Patagonia Ablaze

Apr 9-17, 2025 - Sold Out

Nestled at the Southern tip of Chile and Argentina, the remote lands of Patagonia showcases a dramatic interplay of mountains, glaciers, fjords, and vast steppes. During our 9 day workshop, you will photograph jagged mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls graced with autumn foliage. Prepare to be wowed by vivid blue glaciers with deep crevasses. And with a little luck we might get the wild guanacos to pose in the perfect spot for us! This workshop is all-inclusive, meaning you don't have to worry about anything once you arrive in Argentina. Further enhance your experience with our wildlife-focused Patagonia Pumas Workshop!

Tuition

$7800
All Inclusive

Max Group Size

5 Students per Instructor
Max 10 Students

Instructor(s)

David Swindler
Raymond Hoffman

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Discover the best of both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia with dramatic mountains, colorful lakes, deep fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls!
Dates are timed for prime autumn colors and the opportunity to capture the full moon over the mountains.
Capture wildlife in these stunning landscapes with species like guanacos, Andean condors, ostriches, foxes, etc.
Special photo shoot with gauchos on horseback in the impressive Patagonian landscape!
Learn many new photography skills from pro photographers.
Small group of 10 clients. Majority of Patagonia workshops have 12+.
All-inclusive workshop with upscale accommodations.
Tips included for local guides and support staff.
Spacious ground transportation where everyone gets a window seat.

Itinerary

Due to the unpredictability of Patagonia weather, the itinerary below is subject to change. We will hold a zoom meeting with all participants 2-3 months from start date.

Day 1 (Apr 9): After arriving in El Calafate, Argentina, we'll settle into our hotel and then enjoy our first group dinner. Prepare to be wowed by a famed parilla-roasted Patagonian lamb dish that will make your mouth water in anticipation! During dinner we'll discuss the upcoming workshop itinerary.
Day 2 (Apr 10): After an early breakfast we hit the road en route to the Perito Moreno glacier. With forests full of fall colors, we find many compositions to frame the glacier with it's vivid-blue ice reflecting the golden light of the sun. We return to El Calafate after sunset.
Day 3 (Apr 11): After breakfast we check out and continue towards the small alpine village of El Chalten which will be our base for the next 2 nights. That afternoon, we explore a lush canyon where the Fitz Roy River flows down from the dramatic snow-capped peaks. There will be many opportunities to find fall colors to frame the perfect photo. And if we're lucky, we might get some famous Patagonian lenticular clouds at sunset!
Day 4 (Apr 12): We are up early for a sunrise shoot under the alpenglow of the Fitz Roy massif. The deep red hues are nothing short of impressive. Then we'll spend several hours exploring the Lago Desierto region, with waterfalls galore! We'll conclude the day with a final sunset shoot from an area with 360-degree views with the famed Mt Fitz Roy! If skies are clear, we’ll get an opportunity to capture the full moon.
Day 5 (Apr 13): After breakfast, we start our journey to the Chilean side of Patagonia. Along the way, we stop for any good wildlife shots. There are typically lots of guanacos, ostrich, armadillos, and more! The landscape gets ever more wild as we approach the iconic Torres del Paine. We check into our lodge and then head out to a nearby location for our first sunset shoot of the Cuernos and the Paine Towers.

Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina

Itinerary, Cont.

Days 6-7 (Apr 14-15): We will be based in Torres del Paine for the next few days. The weather and conditions will dictate our exact itinerary and we'll make sure you get the best shots possible! Some of the highlights include the Harbors of Lake Pehoe, with its wonderful stony bay foregrounds. Enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador Condor, Glacier Grey, Nordenskjold Lake, the Salto Grande Waterfall. We'll even organize a special photo shoot with the local guachos and their horses!
Day 8 (Apr 16): It's hard to believe it's our last day together. We enjoy one last sunrise shoot before hitting the road towards Punta Arenas. There will be some time to explore the city center before we meet for a farewell group dinner.
Day 9 (Apr 17): Departure day with a complimentary shuttle to the airport.

Logistics

This workshop is rated Moderate for physical activity. We aren't planning any long hikes, but due to the rough and uneven terrain you need to be in good health with an above average level of fitness and mobility. Make sure you are comfortable hiking 2-3 miles and 200-700 ft of elevation gain with your camera gear and tripod.

You will fly into El Calafate, Argentina (FTE) and fly out of Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ). Please do NOT book your flights until we give the go-ahead to do so approximately 6 months from departure date.

We will be staying at very nice hotels throughout the workshop. Each room will have private bathrooms. Double occupancy is assumed in the base price and single rooms are available for a surcharge (see Pricing section below).

The weather in Patagonia is highly unpredictable. During the fall season we can have rain, snow, high winds, or beautiful sunny days. You need to be prepared for the worst weather. Please see the gear list further down.

If you are pairing this workshop with Patagonia Pumas, please note there will be overlapping locations on 2 workshop days. Of course, we expect conditions to be different between the workshops, giving you a second chance to nail that "perfect" shot!

Pricing

$7800/ PERSON + TAX

Trip Includes:

8 nights double occupancy lodging in well-appointed hotels with private bathrooms. Single rooms available for an additional $1500/person.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
Spacious ground transportation where everyone gets a window seat.
Services from licensed local guides.
Tips for local guides and support staff
All airport transfers.
Park entrance fees
In-field photography instruction
Post-processing and image critique
Pre-workshop zoom meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

Flights to and from your home to Argentina/Chile.
Beverages and snacks you wish to purchase.

The Fine Print:

Remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the trip.
Due to the unique nature of this workshop, no refunds or credits will be given unless we are able to fill your spot with another participant.
Once the cancelled spot is filled, refunds will be given to the original form of payment less a $300 cancellation fee.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended for this workshop.
We cannot offer the Loyalty Discount on this workshop as it is an international collaboration.

Recommended Camera Gear

Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body.
Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range or wider.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Long telephoto zoom lens in the 100-400mm range. Note: 200mm will not be long enough for wildlife.
Tripod and L-bracket for your camera.
Circular polarizers and ND filters will come in handy. If you like shooting with grads, bring them along.
Backpack to carry your camera gear.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing.

Personal Gear List

Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
Waterproof pants
Warm layers, warm hat, warm gloves (prepare for winter-like conditions)
Thermal underlayers
Sturdy footwear and long pants.
Headlamp
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat.
Water bottle.

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Trip Advisor

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.

Raymond Hoffman

Raymond is an award-winning photographer known for his magnificent landscape photos. His career took off in 2011 when he was voted "Best Nature Photographer" by one of Europe’s largest online photo communities. Raymond’s work has been featured in various publications, and he actively takes on assignments for publishers and advertising agencies.

Raymond also works as a nature photographer, leading tours across the stunning nordic nations.