Patagonia Ablaze

Apr 17-24, 2025 - 2 Spots Left!

Apr 17-24 Book Now

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 8 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 Chile.

Tuition

  • $7650
  • All Inclusive

Max Group Size

  • 5 Students per Instructor
  • Max 10 Students

Instructor(s)

  • Kevin McNeal
  • Raymond Hoffman

Physical Intensity

Patagonia Ablaze Autumn Photo Workshop

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 brilliant Milky Way on clear nights.
  • 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.
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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 17): After arriving in Punta Arenas, Chile, we'll settle into our hotel and 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 18):  After breakfast we begin our journey towards the wild lands of Torres del Paine.  Along the way we'll stop for wildlife sightings.  Species can include guanacos, rheas, southern grey fox, swans, and flamingoes. We check into our gorgeous lodge on the shores of the lake and then venture out to a nearby location for our first sunset shoot of the Cuernos and the Paine Towers.
  • Days 3-4 (Apr 19-20): 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 5 (Apr 21): It's our last day in Chile. We enjoy one last sunrise shoot in Torres del Paine before hitting the road towards El Chalten which will be our base for the next 2 nights. En route we'll be on the lookout for wildlife shooting opportunities. 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!
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina

Itinerary, Cont.

  • Day 6 (Apr 22): 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 Milky Way.
  • Day 7 (Apr 23): 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 drive to El Calafate that afternoon and check into our hotel.  We enjoy our final group dinner together and reminisce on many memorable moments.
  • Day 8 (Apr 24): Departure day with transporation to the airport.
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Patagonia Ablaze Autumn Photo Workshop

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 Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ) and fly out of El Calafate, Argentina (FTE). 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.

Our dates correspond to typical peak fall colors in the area but there will be regional and elevation variance. When skies are clear, we'll try to get out and shoot the Milky Way as we'll have several nights without moon interference.

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Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina

Pricing

$7650/ PERSON + TAX

Trip Includes:

  • 8 nights double occupancy lodging in well-appointed hotels with private bathrooms.  Single rooms available for an additional $1400/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.
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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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Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina
Patagonia Fall Photo Workshop Autumn Chile Argentina

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Kevin Profile

Kevin McNeal

Photography Instructor

Kevin McNeal is a Washington-State photographer who is passionate about photographing grand landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this to print is the ultimate goal. His images hold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture landscapes in fresh ways. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. He has traveled all over North America, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places with the hope that we can convey to the public that this earth is worth caring for. His award winning images can be seen in galleries and showings across the United States.  He was recently invited to the Art Wolfe Art Gallery for the Environmental Photography Invitational. Kevin was the grand winner of the Landscape category for the Natures Best Magazine and was selected for the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington D.C..  He is a regular contributor to publications like Outdoor Photographer.

Artist’s Statement

“I believe that the Earth shares secrets with us that only can be discovered by trying to understand our position on this planet. We are never fully intimate with the planet but are given brief moments that make our souls want more. These glimpses of nature’s power are fleeting and never the same twice. I also believe it is important to share with those who want it. The treasures that await us given the patience that is out there. What I try to do is bring some of that magic to my images to share with the rest of the world. Each of my images tells a story that everyone can relate to in some way whether it is success, fear, or challenging oneself to overcome obstacles

View Kevin's Portfolio.

Raymond Hoffman Profile

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.