Nevada has a long history of silver and gold production. in the late 1850's, the Comstock lode silver discovery became one of the most significant events in the history of the mining west. The Nevada landscape provides countless historical mining sites and ghost towns worth exploring. Nevada was also the location of the last of the great gold rushes at Goldfield.

Goldfield also became the biggest boom and bust story in the West as it quickly became the largest city in Nevada with a population of 30,000 in 1906 and then suffered a dramatic declines in ore. Virgil Earp was made sheriff here in 1904 and Wyatt Earp also called Goldfield home. By 1910, the population of Goldfield dropped below 5,000. In 1923, a catastrophic fire burned most of the town to the ground. Goldfield has been considered a ghost town ever since. Goldfield history HERE

In 1900, silver was discovered in Tonopah. By 1902 the town had over 3000 residents. But by 1947, all the major mines had closed and the local railroad folded. An estimated $150 million in silver was mined in the area. Tonopah history HERE

There are numerous other ghost towns and abandoned mines throughout the area of Esmeralda and Nye counties including Aurora, Belleville, Belmont, Berlin, Blair, Candelaria, Gold Point, Klondike, Manhattan, Metallic City, Rays, Silver Peak, Stateline, Weepah, and more.

These are some of the places we will photograph and explore on the four day workshop! Some these towns are still populated and others barely exist. Goldfield itself has many photo attractions including the cemetery, the Goldfield Hotel, the active historic County Courthouse and numerous old buildings and houses. There is also The International Car Forest of the Last Church which should be a hoot to photograph. Our home base will be in Tonopah which also has many attractions including the Historic Mining Park, the Mizpah Hotel and the WW2 wooden aircraft hangers at the airport.

Gallery HERE

WORKSHOP GOALS

We will strive to help you improve your technique and your photographic vision by studying subject, color, composition, and light. We will also discuss black & white digital techniques with a Lightroom demonstration. It should be a memorable and fun experience for all. Open to photographers with all levels of experience.

WHERE:

We will meet at the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah NV at 4:30pm. Tonopah is remote place being 385 miles from Los Angeles, 211 miles from Las Vegas, and 237 miles from Reno. Once we get to our home location we will car pool to the various locations to shoot pictures. All the locations will be in line within 50-60 miles from Tonopah.

WHAT TO BRING:

All and any cameras and lenses, sturdy tripod, chargers, memory cards, small flashlight, snacks, water, sun block, hats, etc. Bring clothes for a mix of temperatures, from cold mornings to warm afternoons. Bring shoes that you are comfortable walking in over rough terrain. Weather will be mild with highs around 65F with cool nights in the 30s.  

ACCOMMODATIONS: Our home base will be the Mizpah Hotel. 100 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049 (775) 482-3030. You will  need a room for three nights. Or stay across the street at the new Belvada Hotel. These are excellent hotels. 

PLEASE BOOK YOUR ROOM ASAP! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOUR OWN ROOM RESERVATIONS. There is a restaurant and bar downstairs and a few slot machines. 

Tonopah is small and you can stay elsewhere if you desire. 

MEALS: We usually eat meal together though it isn’t required. There are limited restaurants in Tonopah and Goldfield. The Mizpah has a restaurant that is decent and there is a good Mexican restaurant as well. Bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions.

ITINERARY 

We will meet at the Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah NV at 4:30 pm.

You will be temped to stop and take photographs of many cool things along the way! Please allow yourself plenty of time while traveling or even an extra day. ALSO! Do not speed through small towns in Nevada. You will get a ticket!

There is a discount for previous workshops participants. This class in limited to 10 people. Workshop reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Please provide a phone number and email address.

IMPORTANT DETAILS - I also have training in both CPR and First Aid. However, you will be asked to sign a release form before attending the class. COVID 19 PROTOCOLS WILL BE IN EFFECT. 

Workshop Price $1295

Former Student Price $995

PAYPAL: PayPal.me/keithskeltonphoto

Or Zelle