Utah Badlands Drone Workshop

Sept 12-16, 2027 - Private Group

Sept 17-21, 2027 - Open Seats

Are you ready to soar? Learn how to take amazing aerial shots on our Utah Badlands Drone Photography Workshop!  We'll visit many of our favorite areas where you'll capture incredible shots from above. During our 5 days together you'll learn many advanced aerial photography and post-processing techniques.  If the weather doesn't permit safe drone operation, we'll get out our regular cameras and tripods and shoot the best light.  Expect plenty of individual attention with a small group of 8 participants and 2 pro instructors.

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 8 Students Max
  • 2 Pro Instructors

Instructor(s)

  • Shane McDermott
  • Ryan McGinty
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop

Highlights

  • Capture the beautiful Utah Badlands from above.
  • Master many advanced shooting methods with your drone.
  • Transportation provided in lifted 4x4 trucks.
  • Visit off-the-beaten path locations for aerial photography.
  • Expect individual attention with a small group of 5 students.
  • Learn aerial specific post-processing techniques.
  • In the event we cannot fly due to weather, we have lots of great locations for your regular camera and tripod.
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop

Itinerary

In order to give our clients the best possible photography experience, we keep the itinerary flexible to account for weather, conditions, and group interest. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

  • Day 1:  We begin at 4PM in Hanksville UT with a short orientation session and classroom style instruction.  When we're done, we grab a quick bite to eat and head out to shoot sunset from a location deep in the badlands.
  • Day 2:  We wake up early to and capture sunrise shots of some colorful bentonite hills.  We return for breakfast and hold a post-processing session where we'll cover our favorite techniques to enhance your aerial images. With overcast conditions, we venture out mid-afternoon and fly over several areas of badlands, culminating with a colorful sky at sunset!
  • Day 3: After driving some rough 4x4 roads, we drone at first light over some incredible formations with unbelievable textures, patterns, and colors. We return for breakfast and battery charging. After a midday break, we regroup for some image critiques and suggestions.  For sunset we fly over some new areas of badlands coupled with layers of beautiful cliffs.
  • Days 4: With overcast skies this morning, we don't have to leave as early. We fly over some amazing colored badlands with intricate fractal patterns. At midday we hold another classroom session and then venture out to photograph a big viewpoint that looks even more amazing from the air!
  • Day 5:  We venture out deep in the backcountry again for one of our favorite secret spots for drone aerials.  You'll love the varied images you come away with.  We return to Hanksville in time to check-out and we say our good-byes no later than 11AM.
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop

Drones

We will be watching the weather closely and go to locations with best chances for incredible aerial images.  We'll also be monitoring the potential for strong winds and storms.  If weather conditions are not suitable for flying a drone, we'll resort to ground level photography.

All participants are responsible for flying their own drones.  Action Photo Tours is not responsible for any drone malfunctions, crashes, or accidental damage. If you crash or damage your drone, there are no backups for you to use unless you bring a second drone.  If weather conditions are unsafe for flying, we will not have any drones in the air. None of the areas we visit require any sort of technical flying.  All are wide-open landscapes with no obstacles.

We highly recommend that you learn the basics of flying BEFORE coming on the workshop.  The instructors can help you with improving your image acquisition, but they cannot fly nor operate your drone.

All participants need to bring at least 3 batteries for their drones. We recommend the latest drone models for best image quality, battery life, and flight technology.

You will need to be able to download your drone images after each outing onto something like a laptop or portable hard drive.  If you lose your drone, you don't want to also lose the images you worked so hard to acquire!  You can also bring multiple memory cards and swap those out between flights if that helps you feel more comfortable.

We also recommend you get a 3 nautical mile strobe light for your drone to help you maintain line of sight with your aircraft and ensure FAA compliance when flying in blue hour.  You can find one that fits your specific drone model with a simple internet search.  If you don't like hand launching and catching, we recommend that you bring a landing pad for your drone.  Finally, bring a foldable stool if you'd like to sit down while flying.

Logistics

When you checkout, a 4-night lodging package will be added to your booking based on either single or double occupancy. We will be staying at the luxury cabins at Duke's Slickrock in Hanksville, UT. Please see the pricing section below for more details.

All transportation during the workshop is included in lifted 4x4 trucks. However, there is no public transportation to Hanksville so you'll need your own vehicle to get there. The nearest major airport is SLC International.

Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition.  Almost all shooting locations are close to the vehicles.  However, uneven terrain, sand, and steep uphills can make short walks seem much harder. Most locations will not require any hiking.

We are keeping the itinerary flexible since we can't control the weather.  Don't worry - we'll make the best possible use of our time. Our job is to get you the most stunning photos and help you learn as much as possible!

Please see the gear list below to ensure you come prepared.  We'll also setup a zoom meeting with all participants when we're 1-2 months out. Weather in the desert Southwest can be highly variable, so you need to come prepared for both hot and cold temperatures.

Food options are limited in Hanksville.  If you have specific dietary needs, it is best to pick-up food in a larger town before arriving in Hanksville.  The cabins all have microwaves and mini-fridges.

When we are a couple months out, a zoom meeting will be scheduled with all participants to help answer questions and ensure you are well prepared for the adventure ahead.

Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop

Pricing

$2,295/person + Tax

$2,065/person with Loyalty Discount

 

Trip Includes:

  • 5-Day Intensive Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors.
  • All Ground Transportation in Lifted 4x4 Trucks.
  • Specialized drone instruction
  • Post-processing instruction and image critique.
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting.
  • 4-night lodging package in luxury cabins will be added to your booking. Cost is $475 for double occupancy or $950 for single occupancy.

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Hanksville, UT.
  • Meals, Snacks, and Beverages.
  • Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due May 17, 2027.
  • 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.
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop

Your Workshop Experience

 

Physical Activity
This workshop is rated Easy as most photography locations are close to where we park, and no hiking experience or special level of fitness is required. Any walks will be under half a mile round trip. Walking surfaces may include sand, rocks, and uneven ground.

We move at a relaxed photography pace, with plenty of time for drone setup, photography, questions, rest breaks, and careful footing. Guests should be comfortable carrying the drone, camera equipment, and personal items they choose to bring over these distances. Our instructors are happy to help guests navigate unfamiliar terrain and find comfortable places to photograph whenever needed.

Backcountry Driving
Some locations require travel on rough and bumpy backcountry roads. Guests with significant neck or back concerns are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can describe these drives in more detail.

Daily Schedule
Because we photograph during the best light, some mornings may begin around 5:00 AM, and evening sessions may occasionally continue until approximately 10:00 PM. Midday downtime is a regular part of this workshop, giving guests time to rest, recharge batteries, back up images, and prepare for the next outing. Guests are also welcome to sit out an outing when they would benefit from additional rest.

Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop
Utah Badlands Drone Photo Workshop

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Drone and controller.  We recommend one of the newer models for best image quality and battery life.
  • At least 3 drone batteries, battery charger, and extra propellers.
  • ND and or Circular Polarizer Filters for the drone (Optional).
  • 3nm Anti-Collision Drone Strobe Light
  • Drone Landing Pad (optional but recommended).
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body and Lenses (in case we can't fly).  We recommend a wide angle zoom in the 16-35mm range along with a mid-range zoom in the 24-70 or 24-105mm range.
  • Tripod (in case we can't fly).
  • Extra memory cards and cleaning supplies.
  • Comfortable backpack that can carry your drone, camera gear, snacks, and water.
  • Laptop or external hard drive to back up your photos.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
  • A rain jacket and a warm layer since it can get cold at night.
  • Headlamp with fresh batteries.
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, and Thin Gloves.
  • Water bottle
  • Foldable Stool if you wish to sit while flying.
  • Trekking Poles - bring them if they help you for the short hikes.
FAQ Page
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.

Ryan McGinty Profile Photo Olympics

Ryan McGinty

Photography Instructor

Ryan McGinty is a seasoned landscape photographer living in the Palouse area of southeastern Washington.  His first-hand experience in this unique agricultural area makes him the perfect instructor to lead people to out-of-the-way places for those once-in-a-lifetime rainbows, sunsets and sunrises in the beautiful rolling hills. He loves chasing the light and diligently checks weather apps to get the latest sun and rain predictions, cloud formations, wind and temperatures for the best locations and light.

His interest in photography started at an early age and continued in college with graduate work at Brooks Institute of Photography.  His experience in portrait, wedding, film, and medium and large format photography give him an extraordinary background for his award-winning landscape photography.

His passion for the Palouse is only exceeded by his passion for photography and his desire to show people his favorite places.  He takes a legitimate interest in his clients and strives hard to ensure they get the best shots. His photographs have been published in books, calendars and travel guides.

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