Reflection Canyon Photo Workshop

Apr 3-4, 2024 - Sold Out
Apr 4-5, 2024 - Sold Out
Apr 5-6, 2024 - Solt Out
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Join us in Reflection Canyon, a remote and impressive viewpoint high over Lake Powell. It is certainly one of the most stunning vistas in the entire Southwest! If skies are clear we will capture the Milky Way arching over the canyon. We will access the canyon by boat and provide gear and food for overnight camping. This trip is challenging with steep uphill hiking from where we dock the boat. But your efforts will be rewarded with the most incredible shots!

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 5 Students

Instructor(s)

  • Nickolas Warner
  • APT Staff

Physical Intensity

Reflection Canyon Photo Workshop Lake Powell Photography

Highlights

  • Reflection Canyon is one of the most scenic views in the entire state of Utah!
  • Small group of 5 students.
  • Dates are perfectly timed for dark skies to capture the Milky Way over the canyon (clear skies permitting).
  • The Milky Way is angled low to the horizon which is perfect for landscape images and panoramics.
  • Round-trip boat transportation and fully outfitted camping included.
  • Learn many new photography techniques from your pro instructor(s).
  • Bonus post-processing session held via Zoom after you return home.
Reflection Canyon Photography Workshop Milky Way

Itinerary

  • Please see the Logistics Section below for contingency plans for bad weather or unfavorable lake conditions.
  • Pre-Trip: An in-depth zoom meeting will be scheduled a couple months before to discuss gear, logistics, and shooting techniques.
  • Day 1:  Meet at 10AM Mountain Standard Time (i.e. Arizona time) near Page, AZ. We'll head over to Wahweap Marina, organize our gear, and load the boat. After a brief safety talk, you'll enjoy a scenic boat ride with expansive red rock views in all directions. We'll cover over 40 lake miles en-route to our destination.  We'll hop off the boat below the canyon and start the steep half-mile hike up to the rim. We'll take our time navigating the tricky terrain. You'll have the afternoon to explore around the rim of the canyon before dinner and our sunset shoot. After sunset, we'll shoot some blue hour foregrounds and get to bed early.
  • Day 2:  We awake at 2AM to clear skies and a brilliant arc of the Milky Way over the canyon.  After photographing the Milky Way, we catch another couple hours of sleep before waking to shoot sunrise.  After sunrise we have a laid-back breakfast, taking in all the views we can. We then start the hike back down to the lake and meet the boat at noon. The workshop will conclude around 2PM when you arrive back at Wahweap Marina.
  • A bonus post-processing session will be scheduled via Zoom after you return home where you'll learn how to make the most of your images.
  • Please see the Logistics Section below for contingency plans for bad weather or unfavorable lake conditions.
Reflection Canyon Photo Tour Workshop
Reflection Canyon Photo Workshop Lake Powell Photography
Reflection Canyon Photo Workshop Lake Powell Photography
Reflection Canyon Photo Tour

Logistics

Plan to arrive Wahweap Marina no later than 10AM Mountain Standard Time (i.e. Arizona Time).  We'll start loading the boat and enjoy a scenic ride to the mouth of the canyon covering 40+ lake miles.

IMPORTANT: This workshop is rated challenging. All participants on this trip need to be in Good Physical Condition, without a fear of heights, and free from mobility or balance issues. You will need to carry your own water, food and camera gear. When we go in via boat, the hike up to the rim is steep and strenuous. It's only a half mile long, but it's not recommended for those with sub-par fitness. The overnight trip will include all your camping gear and food so please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. We recommend a larger backpack to carry your gear up to the rim.

We timed this workshop for optimal Milky Way and water levels. However, we can't control the weather and if skies are cloudy overnight we may not be able to photograph the Milky Way. Fortunately, in most of those cases we can get spectacular sunrises or sunsets.

The water levels in Lake Powell can change drastically one year to the next. If levels change unexpectedly, we may not be able to dock the boat, making it impossible to access Reflection Canyon due to sheer cliffs. We will be making a recon visit out there in Feb to ensure the landing site is accessible. The weather is also a factor. If it's stormy and or windy, the boat will not be able to go safely.

If weather and or lake levels prevent us from accessing Reflection Canyon via the boat, we will reimburse participants their share of the boat costs and organize an overnight trip to an alternate location with good Milky Way photography. Note that itinerary changes due to weather or lake levels do NOT constitute an exception to our Multi-Day Workshop Cancellation Policy.

Expect variable weather in April.  It can be warm and pleasant or cold and windy. You need to come prepared for the worst conditions. We will go over the gear, packing, and logistics during our pre-workshop zoom meeting.

Reflection Canyon Photo Workshop Milky Way

Pricing

$1295 per person
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Trip Includes:

  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting.
  • Boat transportation to/from Reflection Canyon.
  • Camping gear and food for the overnight trip (dinner and breakfast)
  • In-field photography guiding
  • Light snacks and water.
  • Bonus post-processing session via Zoom after the trip.

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Page, AZ
  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Restaurant Meals
  • Beverages besides water.

 

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, the remaining amount will be charged 90-days prior to arrival to the credit card we have on file. The Multi-Day Workshop Cancellation Policy applies to this trip.

Recommended Camera Gear

  • A lightweight tripod and ballhead you don't mind hiking with. Make sure it isn't flimsy as it can often be windy on the rim!
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body. We recommend full-frame cameras for best night photography.
  • Wide Angle Lens f/2.8 or faster for night photography in the range of 14-24mm.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm (Optional)
  • Circular polarizer filters are useful.  Bring any ND filters if you have them for creating long exposures.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Remote cord for your camera. An intervalometer will be especially useful for doing long exposures at night.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants.
  • Large, comfortable backpack that can carry your camera gear, tripod, and overnight gear.
  • Overnight toiletries, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
  • A rain jacket and some warm layers since it can get cold at night and on the boat.
  • Warm gloves and hat.
  • Headlamp for night photography.
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Hiking poles if you like using them.

Reflection Canyon Photography Workshop
Reflection Canyon

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Reflection Canyon Photo Tour
Nickolas Warner Alaska

Nickolas Warner

Photography Instructor

Nickolas Warner is an award-winning photographer with recognition by the Epson Pano Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and Outdoor Photographer. He has a particular interest in extreme and unusual locations.  His travels have taken him to some fascinating locations, but the American Southwest is his favorite place to photograph.

Nickolas spent the past decade guiding in Alaska, where he provided instruction on photographing the aurora borealis, and shared his knowledge of the far north’s rugged terrain and resilient wildlife.

When not guiding, Nickolas enjoys long distance hiking and extended backpacking trips through remote wilderness areas.

Nickolas's portfolio can be found at Nickolas Warner Photography

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