Moab Monsoon Mania

Aug 25-29, 2025

When monsoon storms roll in, there's no better place to be than the scenic landscapes of Southeastern Utah. Based in Moab, we'll spend 5 days getting off the beaten path and photographing hidden gems outside the national parks. But not to worry, we'll hit a few of the classic spots too! August is ripe for monsoon moisture and that's when we usually get dramatic skies and atmospheric conditions. With a flexible itinerary, we'll craft each day's outing based on the weather and conditions. Time will be set aside during midday hours for post-processing training and image critiques. The degree of hiking is Moderately Difficult. The longest distances are only 2-3 miles but the terrain can be rough and steep.

Tuition

$2250
Loyalty Members
Save 10%

Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

David Swindler
Shane McDermott

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Monsoon season is a great time to photograph the varied landscapes of Southeastern Utah with chances for dramatic skies and storms.
Get far off the beaten path and explore many locations outside the crowded national parks! A few classic locations will also be included.
Capture huge viewpoints, arches, rock formations, reflecting pools, etc.
A flexible itinerary allows us to find the best weather and conditions.
If skies are clear, we may be able to do some night photography.
Learn new photography skills, weather forecasting techniques, and post-processing tricks from pro instructors.

Book Now

Itinerary

The itinerary is being kept flexible to account for weather and current conditions. Expert forecasting and group consensus will dictate our final itinerary. The itinerary given below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1 (July 31): Meet at 1PM in Moab, UT for a mandatory introductory session. We'll cover logistics and make plans for our upcoming days together. After an early dinner we hike out to an impressive arch for sunset. Nice clouds roll in and we get some great color in the sky.
Day 2 (Aug 1): We are up early for sunrise at some impressive rock towers. The roads are adventurous and we have the entire place to ourselves. After breakfast, we meet in the conference room to start learning some post-processing tricks and to look at the weather for the day. That afternoon we head out to a remote viewpoint on rough 4x4 roads that will take your breath away! Even better, we are able to capture some distant lightning storms after sunset.
Day 3 (Aug 2): We get up early and shoot sunrise at one of our favorite spots in Arches National Park. We hold an image critique session midday. For sunset, we decide to drive out to another remote viewpoint high above the canyon below. Our efforts pay off with a brilliant sunset.
Day 4 (Aug 3): We plan our morning shoot based on current weather conditions. And then we explore some interesting rock formations and towers. In the afternoon, we decide to hike out to a beautiful reflection pool. The distance isn't long but the terrain is rough so we take our time. Our efforts pay off with some incredible monsoon conditions and even a couple lightning bolts!
Day 5 (Aug 4): It's hard to believe it's our last day! We are out the door early to capture sunrise from an impressive overlook. A few whispy clouds light up with the delicate pinks of dawn. We return back to Moab for breakfast and the workshop will conclude by 11AM.

Book Now

Logistics

Please arrive in Moab, UT no later than 1PM on July 31st for our workshop orientation session at the group hotel. To simplify logistics, we have pre-paid 4 nights of hotel accommodations for all workshop participants. During checkout you will add your lodging package based on either single or double occupancy. See the Pricing section for more details. The workshop concludes around 11AM on Aug 4th.

Canyonlands Regional Airport serves the greater Moab area. If you prefer a larger airport, you can fly into SLC International or Grand Junction and drive to Moab. Having your own car will give you more flexibility in terms of restaurants and shopping. Note that food, meals, and beverages are not included in the workshop fee and you will be on your own for most meals.

All participants on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. We aren't planning any long hikes and the longest will be 2-3 miles round trip. However, the terrain can be rough and steep, making it much more difficult. You should be comfortable walking these kinds of distances while carrying your camera gear and tripod. Bring your hiking poles if you like using them.

In case we get clear skies, we recommend everyone bring a wide angle lens (f/2.8 or faster) along with a remote cord for night photography. Drones can be flown when we are outside the National Parks. We are happy to help you take the best photos with your drone. However, you MUST be proficient at flying it yourself as our instructors cannot pilot your aircraft.

See the gear list further down for specific recommendations to ensure you are well prepared. Make sure you bring a rain jacket and a warm layer since it can get cold if a storm moves in. You will also want a rain cover for your camera backpack. No matter what the weather does, we’ll get some awesome photos!

Book Now

Pricing

$2250 Per Person

Join our Loyalty Program and Save 10%!!

Trip Includes:

5-Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
A four night lodging package will be added to your booking based on single or double occupancy. Cost is $375 or $750 for double or single respectively.
All Ground Transportation in Lifted 4x4 Trucks.
Permits and fees for National Parks and all areas we visit.
Night photography and instruction if skies are clear.
Post-processing training and image critique
Pre-workshop zoom meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Moab, UT.
Meals, beverages, and snacks
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, you will be sent a payment link for the remaining balance approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. See the full Terms and Conditions.

Book Now

Moab Monsoon Mania Moab Photography Workshop Storm

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.
Hiking poles (optional)

Book Now

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

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.

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.

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.