Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?

• No! You can make great images right away with simple equipment, and that’s what this workshops aim to teach you. If you have photographed before and aim to update yourself on the latest techniques in digital photography, this is definitely for you. If you are just starting out and have a new camera you want to learn, this is for you, too. If you are a seasoned veteran who doesn’t need much help, just wants to go to great locations and have fun with like-minded individuals, well, this is for you, as well!

What does the itinerary look like?

• We’ll travel through some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. Our first two nights will be based in Monument Valley, where we’ll have a range of experiences with Navajo guides and some explorations of the area around Valley of the Gods, from there we’ll move over to Page, Arizona for two nights. There we will take at least two trips into the fabled slot canyons, as well as an offroad adventure to White Pocket in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. The following two nights we’ll stay near Zion National Park. Our final night will be staying outside of Bryce Canyon National Park.

What are the fitness requirements?

• A basic level of fitness is necessary for participation in this workshop. There is a good amount of walking required, with some ups and downs on short steep hills. Participants should be comfortable carrying their camera gear and personal items a minimum of two miles.

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Lenses to cover 16-200mm on a full frame sensor are recommended, 10-150mm on a crop sensor.

• A sturdy tripod and head

• Circular polarizing filter and neutral density filters

• Waterproof camera bag (a shoulder bag is not recommended)

• Waterproof covering for your camera and lens or a packable umbrella

• Laptop Computer with editing software

• Card Reader if your computer doesn’t have one

• Extra Batteries

• Extra Memory Cards

What about transportation?

• You’ll be responsible for providing your own transportation to the workshop. Once there, we encourage students to carpool to lessen our impact and improve our mobility. Our Navajo guides will drive for a portion of the trip in Monument Valley, and I will drive us out to White Pocket in a 4wd high clearance vehicle.

What about lodging?

• I’m currently working out arrangements for lodging. Please stay tuned!

What about meals?

• Participants are responsible for their own food and meals. I will carry snacks and water for the group and help us all avoid getting hangry.

What should I wear?

• Temperatures in the desert in November range from cold, 20’s with snow in the mountains, to sometimes warm, near 70 degrees in the valleys. For that reason we recommend bringing a range of clothing. There’s also a chance we’ll see rain, so bring along full rain gear.

• Hiking Shoes and Sneakers

• Wool Socks

• Waterproof and Windproof Shell

• Winter Coat or Parka

• Insulating Hat

• Gloves

• Headlamp

What does my tuition cover?

• Your tuitions covers all fieldwork, group instruction, and classroom time. I will also stock emergency first aid kits. It does not include travel insurance, transportation, meals and lodging.

What are your terms and conditions?

• A $1000 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking to hold your spot, the full payment is due 60 days ahead of the workshop start date. The deposit is more substantial on this workshops because of the arrangements for Navajo guides and Lodging.

• Cancelations: Cancelations made 60 days in advance will receive a full refund, minus deposit. Cancelations less than 60 days before the start of the workshop will receive no refund. If a canceled spot is able to be filled before the start date of the workshop a full refund will be given, including the deposit. Deposits are transferable to other workshops run by Benjamin Williamson Photography.