MOAB OFFROAD
Moab Photography Workshop: Off Road Adventure
March 19-21, 2021: Filling Fast!
Cost: 1375 total ($375 deposit due at registration)
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 explore 4WD and dirt roads and literally take the path less traveled in search of unique photographs. In March there is a great chance we will have snow on the La Sal Mountains, which will really add to our photos. I have found that an incredibly rewarding aspect of photography is creating original images. 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!
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
Moderate
All age levels are welcome. Moderate physical activity is involved on this photography workshop, so a good sense of balance is needed. We’ll drive to each location then walk to the best position. *Please reach out if you have any limitations.
Terrain
Canyons, Desert, Mountains
We will be exploring lesser known red rock formations near Canyonlands National Park & surrounding area. Imagine desert-scape with giant sandstone formations, canyon mazes and mountain backdrops.
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.
COME HOME WITH SPECTACULAR WORKS OF ART
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Personal Feedback Session
4-Wheel-Drive
In partnership with a local guide, we will be exploring the Moab area back roads in 3 lifted Jeeps. These have 4WD systems and are equipped for challenging roads.
Journey Down the Back Road
3 Day Moab Photography 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. This is not intended to be a "hardcore" off-road experience. 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; and at least one location will be accessed from the highway.
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.
The energy was good, the weekend was memorable, and I am no longer looking at “snapshots” on my computer screen. He said we would come back from the weekend with works of art. I definitely did. I would highly recommend Dan and Nicole to people of all levels of experience and am looking forward to my next workshop."
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.
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.
Please note that transportation to/from and accommodations are not included in the workshop and are up to each individual participant.
Hotel: We have reserved a block of rooms at a hotel located in town. I will send you an email with information to confirm your stay after sign-up.
Car: We will be carpooling in the 4WDs during the workshop. 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.
Planning Your Trip: Hotel & Transportation
Discover Moab, Utah
Surrounded by an immense red rock playground, Moab, Utah is unlike any other place in the world. You'll feel like a kid again as you play in Moab's postcard-perfect desert adorned with giant sandstone formations, canyon mazes, and thousands of natural arches. You can explore several national and state parks just minutes from Moab, Utah. Find great shops and restaurants throughout Moab’s southwestern-style Main Street area.
What's Included in the workshop:
Instruction from Dan Ballard • 4WD Vehicles • Classroom Courses • Portfolio Feedback Sessions • Snacks & Water
Not Included: Flights, hotel, food and transportation to Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
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: