Monument Valley and Native Cultures
May 13-18, 2026 - 2 Spots Left!
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and geological tapestry of the Southwest on our Monument Valley Photo Workshop. We'll spend 5 days in and around Monument Valley where you’ll capture iconic sandstone landscapes along with models dressed in traditional attire. Enjoy a thrilling 4x4 ride to the top of Hunts Mesa for a dramatic sunset shoot with world-class panoramic views. New for 2026, we’ve added a special 2-day extension onto sacred Hopi lands, where you’ll photograph extraordinary geological formations rarely seen by outsiders and take part in an intimate portrait session with members of the Hopi community.
Tuition
- $4200
- Loyalty Members
Save 10%
Max Group Size
- 4 Students per Instructor
- 8 Students Max
Instructor(s)
- A.J. Rich
- Wendy Casey


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 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! 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.




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



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 May. 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.
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.

Pricing
$4200/Person + Tax
Save 10% with our Loyalty Program
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 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
- Gratuities for Photo Guides, Native Guides, and Models.
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, we'll send you a payment link for the remaining balance when we're approx 120 days out. 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. 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.



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.
Since graduating with a degree in graphic design and a minor in photography from Brigham Young University in 2001, A.J. has worked in graphic design for over 20 years and earned multiple national awards. In 2006, A.J. grew his photography portfolio as a contributor to Getty Images. In recent years, he continues to focus on his award-winning 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 adventure.
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