MOAB OFF ROAD
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
Experience Level
Beginner - Advanced
Both beginners & experienced photographers will benefit from this workshop. I will work closely with you to address strengths and weaknesses. All can expect to be challenged.
Endurance
Easy to Moderate
All age levels are welcome on this photography workshop. Very light hiking is involved. We’ll drive to each location then walk to the best position. *Reach out if you have any limitations.
Curriculum
Field & Classroom
We will be in the field shooting for sunrise and sunset with classroom time & breaks during the day. Learn techniques such as focus stacking, focal length blending, advanced camera settings & more!
Group Size
10 people
I prefer to keep workshops small, ensuring that each person will have ample time for one-on-one instruction. This photography workshop is limited to 10 people.
Moab Off Road Photography Workshop
March 4-6, 2022: FULL (waitlist)
$1400 total ($400 deposit at sign-up)
4WD JEEPS INCLUDED! Moab is one of the most intriguing places on earth, with countless red rock formations and mystic landscapes ...yet most people only see a small part of it. In partnership with a local jeep guide, we will take the path less traveled in search of unique photographs in this 3-day workshop. I have found that an incredibly rewarding aspect of landscape photography is creating original, distinctive works of art. Most people come to Moab to shoot the same images that millions of others have already taken, but you will come home with images most have never seen!
3-Day Moab Photo Workshop
We will not be shooting iconic locations in this workshop. My goal is to challenge you to discover new and interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own. I hope to help you learn how to find exceptional locations in general, without the normal limits of a group workshop.
The idea is to go to remarkable locations and make great images, no matter where they happen to be. I will take you on well-maintained dirt roads as well as rougher 4WD only trails. This is not intended to be a "hardcore" off-road experience.
I will always be with the group providing thoughts, advice and real time critique as the light changes. I run my workshops the same way that I shoot personally. By keeping the group small we can react quickly to changing conditions and scout interesting locations.
ADVENTURE OFF
THE BEATEN PATH
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS & CAPTURE STUNNING IMAGES
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback Session
4WD Included
In partnership with a local guide, we will be exploring the Moab area back roads in lifted Jeeps. These have 4WD systems and are equipped for challenging roads.
IN THE CLASSROOM
We will be out shooting and exploring during sunrise and sunset to ensure we find the best conditions. During daytime hours we will have classroom time where we will focus on photography concepts and techniques.
Image Composition
Learning how to compose an image is one of the most important elements of photography and probably one of the hardest to master. Starting with this class and continuing throughout the workshop, I will teach you simple and actionable skills that will help you find amazing compositions in any environment.
Creative Editing
We will go through my editing process from beginning to end using a combination of mostly Lightroom with some fairly easy but extremely powerful Photoshop to finish it off. My editing method is very artistic and effective for beginners and advanced users alike. It is always one of the highlights of the workshop.
Portfolio Feedback
Getting honest and constructive feedback about your images is extremely hard to find. At the end of every workshop I will dig into 15-20 of your best shots to give you insightful critique on how to improve. While these sessions are honest, I guarantee you will go away inspired with new ideas and thoughts on making great images.
Dan is a gifted teacher, one with no agenda except what you want and need. He is generous with his knowledge and experience, sharing the best of both. I learned so much, I don't hardy know where to begin. I learned to come to grips with my weaknesses and develop my strengths. Best of all, Dan gives specific detailed input, including suggestions about equipment, technology, organization, etc. I felt that I grew as a photographer. And you'll have fun, enjoying the art and craft of photography." –Roberta
Moab Photography Workshop Schedule
On Friday, we will start off the workshop in the lobby of the hotel at 2:00pm with an introduction then a classroom session on creating strong images, followed by lunch. After lunch we will grab gear and head out to explore the natural wonders of Moab. We will shoot through sunset in hopes for great color and light.
On Saturday, we will rise before the sun to capture the great morning light. After returning for breakfast and a short break, we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom, followed by a long off-road drive and shooting sunset.
On Sunday, the stunning red rocks will be beckoning us again to shoot the early morning sunrise. We will end with a critique session that will break down 15-20 of your best images and give you new ideas on how to improve.
Planning Your Trip to Moab
Please note that transportation to and from the workshop and accommodations during the workshop are up to each participant.
Hotel: We have reserved a block of rooms for the group at a hotel located in town. After sign-up you will receive an email with information to confirm your stay.
Car: During the workshop we will ride in the rented 4WD vehicles. If you won't have your personal vehicle, I highly recommend renting a vehicle so you can also explore on your own before/after the workshop.
Flights: The closest large airport is in Salt Lake City which is about a 4-hour drive from Moab. Boutique Airlines usually has daily flights to Moab (Canyonlands Field CNY) from Salt Lake or Denver.
Incredible Desert Landscape
High above the Colorado River, Moab is a geological maelstrom that has been shaped by eon after eon of weathering by rain, snow, ice, and wind. Most of the formations in the park are composed of Entrada sandstone, which geologists say was part of a low arid coastal plain adjacent to a great inland sea 150 to 200 million years ago. Over time, the sand was covered by layers of sediment and hardened into rock. In each of the park's districts, visitors can see the remarkable effects of millions of years of erosion on a landscape of sedimentary rock.
What's included in the workshop?
Instruction from Dan Ballard • 4WD Vehicles • Classroom Courses • Portfolio Feedback Sessions • Snacks & Water
Not Included: Hotel, food, travel to the workshop, extras
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the workshop?
Accommodation & transportation
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel your workshop the following applies: If cancellation is received at least 45 days prior to the start of the workshop, the deposit can be applied to another workshop of your choice with available space. For cancellations received 0-44 days prior to the start of the workshop, all deposits and workshop fee’s will be forfeited.
Where will we be shooting?
We will not be shooting iconic locations in this workshop. My goal is to challenge you to discover new and interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own. I will be taking you to places around Moab that are off-the-beaten-path and rarely photographed.
What should I bring?
Main photo gear: