Hidden Gems of the Southwest

June 6-11, 2025 - Sold Out!

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Get off the beaten path on this 6-day adventure and explore some of the most geologically diverse lands on the planet!  We have special access to many seldom photographed locations on Navajo and Hopi lands and we've timed our dates perfectly for shooting the full moon!  This workshop includes several outings into the Monument Valley backcountry along with an overnight trip to Hunts Mesa! Participants should be in good physical condition as we'll be walking up to 1-2 miles per day over rocky and sandy terrain.  The workshop fee includes Navajo and Hopi guides, permits, ground transportation, and a fully outfitted overnight camping adventure!  During checkout, you will select your lodging package for either double or single occupancy.

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 8 Students Max
  • 4 Students per Instructor

Instructor(s)

  • David Swindler
  • A.J. Rich

Physical Intensity

Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Grand Canyon Confluence

Highlights

  • Photograph some of the most remote and stunning landscapes in the Southwest with special access!  You won't find any crowds here.
  • Workshop fee includes the Navajo & Hopi guides, fees, permits, and ground transportation.
  • Capture epic views high above Monument Valley on a fully outfitted overnight camping adventure to Hunts Mesa.
  • Dates are timed for a couple full moon shooting opportunities.
  • Expect plenty of individual attention and learning with our small group of 8 participants and 2 pro instructors.
  • Post-processing and image critique sessions will help you make the most of your images!
Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop

Itinerary

  • Day 1 (June 6):  Meet at 1PM in Page, AZ for a mandatory orientation session.  We then load the vehicles and make our way to Tuba City.  After checking in and having dinner, we spend the evening exploring a remote canyon with intricate geology and astonishing rock formations.
  • Day 2 (June 7):  We wake up well before dawn to photograph a rarely visited viewpoint 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.  From here you can look down on the mighty Colorado River as it cuts its way through the dramatic rock formations. We return to town for a well deserved midday break.  That evening we photograph a broad canyon full of a striped sandstone features with dramatic clouds in the sky above.
  • Day 3 (June 8):  For sunrise we explore a rugged landscape with formations of all shapes and colors. The views here are nothing short of impressive!  We check out of the hotel and make our way up to Monument Valley.  Even though tonight is our overnight camping trip, lodging is provided for all participants. We meet our Navajo guides and start the rough ride to the top of Hunt's Mesa. The vistas up here are simply stunning, especially in golden light!
  • Day 4 (June 9):  We wake up early to capture a brilliant sunrise on Hunt's Mesa. After a hearty breakfast we break camp and photograph an interesting arch.  We then take a long midday break to catch up on sleep and then regroup late afternoon for a foray into the Monument Valley backcountry through sunset.
  • Day 5 (June 10): We are up early for another sunrise shoot deep in Monument Valley.  We return to check out of our hotel rooms and then drive back to Page, AZ and check-in to our new hotel.  After dinner, we drive out to a colorful viewpoint of Lake Powell.  Even better, we'll capture the full moon as it rises in front of us!
  • Day 6 (June 11):  We finish our adventure with a very early morning outing to a gigantic arch. If skies are clear, we'll get the full moon right through the middle of it!  We return to Page for breakfast and then say our final goodbyes.  The workshop will conclude no later than noon.
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Action Photo Tours
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Photo Workshop
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Canyon
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Photo Workshop
Hidden Gems of the Southwest Photo Workshop

Logistics

Please arrive in Page, AZ prior to 1PM Arizona Time on June 6th for a mandatory orientation session. The workshop will conclude by noon on June 11th in Page, AZ.

Participants should have their own transportation to get to/from Page, AZ. There is a small regional airport in Page but you can also fly into Las Vegas or Flagstaff and drive to Page.  We provide all transportation during the workshop to the shooting locations. Since luggage space is limited in the workshop vehicle, you are welcome to follow us in your own vehicle as we travel between Page, Tuba City, and Monument Valley (all paved roads). The workshop will conclude by noon on June 11th in Page, AZ.

Important:  Lodging is in short supply so we have pre-paid for 5 nights of hotel accommodations for all workshop participants.  This includes a night of hotel during the Hunts Mesa camping trip. This is done so that you have a place to keep your luggage.  And then when we return late morning the following day you won't have to wait for late afternoon check-in for showers and nap time. During checkout you will add your lodging package based on either single or double occupancy.  See the Pricing section for more details.

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 1-2 miles per day with your camera gear.

The weather can be variable in early June. Usually, temps are fairly mild with lots of sun during the day. However, it can get very hot and wind storms are always a possibility. Make sure you dress appropriately and bring a warm layer so you don't get cold during morning shoots.  Please see the gear list further down.

We will provide food during the Hunt's Mesa Overnight Camping portion.  All other meals will be on your own, even if we are eating as a group.

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. They appreciate tips and gratuities if you feel so inclined.

Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Grand Canyon Bend Rainbow

Pricing

$3195/person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

  • All ground transportation and photography instruction from 2 pros.
  • Fully outfitted overnight camping trip to Hunt's Mesa.
  • All Navajo and Hopi guides, park fees, and Navajo permits.
  • All ground transportation and photography guiding during the trip.
  • Post-processing and image critique
  • Pre-workshop Zoom Meeting
  • 5-night lodging package will be added to your booking based on single or double occupancy. Cost is $575 or $1150 for double or single respectively.

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Page, AZ.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Meals and snacks with exception of the Hunt's Mesa Overnight portion.
  • Instructor Gratuities.

 

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 120-days prior to arrival to the credit card we have on file.

Custom Photo Tours
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Monument Valley
Hunts Mesa Hidden Gems of the Southwest
Monument Valley Photo Workshop Mystery Valley
Monument Valley Hidden Gems Southwest

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 many locations. We really like the 100-400mm zoom lens.
  • Circular polarizer filters are useful.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Remote cord for your camera.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
  • A rain jacket and a warm layer.
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Warm Hat, Sun Hat, and Gloves
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Hiking poles if you like having them.
  • Please don't overpack, as we'll only have enough room in the vehicle for one suitcase and one camera bag.
I've seen Alstrom Point in many different conditions and I love seeing how much the light changes the landscape. On this evening, the full moon rose just as the sun was setting. Then the sky turned a deep red back behind us and reflected all that gorgeous color onto the rocks. The calm water and the moon in the distance really added a magical feel. The Southwest is so incredible! If you've never seen places like this, put it on your list for 2019!

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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, 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.

AJ Rich Profile

A.J. Rich

Photography Instructor

Ever since he was young, A.J. Rich has had a passion for all things visual. Growing up on the edge of St. George, Utah, he often sketched his favorite sports players and designed logos for his youth sports teams. A.J. also spent countless hours around his childhood home climbing rock mesas and exploring the unknown, including at nearby Zion National Park.

After graduating with a degree in graphic design from Brigham Young University in 2001, A.J. worked in the graphic design field for 20 years. In 2006 A.J. picked up a camera and, drawing on his art background, he has been a successful Getty Images contributor. In recent years he has focused on landscape photography—where his true passion lies.

Today the quest for the “timeless story” drives A.J. on all his outdoor adventures. While out in nature he seeks the ethereal and spiritual planes, and if he can capture them in a photograph, even better.

Currently A.J. works by day as a graphic designer and art director for BYU Brand & Creative, always dreaming of and planning for his next photography journey.

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