Monument Valley and Native Cultures

Apr 4-9, 2027 - Sold Out!

Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes and living cultures of the Southwest on this 6-day Monument Valley Photo Workshop, where you’ll photograph iconic sandstone formations, sweeping desert vistas, and models in traditional attire. Timed for dark skies, this workshop offers opportunities for astrophotography over Monument Valley’s legendary scenery. We’ll journey by 4x4 to Hunts Mesa for a spectacular sunset shoot followed by a delicious dinner on top of the mesa. We finish with a foray  onto sacred Hopi lands to photograph rarely seen geological formations and create intimate portraits with members of the Hopi community.

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 4 Students per Instructor
  • 8 Students Max

Instructor(s)

  • Wendy Casey
  • 2nd TBD
Monument Valley Photo Workshop Night Photography Milky Way Pano David Swindler
Monument Valley and Native Cultures

Highlights

  • Discover the best of Monument Valley and get off the beaten path!
  • Capture starry skies and the spring Milky Way over desert landscapes.
  • Photograph both Navajo and Hopi models in traditional dress and connect with their rich culture.
  • Shoot a stunning sunset and a delicious dinner from atop Hunts Mesa with panoramic views.
  • Explore sacred Hopi lands with striking, rarely-seen geological features.
  • Capture starry skies and the spring Milky Way over desert landscapes.
  • Benefit from a small group size (8 max) and personalized instruction.
  • Improve your images with post-processing demos and image critiques.
  • All local transport, Navajo guides, Hopi guides, Navajo and Hopi models, permits, model releases, and instruction included.

Itinerary

We keep our itineraries flexible to account for weather, current conditions, and group interest.  The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

  • Day 1: Meet at 1PM (MDT-Mountain Daylight Time) at Goulding's Lodge in Monument Valley for a mandatory orientation session. After lunch, we are invited into traditional homes called hogans to photograph the Navajo people. As the light gets better towards the evening, we head outdoors and photograph the Navajo models against the iconic towers of Monument Valley.
  • Day 2: It's a short night as we get up early to photograph Milky Way panos over the valley. After that, we venture into the backcountry with some spectacular foregrounds for night photography. We stay out through sunrise and photograph various spots before heading back for a midday rest break. Mid-afternoon we meet back up with our Navajo guides and head into the backcountry for another landscape and Navajo model photo session.
  • Day 3: With clear skies in the forecast, we are up early again to photograph the Milky Way at a couple different alcoves. We then shoot sunrise at an impressive overlook before returning to our hotel for breakfast and a midday break. With many options on the table, we decide as a group where to go for our sunset shoot.
  • Day 4: When the clouds roll in, we will skip Milky Way shooting. Instead, we capture a stunning sunrise over the valley. We reconvene for a comprehensive post-processing and image critique session. After lunch, we meet our Navajo guides and make our way up the rough sandstone road to the top of Hunts Mesa. This fun and exciting ride is the highlight of many participants. The view of the vast valley below makes Hunts Meas an unbeatable sunset location and we'll enjoy a delicious dinner up there. If skies are clear, we'll stop at an arch on the way back for night photos.
  • Day 5: Depending on what time we get back the night before, we may skip sunrise this morning or go out and shoot. After a late breakfast, we check out of our hotel and make our way to Tuba City, AZ.  We settle into our new hotel and make plans for a special shoot on traditional Hopi lands with the Hopi people. The area we are going to has some of the most extraordinary geological features you've ever seen!  So you'll be photographing both landscapes and models throughout the best light of the evening.
  • Day 6:  We get up early for a sunrise shoot at a remote overlook with striped sandstone formations as far as the eye can see!  The early light doesn't disappoint and we come away with a brilliant set of landscape images.  We return to town for breakfast, pack up, and check out of the hotel.  The workshop will conclude no later than 11AM in Tuba City and you can plan your return travel for anytime after this.
Monument Valley Photo Workshop Native Cultures
Monument Valley Photo Workshop Night Photography Totem Pole Milky Way
Monument Valley Photography Workshop A.J. Rich
Monument Valley and Native Cultures Photo Workshop

Lodging

Lodging options are scarce and expensive in Monument Valley. Goulding's Lodge is the best combination of comfort, service, and value. We have reserved lodge rooms for 4-nights for all our guests. In Tuba City, we'll be staying at a local hotel for one night.

The lodging cost is added separately at checkout. The cost for double and single occupancy are listed below. Double occupancy cannot be guaranteed and you may be required to upgrade to single occupancy if a same-gender roommate is not available.

  • Double Occupancy:  $800
  • Single Occupancy:  $1600
Monument Valley Photography Workshop Hunts Mesa David Swindler
Monument Valley and Native Cultures Photo Workshop
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Canyon Stripes

Logistics

Please arrive at Goulding's Lodge no later than 1PM MDT Day 1 for the orientation session. Participants should have their own transportation to get to/from Monument Valley. The closest airports are in Flagstaff and Page, AZ. There are no public transportation options so we recommend renting a car if flying in. Participants have the opportunity to arrange carpooling with each other after the pre-workshop Zoom meeting. We provide all transportation during the workshop to the shooting locations.

Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. The uneven terrain, sand and uphill pitches make the short hikes on this workshop 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 the spring. Sometimes cold fronts come in and bring a lot of wind and precipitation. Other times it can be sunny and mild. Be sure to bring plenty of warm layers and a rain jacket, especially for night photography. Please see the gear list further down.

Besides the dinner on Hunts Mesa, the workshop does not include any meals, beverages or snacks. You will be responsible for your own meals even if we are eating as a group. The workshop will conclude by 11AM on the last day.

We are using authorized Navajo and Hopi guides for the areas we visit along and Navajo and Hopi models for some of the shoots. The cost of these guides and models is included in the workshop fee and model releases will be given to all workshop participants. The Navajo guides and models appreciate tips and gratuities if you feel so inclined.

Note: If you are using your images for commercial use, you will have to apply for a separate permit with the Navajo Nation Parks Department.

Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop

Pricing - 6 Days

$4,800/person + Tax

$4,320/person with Loyalty Discount

Trip Includes:

  • Navajo guides and access to the Monument Valley Backcountry.
  • Navajo models & model releases for at least 2 shoots.
  • Hopi guide and access to sacred Hopi lands.
  • Hopi models and model releases for 1 shoot.
  • Sunset shoot and dinner on top of Hunts Mesa.
  • Park and Permit Fees
  • All ground transportation and photography guiding during the trip.
  • Post-processing and image critique
  • Pre-Workshop Meeting via Zoom
  • Lodging is added separately during the checkout process.  Please see the Lodging section above.

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Monument Valley and Tuba City.
  • Meals, beverages, and snacks except for dinner on Hunts Mesa.
  • Gratuities for Photo Guides, Native Guides, and Models.

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due Dec 4, 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.
  • Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
  • See the full Terms and Conditions.
Monument Valley and Native Cultures Photo Workshop
Monument Valley Photo Workshop Mystery Valley

Physical Activity
This workshop is rated Moderate. There are no long hikes, and most photography locations involve short walks of less than one mile round trip. We move at a relaxed photography pace, with plenty of time to stop, set up your equipment, ask questions, and navigate the terrain comfortably. Walking surfaces may include loose sand, rocks, and uneven desert ground. Guests should be comfortable carrying the camera equipment and personal items they choose to bring over these short distances. Our instructors are happy to help guests navigate unfamiliar terrain and find comfortable places to photograph whenever needed.

Backcountry Driving
The drive to Hunts Mesa is an incredible part of the experience and often everyone's favorite. However, the backcountry road is very rough and bumpy. Guests with significant neck or back concerns are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can describe the drive in more detail.

Daily Schedule
Because we photograph during the best light, some mornings may begin around 5:00 AM, and evening sessions may occasionally continue until approximately 9:30 PM. On designated Milky Way photography outings, we may depart around 2:00 AM and remain in the field through sunrise. However, we build in midday downtime so guests can rest, catch up on sleep, recharge batteries, and prepare for the next outing. Guests are also welcome to sit out an outing when they would benefit from additional rest.

Photopills Annular Eclipse Southwest Workshop
Monument Valley and Native Cultures Photo Workshop
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Monument Valley
Hunts Mesa Hidden Gems of the Southwest
Hidden Gems Southwest Photo Workshop Monument Valley Pano
Monument Valley Photo Workshop Forrest Gump Point

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. For night photography, it's best to have a lens that is f/2.8 or faster.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm. If you have prime portrait lenses, bring them along.
  • Long telephoto lenses will come in handy in many locations. We really like the 100-400mm zoom lens.
  • Circular polarizer filters are useful.  Bring any ND filters if you have them.
  • 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 a warm layer.
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Warm Hat, Sun Hat, and Gloves
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Hiking poles if you like having them.
FAQ Page
Hidden Gems Southwest Photography Workshop
Monument Valley Night Photography Workshop Hunts Mesa
Wendy Casey

Wendy Casey

Photography Instructor

Wendy Casey is a Utah-based landscape and wildlife photographer with more than 40 years behind the camera. Her photography journey began in 1982 with her first photography class. She built her technical foundation in the film era through extensive darkroom work and developing and printing her own images. That experience continues to shape the way she teaches exposure, light, camera settings, and composition.

Wendy’s photography has taken her from Utah’s dramatic red rock country and the Alaskan tundra to the vast plains of Africa. She specializes in landscape and wildlife photography, with a particular passion for wild horses and animals in their natural environments. As an exhibiting fine art photographer, she photographs with the finished print in mind, creating images designed to tell a story, evoke emotion, and be enjoyed beyond the camera screen.

As an instructor, Wendy is known for her warm, patient, and encouraging teaching style. She helps students slow down, see with intention, and take creative control of their cameras, especially through Manual mode, thoughtful composition, and field-based problem solving. Through hands-on instruction and collaborative post-processing sessions, Wendy meets photographers where they are and helps them build the confidence, technical skill, and vision to create images they are proud to print, frame, and share.

Gallery  Facebook  Instagram

Faroe Islands
Oct 5-11, 2026

Wild Scotland
Oct 10-18, 2026

Death Valley Photo Workshop Mobile

Death Valley
Nov 11-16, 2026

Alaska Aurora Borealis
Feb 23-Mar 2, 2027

Wild China
Feb 23-Mar 5, 2027

From Amazon to Andes
Apr and May, 2027

Death Valley & Stars
Mar 13-18, 2027