amazing view more than makes up for it. We return to town for breakfast and check out of the hotel. The workshop will conclude no later than 11AM.
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Action Photo Tours
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Photo Workshop
Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop

Logistics

Please arrive in Tuba City prior to 1PM on Dec 2nd for the orientation session. Hotel stays for the nights of Dec 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th are included in the workshop fee.  The base price assumes double occupancy.  Single rooms are available for an additional fee (see the Pricing section below).

Participants should have their own transportation to get to/from Tuba City, AZ. There are no public transportation options.  The nearest airport is either Flagstaff, AZ (FLG) or Page, AZ (PGA). We provide all ground transportation for the workshop outings once we meet on the first day. Bear in mind that we will be driving on some rough 4x4 roads to access many of the locations.

Everyone 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 at least a couple miles per day with your camera gear.

The weather can be variable in mid Nov. Temps are starting to get cold this time of year and snow/rain are always possible. Make sure you are prepared for the possibility of inclement weather and dress appropriately.  Please see the gear list further down.

We are using authorized Navajo and Hopi guides for many of the areas we visit. The cost of these guides is included in the workshop fee but they appreciate any tips and gratuities if you feel so inclined.

 

Pricing

$2995/Person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

  • 4 nights double occupancy hotel lodging.  Single occupancy adds $300.
  • All Navajo and Hopi guides, park fees, and backcountry permits.
  • All ground transportation and photography guiding during the trip.
  • Post-processing and image critique.
  • Pre-Workshop zoom meeting.

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Tuba City, AZ.
  • Meals, beverages, and snacks.
  • Gratuities for native guides and photo instructors.

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due Aug 2, 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.
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Grand Canyon Confluence
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Abstract
Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Photo Workshop Arizona

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Sturdy tripod and ballhead
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range.  If you have an ultra-wide in the 11-14mm range, bring it along since there are many places we can utilize it.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Long telephoto lenses will come in handy in several locations. We really like the 100-400mm zoom lens.
  • Circular polarizer filters are useful.  There will be little need for ND filters.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Remote cord for your camera.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or follow along during the post-processing instruction.

Personal Gear List

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

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David Swindler Photographer

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

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Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras.  He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.