Monument Valley is a photography trip of a lifetime! Seventh Annual Workshop! Anasazi Ruins!

Join Keith Skelton on a five day workshop where you will photograph free standing sandstone rock forms that rise majestically 1,000 feet from the desert floor. We will teach you how to tap into your creativity so that you return home with many memorable photographs. The most spectacular photographs in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park are often taken from a half-hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise. This is when we will be shooting the majority of our photos.

1. •Daily discussions about pre-visualization, seeing color, composition, exposure and techniques.
   

2. •How to capture dramatic landscapes.
   

3. •How to take advantage of natural light.
   

4. •Digital camera techniques including raw and HDR.
   

5. •Taking photos at night under the stars.
   

This is a place to enjoy nature and culture on a grand scale. Click HERE to see previous workshops.

Keith Skelton is a professional photographer and educator with over 30 years of experience. He has an extensive background in landscape photography techniques and aesthetics. You will get individualized instruction and one-on-one attention. We will teach you how to capture the best images possible on either film or digital.

All levels of experience are welcome! Limited to 12 students. Note that there is moderate hiking and ladders at Natural Bridges and  the Anasazi Ruins.

ANTELOPE SLOT CANYON, Monument Valley and Natural Bridges 

October 4-8, 2013

DAY 1- We will meet in Mexican Hat, UT. at 5 PM. We will shoot that evening.

DAY 2 - This will be a full day. We will go to Monument Valley at sunrise to photograph the Mittens. Both sunset and sunrise give unique views and light of the same place.

Later, we will drive to Goosenecks State Park to photograph the San Juan River that has cut out a canyon 1,500 feet deep. We will then head over to the Valley of the Gods which is just a few minutes away from Goosenecks. We will be driving a 17 mile loop on dirt roads stopping to photograph the monoliths and sunset light. After sunset we will head back to The San Juan Inn for dinner.. We may try some night photography.

DAY 3 - We will leave in the morning, driving to Natural Bridges National Monument which is about 35 miles from Mexican Hat. Depending on exact timing, we will also photograph the “House on Fire” Anasazi Ruins which is nearby. It involves walking a few miles. On the way back we will photograph the lookout from Muley Point Road if there is still light in the sky.

DAY 4 - We will drive our personal cars into Monument Valley for sunrise. This is where we will see some classic scenes such as "Totem Pole", "Rain God Mesa", and "John Ford's Point". This will be about a two hour drive on dirt roads.

Later we will drive 120 miles to Page AZ to photograph sunset at Horseshoe Bend.

DAY 5 - Photograph sunrise at Horseshoe Bend and later photograph Antelope Slot Canyon. The workshop should be completed by 2 pm.

HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY

Monument Valley is a full day's drive from either Las Vegas or Phoenix. Flagstaff, Arizona and Durango, Colo., are closer and have airports. A SUV is helpful, but not required. A drive from Los Angeles is 600 miles or 9-10 hours. Flagstaff is 196 miles to Mexican Hat. Durango, CO. is 164 miles to Mexican Hat, UT.

The San Juan Inn is located in Mexican Hat, Utah, 22 miles North of Monument Valley on the North side of the San Juan River just off of Highway 163.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Please try to get an advance reservation at The San Juan Inn, Mexican Hat UT., The Hat Rock Inn, or The Mexican Hat Lodge and Swinging Steak. These rooms fill up fast so make your reservation early. It can always be cancelled later. The center of activity will be at The San Juan Inn. You will need a room from Oct. 4th checking out on Oct. 7th. 3 nights. I will have a few rooms set aside if there are none available.

The Quality Inn at Lake Powell is a good choice. 287 N. Lake Powell Blvd., Page, AZ, US, 86040 (928) 645-8851. You will need a room for Oct. 7th. One night.

MEALS

The group usually eats together but it is not required. Many meals will be at The San Juan Inn just because it is close and there are not many other restaurants to choose from.

You will be responsible for all travel, rooms, and meal costs.

WHAT TO BRING

-Any cameras you think you might use or need. This includes, film, digital, small compact, video, 4x5, etc. It is always good to have some sort of back up. I bring my small digital specifically for easy snapshots.

-Any and all lenses. You may or may not use them all, but it is better to be safe. Bring your telephoto lenses because they are great for landscapes. Bring a manual wide angle lens if you think it works with your digital. They are sometimes helpful for night photography especially if the have a large aperture. (f2, f2.8, etc.) Filters for the most part are not needed for digital except it is important to have a clear UV on your lens for protection. Many people like polarizing filters or "grad" filters. Bring some sort of camera bag or camera back pack for carrying equipment, water, and snacks.

-Accessories such as cable release, lens tissue, EXTRA batteries, battery chargers, camera manuals, film, EXTRA memory cards. You should have at least 20 GIG of memory. If conditions allow us to do night photography it is helpful to have some sort of cable release that will allow the shutter to stay open for at least 1 minute.

-A STABLE tripod for long exposures.

-Sturdy shoes or light boots are recommended. We will be walking and light hiking. Note that there will be climbing up and down wooden ladders at Natural Bridges.