Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop

Mar 14-18, 2027

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Join our Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop for an unforgettable adventure through some of the Southwest’s most stunning and lesser-known locations. This trip combines early morning excursions to dramatic river bends and canyon overlooks with immersive hikes to hidden waterfalls and narrow slot canyons. Each day offers a dynamic mix of in-the-field shooting, expert instruction, and hands-on photo processing sessions designed to elevate your skills. With breathtaking scenery, glowing sunsets, and a supportive group of fellow creatives, this experience is the perfect balance of adventure, learning, and artistic inspiration.

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 8 Students
  • 2 Pro Instructors

Instructor(s)

  • Shane McDermott
  • 2nd TBD

Physical Intensity

Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona

Highlights

  • Capture stunning sunrise and sunset light over dramatic desert landscapes and rugged canyon vistas.
  • Hike into secluded canyons to photograph waterfalls and scenic narrows.
  • Enjoy the pleasant weather in March before the desert heat arrives.
  • Refine your editing techniques with guided Lightroom/Photoshop sessions tailored to your images.
  • Explore a variety of environments, from towering hoodoos and deep canyons to reflective rivers and hidden springs.
  • Learn many new skills and techniques with a small group of 2 pro instructors and 8 participants.
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Itinerary

The itinerary is being kept flexible to allow us to chase the best conditions. What is presented below is just an example of what you can expect.

Day 1 – Welcome & Orientation
Our adventure begins at 7 PM with a welcome meeting at the Best Western Copper Hills Inn in Globe, Arizona. We'll dive into the workshop itinerary, review the latest weather updates, and preview the techniques you'll be using.

Day 2 – River Bends & Wilderness Vistas
We hit the road well before dawn, heading out to photograph a dramatic river bend bathed in morning light. On our return, we’ll explore a few hidden gems within the Salt River Wilderness, with opportunities for capturing sweeping canyon views. After a midday break, we’ll gather for a hands-on image processing session before venturing back out for an evening shoot at some of our favorite secret spots.

Day 3 – Canyon Hike & Desert Falls
Today features one of the most exciting hikes of the workshop—a journey into a narrow canyon carved by flowing water and home to stunning waterfalls. You’ll have the perfect opportunity to refine your long exposure techniques and capture the silky flow of water in a magical setting. After a canyon-side breakfast and return to town, we’ll reconvene for a processing session, then set out again to photograph remote desert springs and waterfalls in the afternoon.

Day 4 – Hoodoos, Viewpoints & Final Shoot
We’ll greet the day with a sunrise shoot at dramatic desert viewpoints and striking hoodoo formations. Later in the morning, we’ll host a final image critique and review session to wrap up the workshop and celebrate your progress. That afternoon, we’ll head back into the wild for one last opportunity to capture breathtaking views from high above the river canyon.

Day 5 – Departure

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Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona
Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona

Logistics

Please arrive in Globe, AZ before 7PM on Day 1 of the workshop.  Globe is a 90-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  Having your own rental car is recommended for getting to Globe and it will give you more flexibility for dining and shopping.  We provide all transportation for the workshop outings in lifted 4x4 trucks.

For your convenience, we have pre-paid for 4 nights of accommodations at the Best Western Copper Hills.  During checkout you will add your lodging package based on either single or double occupancy.  See the Pricing section for more details.

Everyone on this trip should be in good physical condition and it is rated Active on our exertion scale. The longest hike will be 5-6 miles round trip and we'll do a few shorter hikes as well.  The terrain can be rough with some mild elevation gain/loss. There will also be some walking in shallow water in the canyons.  All participants must have good balance, mobility, and fitness. You should be able to carry your camera gear, tripod, snacks, and water.

For the water hikes, we recommend a pair of water shoes or hiking sandals that you can change into. The water isn't cold, so there is no need for neoprene protection.

The weather can be variable in March.  If a cold front moves through, temperatures can get cool in the early mornings.  Midday can get quite warm, so you need to dress in layers and protect yourself from the sun.  Please see the recommended gear list below.

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Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona

Drones

We highly recommend that all participants bring a drone for this workshop. Several of the locations we visit offer excellent opportunities for both ground-level and aerial photography, and having a drone will allow you to capture a wider variety of compositions of the rugged landscape.

Participants who bring a drone must be comfortable and proficient flying their own aircraft. Our instructors can help you identify strong compositions and offer shooting guidance while you are in the air, but they cannot pilot your drone for you. Please make sure you are confident with the basics of launching, landing, and flying your drone before the workshop begins.

 

Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona
Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona
Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona

Pricing

$2100/person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

  • 4-Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
  • All Ground Transportation in Lifted 4x4 Trucks.
  • Post-processing instruction and image critique.
  • All Permits and Entrance Fees
  • Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting
  • 4-night lodging package at the Best Western Copper Hills will be added to your booking. Cost is $350 for double or $700 for single occupancy.

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Globe, AZ.
  • Meals, Snacks, and Beverages
  • Instructor Gratuities

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due Nov 14, 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.
  • See the full Terms and Conditions.
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Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Sturdy tripod and ballhead
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range. Ultra-wide angle lenses can also come in handy if you have one.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Telephoto lenses will come in handy for creating abstract images. We recommend lenses in the 70-200mm or 100-400mm range.
  • Drone camera - highly recommended!
  • Circular polarizer filters and ND filters for your wide and mid-range lenses.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing work.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
  • A rain jacket and a warm layer since it can get cold at night.
  • Water shoes or hiking sandals.
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat.
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Hiking poles if you like having them.
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Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona
Sonoran Secrets Photo Workshop Arizona

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Shane McDermott

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Shane is a seasoned photography instructor with more than 25 years behind the camera and over ten years of experience leading photo workshops. His work is rooted in presence, patience, and a deep relationship with light, shaped by a lifetime spent exploring both creative expression and the natural world.

For more than 30 years, Shane’s practice of yoga and meditation has helped him see beyond surface appearances, and he brings that same awareness into the field. He doesn’t just teach people how to photograph beautiful places; he helps them slow down, truly see, and develop their own creative vision.

Many photographers arrive at iconic locations chasing “the shot” they’ve seen before. Shane gently guides them away from imitation and into genuine discovery, helping them understand how light, form, color, and texture can speak directly to their own sensibility. His passion is helping participants move from simply capturing a scene to creating something that feels alive and deeply personal.

That creative process continues after the cameras are packed away. Shane also guides photographers through RAW processing, adjustment layers, and thoughtful image development, helping them translate the emotion and magic they felt in the field into finished photographs that reflect their own vision and passion.