Legendary. That’s one word to use to describe what it is like visiting Death Valley. On this Death Valley Photography Workshop, we’ll visit legendary locations. We’ll watch the light spread across the salt valleys in the morning and watch the light cast shadows across the sand dunes in the evenings. We’ll explore a canyon carved from marble and visit locations where Star Wars was filmed. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to see and photograph Death Valley, but you will want to return again. We’ll photograph mountains, salt flats, sand dunes, desert canyons, historic sites and more.

Dates: December 2-6, 2026

Price: $1099 ($550 nonrefundable deposit due on registration. Final payment is due 90 days before the workshop)

Location: Death Valley National Park, CA

Bryan Hansel Photography is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service. He operates under a Commercial Use Authorization from the National Park Service.

What You Will Learn

This is a destination workshop focused entirely on in-the-field experiential learning. We’ll cover key photographic techniques while immersed in one of the most surreal and stunning landscapes in America. You’ll learn how to:

• Use the changing light to your advantage in salt flats, sand dunes, and canyons
• Compose compelling desert scenes and simplify complex landscapes
• Work with natural patterns, textures, and lines
• Capture color and shadow during golden hour and blue hour
• Approach dynamic lighting in sunrise and sunset conditions

Through one-on-one guidance and small group support, you’ll come away with a stronger understanding of how to photograph desert landscapes and refine your creative vision.

Itinerary

The itinerary remains flexible and may change based on weather, light, and group interests. Possible destinations include Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Artists Palette, Zabriskie Point, Marble Canyon, Ubehebe Craters, and various backroad and lesser-known locations. Expect a midday break to rest or work on images. Night photography may be offered depending on conditions. The following schedule is a potential schedule. Some of the destination’s timing depends upon the permit. Expect this schedule to change as needed based on permitting and the weather conditions.

Arrival Day
Welcome and Orientation
Arrive in Death Valley and check into your hotel. You may need to check in at the visitor center to join our group permit.

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Day One – Views and Shadows
We’ll begin with sunrise at Zabriske Point, then hike into the dramatic narrows of Mosaic Canyon. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the history of Harmony Borax Works, finishing the day capturing the golden hour at Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes.

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Day Two – Salt Flats and Starlight
We start early at Badwater Basin, photographing the salt polygons under pastel skies. Next, we’ll visit Natural Bridge Canyon and Twenty Mule Team Canyon, where mineral-rich formations glow in the sun. After revisiting Zabriske Point, we’ll return to Natural Bridge Canyon for a night shoot under the stars.

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Day Three – Valleys and Vistas
The day begins in the sand dunes near the curious formations of Devils Corn Field, followed by a walk through Golden Canyon’s golden walls. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy the panoramic heights of Dante’s View for a dramatic overlook of the valley. Based on road conditions, we may skip this visit to Dante’s and visit Aguereberry Point and the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns.

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Day Four – Earth and Color
We’ll explore the cracked surfaces of Devils Golf Course in the early light, then visit the rainbow-hued hills of Artist’s Palette. Depending on the light and weather, we’ll return to either the dunes of Devils Corn Field or Mesquite Dunes or Stovepipe Wells before wrapping up with a night session at Harmony Borax Works.

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Day Five – Farewell Sunrise
We’ll close the workshop with a sunrise shoot from the lofty perch of Dante’s View, taking in one last, breathtaking look across Death Valley.

Additional Information

Workshop type: This is a destination photography workshop. The goal of destination workshops is to emphasize experiential learning by spending more time in the field. Learn more about workshop types.

Maximum number of participants: 10

Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras.

Activity level: We will hike up to four miles a day into canyons. We may hike up to two or three miles in the sand dunes. Sand dunes can be difficult to hike across and some participants will choose to forego staying with the group and only hike a short distance into the dunes.

What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Fun!

What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Grand Marais and photography locations. Lodging. Meals and drinks. Park permits.

Carpooling: Carpooling is required on this workshop.

Lodging partner: After you register, I’ll send you information on how you can register for the room block. The hotel is the heart of Death Valley National Park. We have a special room rate.

Workshop Dates: December 2-6, 2026

Check-in date: December 1

Check-out date: December 6

Getting there: There are many ways to get to Death Valley, but the easiest is to fly into Vegas (LAS), rent a car and then drive approximately 2.5 hours to the park. I highly recommend renting a car with clearance. You can coordinate flights and car rentals using our team messaging application.

Weather: The average temps for 40°F for lows and 67°F for highs. You should expect colder temps in the mountains. Below freezing temps are not unusual.

Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.