Marble Canyon Photo Workshop

Aug 17-21, 2026 - Sold Out

Venture deep into the heart of Northern Arizona with our Marble Canyon Photo Workshop, where ground-level exploration meets the thrill of aerial creativity. Designed for both landscape and drone photographers, this adventure takes you far off the beaten path in rugged 4x4 vehicles to reach remote overlooks and hidden corners few have ever photographed. Timed during the monsoon season, the workshop offers the best chance to capture dramatic skies, storm light, and the ever-changing textures of the canyon. From the cliffs above the Colorado River to the intricate desert formations below, every moment is a chance to create extraordinary images few others will ever see.

Tuition

$2395
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Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

David Swindler
Shane McDermott

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Ground & Aerial Photography: Combine traditional landscape shooting with drone-based aerial perspectives for a complete visual experience.

Remote Canyon Access: Explore hidden corners of Marble Canyon far beyond the crowds, accessible only by 4x4 off-road vehicles.

Monsoon Season Drama: Capture powerful light, cloud formations, and atmospheric conditions unique to the Southwest’s monsoon season.

Expert Instruction: Learn advanced techniques for both ground and aerial composition, exposure, and post-processing from seasoned professionals.

Intimate Group Setting: Enjoy personalized attention and flexibility with a small group size ideal for learning and creative exploration.

Itinerary

In order to give our clients the best possible photography experience, we keep the itinerary flexible to account for weather, conditions, and group interest. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1: We meet at 2PM in Page, AZ with our opening orientation session at the hotel. We'll review many of the photo and drone techniques we'll be using during the workshop. After a quick bite to eat, we head out for our sunset shoot at a hidden corner of Marble Canyon.
Day 2: We are up early for a moderate level hike to beautiful river bend in the canyon. We are rewarded with beautiful light and some nice clouds in the sky. We return to town, enjoy breakfast, and then hold a classroom session where we learn more useful techniques. That afternoon we check out and make our way further south to our next lodging location where we'll be based for the next 3 nights. After checking in, we load up and head out on a long 4x4 drive to one of our favorite views of Marble Canyon at sunset!
Days 3 and 4: We have many locations planned for these days. Exactly where we go will depend entirely on the weather, conditions, and group interest. If we have midday downtime, we'll hold classroom post-processing and image critique sessions.
Day 5: It's our final sunrise shoot in Marble Canyon before we return for breakfast and checkout. We make our way back to Page, AZ and the workshop will conclude no later than noon.

Drones

It is highly recommended that all participants bring a drone on this workshop as some locations are much better from the aerial perspective. Please note that drones are not allowed at some of the locations we visit.

Action Photo Tours is not responsible for any drone malfunctions, crashes, or accidental damage. If you crash or damage your drone, there are no backups for you to use unless you bring a second drone. If weather conditions are unsafe for flying, we will not have any drones in the air. None of the areas we visit require any sort of technical flying. All are wide-open landscapes with no obstacles.

We highly recommend that you learn the basics of flying BEFORE coming on the workshop. The instructors can help you with improving your image acquisition, but they cannot fly nor operate your drone.

All participants need to bring at least 3 batteries for their drones. We recommend the latest drone models for best image quality, battery life, and flight technology.

Logistics

Please arrive in Page, Arizona by 2PM Arizona time on Day 1 for the opening orientation at the Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel. We will return to Page, AZ no later than 2PM on Day 5 and you can plan your return travel at that time.

You can fly into Page, AZ Regional Airport (PGA) or Flagstaff, AZ (FLG) and rent a car. We provide all ground transportation for the workshop outings once we meet at the hotel on the first day. Bear in mind that we will be driving on some rough 4x4 roads to access many of the locations.

When you checkout, you will add a 4 night lodging package to your booking based on either single or double occupancy. We will spend 1 night at the Best Western in Page, AZ and 3 nights at the Cliff Dwellers Lodge. 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 at least a couple miles per day with your camera gear.

Our dates fall during the Southwest monsoon season and rain/storms can be a possibility. Everyone needs a rain jacket and a warm layer for cool mornings. If you wish to capture daytime lightning, you will need a lightning trigger. We have listed our recommended trigger in the gear list below. From our experience, any other trigger may result in missed shots and frustration.

Pricing

$2395/person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

5 Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
Park Entrance Fees and Navajo Backcountry Permits.
All ground transportation in lifted 4x4 trucks.
Post-processing and image critique sessions.
Pre-Workshop zoom meeting.
A 4 night lodging package will be added to your booking at checkout. Cost is $850 for single or $425 for double occupancy respectively.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Page, AZ.
Meals, beverages, and snacks.
Gratuities for photo instructors.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due May 12, 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.

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.
Drone and controller. We recommend one of the newer models for best image quality and battery life.
At least 3 drone batteries, battery charger, and extra propellers.
Lightning trigger if you wish to capture possible daytime lightning. We recommend the Lightning Trigger Brand LT-IV for best results.
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, and Sun Hat
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Hiking poles if you like having them.

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Artist's Statement: Through all of my wanderings, photography has remained a constant, providing the creative link between my passion for adventure and the outdoors. I will never get enough of that “Wow!” feeling when I see a stunning image rendered on my camera’s LCD and helping guide others to that same experience is the bacon in the beans for me. I am excited to start working with Action Photo Tours. Everything about their instructors, locations, deep research, proficiency and stop-at-nothing vibe shows me that I have found the company where we can all grow and have countless “wow” moments together.

From the inseparable experience of unity, the camera is not something I “look at” the world through it is an opportunity to see something in myself. Photographs are no longer lost extractions of time; they become holographic reflections of the precious whole in every part. I love to guide those passionate about photography and those wanting to celebrate the extraordinary beauty of nature. If you seek a deeper connection with yourself and the astonishing beauty of our planet, I invite you to embark on this journey of creative discovery. I seamlessly weave together the technical and artistic dimensions of photography and help students learn to cultivate a greater level of presence, perception, and perspective. I have endless patience for those who genuinely seek to unlock their unique creative brilliance and transform their passion into pixels.

Photography has been a transformative experience of Self-discovery more than it has been about great image-making. The interior landscapes of my Soul have been the primary territory of my exploration. From a place within, the landscapes and creatures of our great planet have provided amazing opportunities to learn about myself and my connection to the world.

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.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

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.