Custom Photographic Workshop Through Monument Valley - May 2025
Discover the enchanting beauty of Monument Valley after dark!
Embark on a captivating 4 night photographic expedition that immerses you in the rich tapestry of Native American culture and landscapes like never before.
In May 2025, you are invited to join us on this unique Navajo-guided adventure, where you will have the opportunity to capture stunning images of the night sky above the pristine and restricted areas of Monument Valley.
Experience firsthand the breathtaking and unspoiled allure of Navajo territory, and let the magic of the night inspire your creativity.
Monument Valley Navajo Nation
Monument Valley stands as one of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking locations on our planet. This remarkable valley features towering sandstone formations that reach heights of up to 1,000 feet above the desert floor, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Surrounding these majestic rock pinnacles are vast expanses of mesas, buttes, arches, and windswept sand, all contributing to a landscape that captivates not only with its beauty but also with its sheer scale.
During our unforgettable photographic adventure in Monument Valley, we will guide you through the art of capturing the stunning Milky Way, employing techniques such as low-level light painting and an introduction to post-processing methods.
Over the course of 4 nights, you will embark on an incredible journey through this iconic landscape, accompanied by a knowledgeable local Navajo guide who will share the hidden gems of the area and provide insights into the rich traditions of the Navajo people.
Join us for an exclusive 4 night photographic workshop that takes you to the hidden gems of the valley, showcasing everything from stunning sandstone arches to iconic landmarks.
Throughout this journey, we will delve deep into the rich Navajo culture and the fascinating history that surrounds this breathtaking landscape.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience, as this workshop promises to be the most remarkable adventure and astrophotography workshop you have ever participated in!
Our First Night's Journey:
On our initial evening, we'll gather with our Navajo guides and take some time to explore the stunning landscapes just outside Monument Valley.
We’ll capture the breathtaking Aglatha Peak, revered by the Navajo as the center of the universe, along with the iconic Forrest Gump Road (Hwy 163) and various scenic viewpoints nestled between Bluff, Utah, and Monument Valley.
This initial outing will serve as an excellent chance to adjust and perfect our equipment in preparation for the exciting adventures that await us over the next three nights.
Our Second Night's Journey:
Experience the magic of camping beneath a starlit sky at Hunts Mesa, where you can snap stunning photos that will leave you in awe.
This hidden gem offers jaw-dropping views and picturesque landscapes, making it an essential stop for any adventurous photographer seeking a unique and fulfilling experience.
Join us for an overnight camping tour that will allow you to fully soak in the breathtaking beauty of Hunts Mesa in Monument Valley.
While it’s often called the crown jewel of the area, getting there is an adventure in itself, as you'll navigate through challenging off-road terrain filled with sand dunes and rocky paths, adding an exhilarating twist to your journey.
The Majesty of Hunts Mesa
Upon our arrival, the breathtaking grandeur of Hunts Mesa will leave you in awe, presenting countless opportunities for stunning photographs.
The vantage points here provide sweeping views of the entire Monument Valley, with numerous incredible locations perfect for setting up your camera and capturing the beauty around you.
This adventure through Monument Valley is highly recommended for both budding and seasoned photographers, as it offers award-winning photographic prospects in a landscape that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Our safari will kick off five hours prior to sunset, with a scenic two-hour drive leading us to the picturesque Hunts Mesa overlook.
Perched at an impressive 6,795 feet above sea level, our photo camp provides a panoramic view of the entire Monument Valley, ensuring a spectacular backdrop for your shots.
We will reach our destination about three hours before the sun begins to dip below the horizon. During this time, our knowledgeable Navajo guide will introduce us to the area, highlighting some of the prime spots for capturing breathtaking sunset images. It's the perfect moment to prepare our cameras!
Visitors to Hunts Mesa often find themselves captivated by its pristine beauty, characterized by vibrant colors, dramatic cliffs, and stunning panoramic views.
Throughout this photographic journey, we will seize the many opportunities that the mesa offers, but be prepared to embrace a bit of ruggedness along the way.
Amazing Navajo Dinner
As we soak in the breathtaking sunset, our Navajo guide will be busy setting up camp and lighting a cozy cedar-wood fire.
After enjoying a delicious Navajo dinner, we’ll embark on a nighttime adventure, capturing stunning shots of the Milky Way sprawling across the Monument Valley landscape.
The comfort of our guests is of utmost importance to our Navajo guides. We ensure that your camping experience is fully prepared, offering everything you need, including fresh sleeping bags and a roomy spring bar tent.
You'll also find cozy reclining camping chairs, essential toiletries, and two satisfying meals provided—dinner will delight you with authentic Navajo dishes, while a continental breakfast will help you start your day off right.
The next day, we’ll have ample time to wander the area and snap unforgettable sunrise photos that you’ll cherish forever.
On our way down from the mesa, we’ll explore some of the region’s natural arches and discover hidden Anasazi ruins nestled within the winding canyons and alcoves.
We plan to return to the hotel around 1 PM, giving you a chance to relax and freshen up before we set off again for another exciting night of photography.
Our Third Night's Journey:
Embark on a unique adventure through the stunning landscape of Monument Valley, where you'll get an up-close look at its most famous landmarks illuminated by the breathtaking Milky Way.
Tonight, we’ll explore some of the valley's hidden gems, venturing into areas that are usually off-limits.
Get ready to marvel at the majestic sandstone formations and iconic sites, including the East and West Mitten Buttes, the picturesque John Ford’s Point, the striking Three Sisters, and the impressive Totem Pole and YeiBiChei spires.
Our Fourth Night's Journey:
Get ready for an unforgettable night as we dive into the hidden gems of Monument Valley, where we'll be capturing stunning images of its lesser-known areas filled with winding canyons, striking sandstone arches, and remnants of ancient civilizations.
This place is a treasure trove of natural beauty, showcasing impressive rock formations and historical artifacts that offer a glimpse into the vast, open landscapes and some of the most starry skies you could ever imagine.
To explore the backcountry of Monument Valley, you'll need a Navajo guide who is not only knowledgeable about the land but also excited to share the rich culture and traditions of the Navajo people, giving you a unique perspective on this iconic region.
Throughout the night, we'll also have the chance to photograph a variety of other stunning arches, all while soaking in the brilliance of the night sky, including the impressive Big Hogan Arch, the unique Ear of the Wind Arch, and the captivating Sun’s Eye Arch.
Workshop Dates:
May 24 - 27, 2025 SOLD OUT
May 28 - 31, 2025 SOLD OUT
Price For Workshop:
$ 4,695.00 For Photographer Participant
$ 1,695.00 For Non - Photographer Guest
( Non - Photographer is a person that is not carrying a camera. For this specifc 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 and the included lodging.)
The cost of the workshop DOES includes:
- 4 nights of single occupancy lodging at Desert Rose Inn in Bluff, Utah
- All transportation from the hotel to Monument Valley in our SUV
- 4 Nights of astrophotography instruction by Craig Wennersten
- Welcome reception lunch on our first day
- Dinner together on one night
- 3 Nights of Navajo guided adventure
- One night under the stars camping on Hunt's Mesa with our Navajo outfitter
- 2 Navajo meals on Hunt's Mesa (dinner and breakfast)
- Post processing instruction using Lightroom Classic
- Transportation within the park with our guides
- Local guide fees and gratuities
- All permits, access fees and park entrance fees
- Plus...all the Milky Way Bars you can eat! :-).
This workshop DOES NOT included:
- Transportation to/from Bluff, Utah
- Lodging outside the workshop dates
- Meals not listed as included in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for resort staff and instructor(s)
Trip Insurance:
-
To protect yourself from the unexpected we strongly recommend trip insurance.
- You can purchase a policy here or from a variety of other vendors online at a very reasonable cost.
-
Image 10 Photographic, Inc. will not be able to offer refunds or credits on deposits for any circumstance. We strongly recommended to purchase trip insurance any unforeseen emergency or situation for which cancellation is desired or necessary. Please protect your investment.
-
See Our Cancellation Policy here.
More Information On How To Prepare For Your Workshop here.
See You There In Monument Valley!
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!
Experience The Magic of Monument Valley At Night!
