Take a 4 Night Photographic Journey through Native American Culture and Land as You Never Have Before!
Join us May 2023 on this Navajo guided adventure to photograph the night sky over the restricted regions of Monument Valley and discover for yourself the untouched splendor of Navajo land.
Monument Valley is one of the most majestic and impressive places on earth. This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces towering at heights up to 1000 ft. off the desert floor.
The pinnacles of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas, buttes, arches and windblown sand. The landscape overwhelms, not just by its beauty but also by its size.
Camping in the Shadow of El Capitan
We will immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Monument Valley backcountry, with this overnight photographic camping adventure.
Exclusive Journey Through The Monument Valley Floor
On tonight's journey we will travel to restricted parts of the valley, from sandstone arches to famous monuments like:
Photograph Monument Valley’s Secluded Arches
On this night we will be photographing the lesser-known section of Monument Valley, home to labyrinth canyons, sandstone arches, and ancient ruins.
Featuring majestic geological formations and ancient artifacts, Monument Valley offers breathtaking views of wide open spaces and some of the darkest skies you have ever been in.
The Monument Valley backcountry is only accessible with a Navajo guide who is eager to share an insider perspective of this iconic area and teach you about Navajo culture and tradition.
We also visit and photograph many breathtaking arches and more all under the brilliant night sky.
Camp Under The Stars in Hunts Mesa and Capture Amazing Photos
With incredible views and breathtaking scenery, the journey to the secluded Hunts Mesa is a MUST for adventurous photographers looking for a rewarding experience.
We will immerse ourselves in the beauty of Hunts Mesa Monument Valley, with this overnight photographic camping tour.
Hunts Mesa is often referred to as the jewel of the Monument Valley, but accessing this remote destination makes for a rough but exciting off-road 4×4 experience over sand dunes and rocks.
Once we arrive, the majesty of Hunts Mesa overwhelms you, and photo opportunities abound. Views overlook the entire Monument Valley, and there are plenty of amazing spots to set up your camera.
Recommended for amateur or professional photographers, this Monument Valley journey offers award-winning photo opportunities in a landscape unlike any in the world.
** We will arrive back to Monument Valley around 12 noon for departure for home.
Astrophotography requires a professional level camera and lens in order to be successful and get the image results you are looking for.
If you do not have a professional level camera or lens, we would highly recommend purchasing or renting them.
If you need to purchase or rent ANY of the required equipment - please, feel free to contact Craig at 520.732.1440 to help you get set up.
Techniques we will be focusing on:
Against the vast expanse of the starlit sky, the Milky Way provides a spectacular background to the miles of mesas on the desert floor of Monument Valley.
It is also the perfect location for learning stacking techniques because of this abundance of foreground subjects.
We will also take a look at:
Participants: Limit 10
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - This workshop is designated for those who are "Alumni Members" of Craig Wennersten.
Endurance Level: Moderate - Light hiking is involved, but nothing too strenuous. Our guides will drive to each location then hike to the best position.
Transportation: We will car pool to the tribal park and meet up with our guides / outfitter who will provide transportation within the park.
Workshop Dates: May 19, 2023 to May 22, 2023
Arrival Date: May 19, 2023
Departure Date: May 23, 2023
May 19, 2023 - Day 1: Camping under the Stars - No hotel this night
Plan on meeting in Monument Valley at noon to depart for our first night of camping.
May 20, 2023 - Day 2: Hotel night
Return from camping by noon and check in to Desert Rose Inn for some rest and a shower before heading out again for tonight's photographic journey.
May 21, 2023 - Day 3: Hotel night
After a group dinner we will head out for our night of shooting.
May 22, 2023 - Day 4: Check out of hotel - Overnight Camping at Hunt's Mesa
We will depart from the hotel at noon to meet our guides for our drive up to Hunt's Mesa.
May 23, 2023 - Day 5: Return to Monument Valley by noon to depart for home.
*Please plan on arriving in Monument Valley no later than 12 noon on the first day of the workshop. This may require you to arrive the day before the start of the workshop.
Closest Airports:
The Durango - La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the primary regional airport for southwest Colorado, northwest New Mexico and the Four Corners.
Durango Airport is 2.5 hours from our base hotel in Bluff, Utah
The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff Airport is 3.5 hours from our base hotel in Bluff, Utah
Rental Cars:
There are rental cars available at both airports.
Desert Rose Resort & Cabins - A Boutique Style Resort offering Affordable Luxury!
Our home base for this workshop will be at the beautiful Desert Rose in Bluff, Utah where we have reserved a block of rooms at a reduced rate for you to make your own reservations. Hotel number is 435-672-2303.
When making your reservation book your room for May 20, 2023 and May 21, 2023.
*Note: To receive your reduced rate tell the hotel you are booking with Craig Wennersten's Workshop.
$ 2,695.00 For Photographer Participant / Deposit $495.00 *Only 4 Spots Available
$ 1,395.00 For Non - Photographer Guest / Deposit $495.00
To Pay For Your Guest - Click Here
( Non - Photographer is a person that is not carrying a camera. For this specific workshop everyone attending needs a space reserved for them. Everything below will be included in the non - photographer guest price with the exception of the photography instruction part. )
Already signed up? Need to pay a balance? Click here.
The cost of the workshop includes:
This workshop DOES NOT included: Transportation to/from Bluff, Utah, flights or car rental, lodging.
Hope To See You There! Keep Looking Up!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any help with your gear or equipment requirements. I am happy to help!