DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Mesquite Sand Dunes, The Racetrack, Zabriskie Point, Badwater,
the Milky Way & night sky and a lot more
5 days / 4 nights · Group size 8-10
October 31st – November 4th, 2027
Workshop cost: $1,875 (includes the 4x4 Jeeps to the Racetrack)
Lodging, meals and transportation not included
Like Nowhere Else
I will be leading a 5 day workshop from October 31st to November 4th, 2027 in the incredibly photogenic environment of Death Valley, California. Located near the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is filled with breathtaking desert scenery and unique geological formations.
Its 3.3 million acres are home to rare desert wildlife, undisturbed wilderness, colorful rocks and canyons, unique evaporative salt features and miles of pristine sand dunes.
It is a magical place and a photographer's paradise. We will be photographing the graceful and ever-changing Mesquite sand dunes, Zabriskie Point, Badwater, Devils Golfcourse, geological wonders and the infamous Racetrack. Death Valley's great diversity of landscapes makes it a rare and unique place for photography.
We will shoot in the best light of sunrise and sunset, then return to photograph the amazing night sky. I have timed this workshop for the Milky Way and a little moonlight, and the dark skies of Death Valley make for a stunning location with endless possibilities.
Zabriskie Point
The Racetrack's sailing stones
Endless Death Valley roads
Those Beautiful Dunes
The dunes are best at the edges of the day. We'll be out for the soft light of sunrise and sunset, then come back after dark for the night sky.
The workshop is timed around the new moon, so we get dark skies with just a sliver of moonlight. Death Valley's low rainfall and clear skies make it one of the best places on earth for night photography.
Expect some early mornings and late nights. We'll shoot stars as points of light, star trails, light painting, star stacking and more.
The Stars Come Out at Night
When the sun goes down, the real show starts. We'll be out under some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, timed for the Milky Way and just a little moonlight.
We'll work on stars as sharp points of light, star trails using several different techniques, and painting the foreground with light. We'll also stay out at the Racetrack after dark to shoot the night sky, which is something that is pretty rare and an experience that you won't forget.
What We Will Cover
Scouting for the best light and compositions, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Stars as points of light, star trails with multiple exposures, and star stacking with Starry Landscape Stacker.
Using a star tracker, plus light painting techniques and gear.
Panoramas and HDR exposure blending techniques
Photoshop for HDR, panoramas and black and white.
Scouting the Milky Way & star trails
Using the best computer and phone apps including PhotoPills.
Mastering your camera gear for diverse shoooting
Logistics
Workshop Time
The workshop begins at 3 pm on Sunday, October 31st and ends Thursday, November 4th in mid-morning.
Getting There
Death Valley is in eastern California, near the Nevada border. The nearest airport is Las Vegas, about a 2 hour drive to the hotel. It's about 4.5 to 5 hours from Los Angeles and about 10 hours from the Bay Area.
Cost
The workshop cost is $1,875 per person and includes the 4x4 Jeep rentals to the Racetrack, where we'll stay after dark to shoot the night sky. Lodging, meals and transportation are not included. We'll carpool and eat as a group, and carpools are arranged on the first day. You're welcome to share a room to save money.
Hotel
We stay at Stovepipe Wells, right in the heart of Death Valley. Call 760.786.2387 to reserve your room and mention Scott Stulberg Photo Workshops. Hotel prices go up every year and there are only three choices in the Valley, so book early.
Skill Level and Group Size
This workshop is for intermediate to advanced photographers. A basic knowledge of Photoshop is recommended. The group is limited to 10 participants so everyone gets plenty of personal attention. Spots go fast, so don't wait.
DEATH VALLEY IS AWESOME !!