• Trip overview

• Itinerary

• What you’ll learn

• Tuition & what’s included

• Registration & lodging details

• Cancelations & refunds

• Recommended equipment

• Meet the instructors

• FAQs

Our Valley of Fire Photo Adventure is a 4-day, 3-night workshop which includes transportation to and around the park. Relax as we guide you through the area and photograph some of the the most awe inspiring landscapes, in this little known Nevada State park. 

The Valley of Fire a 46,000 acre state park and is located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This otherworldly landscape offers surreal views of rock formations shaped over millions of years. With our fun and knowledgeable crew, you will be led through this incredible park to experience scenery like no other. 

During the trip you’ll be transported across the park and receive guided instruction from our experienced instructors. During the workshop we’ll cover how to photograph vast scenes, starry nights, colorful sunsets, and more.

This workshop is designed for all skill levels but leans towards beginners and intermediates. We suggest being familiar with manual exposure controls, but not much else. Our helpful and friendly instructors can help you navigate the trails and your camera! Students are encourage to bring a DSLR or Mirrorless camera to enjoy this trip to the fullest.

For the interested photographer we will also learn more about lenses, the HDR method, and astrophotography. With a limit of 7 students, you will have plenty of one-on-one and small group instruction each step of the way.

February in the Valley of Fire is typically a pleasant time to explore the area, with average highs of about 70 degrees and lows in the evenings around 40.

About Boston Photography Workshops:

Beginning in 2014, the Boston Photography Workshops has taught thousands of students to improve their photography skills with hands-on learning done in small groups, with friendly and experienced professionals. The BPW believes that to learn something best, you have to go try it—which is why we’re excited to offer our students fun experience-based education as often as possible.

Arrival:

We encourage participants to arrive the evening before the workshop officially begins to allow for good rest after lengthy travel. An optional social meet-up will be available that evening for those interested.

Day 1:

Meet the BPW Team in a designated location to board on our spacious van to the park. On the way, we’ll drive through Lake Mead National Recreation area capturing the epic desert landscape along the way.

To kick things off we’ll take a light hike through Mouse Tank Canyon before checking into our hotel. After a short break we’ll head back to the park to photograph a golden sunset over the sweeping valley.

Day 2:

We’re starting things off early as we explore the park and capture photos of the rising sun over the winding roads which cut through the park canyons. After our early start we’ll grab lunch and relax as we wait for sunset. During the golden hours we’ll photograph fire canyon and take photos through blue hour and into twilight. The rest of the evening will be spent practicing astrophotography and learning to make star trails.

Day 3:

After a late night, we’ll start the day off with image review and an image editing session all while enjoying lunch. The evening hours will feature photographing an epic sunset of stacked canyons and sweeping valleys. After sunset we’ll grab a bite for dinner, then head out for a full night of photography under the stars.

Day 4:

Our last day in the park, we’ll have a casual morning and share images and stories over breakfast. If time permits and everyone is willing, we’ll sneak one more short hike in before driving back to Las Vegas where we’ll drop off students and part ways.

The Valley of Fire is stunning on its own, but we want you to leave with more than just great photos.

This workshop is designed for all to enjoy but leans towards the beginner or intermediate photographer.

Here’s the material we’ll be covering during the trip that will help you grow as a photographer and help you make better photos even after the trip ends.

+ Composition and technical essentials for landscape photography

+ Astrophotography 101: star photography for everyone

+ Advanced astro: star trails, and layering

+ Using PhotoPills to plan your astro + landscape photos

+ Best editing techniques to improve landscape images

+ When and how to use the HDR method. 

+ Feedback: Image review to discuss your images and real insight on how to improve

What’s Included:

+4 days / 3 nights of exciting photo education.

+ Round-trip transportation between Las Vegas and Valley of Fire.

+ Transportation within the park to all workshop locations.

+ A preliminary, virtual group meet-up to discuss the trip

+Digital Workshop Guide to help prepare for the workshop.

+ Group editing session / image review

+ All park entrance fees.

+ One-on-one guidance and instruction.

What’s Not Included:

– Airfare.

- Travel insurance (recommended).

– Lodging costs (reservation info provided after workshop registration)

– Dinners and snacks.

– Tips and incidentals.

During the trip the group will visit many locations and be presented with a variety of photo opportunities. Amazing images can be made with almost any camera and lens—as photographers often say: “the best camera is the one that you have with you.” To help narrow down your choices, here are some general gear guidelines we recommended.

• Digital SLR, or mirrorless camera. 

• Sturdy tripod.

• Headlamp.

• Wide angle lens (~10-20mm f2.8 or wider).

• Telephoto zoom lens (~24-200mm).

• 3-5 camera batteries.

• 3-5 memory cards.

• Laptop computer with editing software.

• Medium weight jacket and sturdy shoes.

After registration students will receive an informational packet with detailed equipment suggestions. Prior to the trip students may also schedule online meetings with our instructors at an additional cost. 

Chris Sanchez: Founder of the BPW, Chris has spent more than 10 years taking photographs around the world for work and for fun. A lover of all things food-related and astrophotography, Chris usually has more snacks in his bag than lenses, but still manages to get great photos. During the trip if you need a snack... you know who to ask.

Pete MacLellan: Former BPW student turned instructor, Pete has road tripped and photographed all over the US. The contrarian Nikon to Chris' Canon, you'll often hear him stating that you can, in fact, take good pictures from a moving car. When you need a hot tea on those chilly astro nights, find Pete setup somewhere nearby with his picnic blanket and camping stove.

Ryan Pettaway: A globetrotter and photographer at the BPW, Ryan has spent his career in the technical field; all the while travel and photography have been top of mind. Ryan's free time is filled with self learning, which often leads to rabbit holes of useless information. If or when a conversational distraction is needed during the trip, he'll already be causing one.