Spring Photography Workshop 

May 12-14 

  As our date gets closer, I know you are excited to explore Utah and Arizona with me. I have your 3 days laid out to get    the most from your adventure.

Light hiking will be done at most stops. Please bring a comfortable pair of hiking shoes/boots. The average temps for mid May high 85 low 52. Dress appropriately. 

I hold the right to change any part of this itinerary due to weather and safety of attendees. 

Please remember that distances from point to point will have us enjoying our beautiful scenery on the road. I have tried to group stops that will give more time photographing and less time driving. 

I look forward to this Workshop. This will be my first workshop since Covid and I am so excited to start them up again. It has been two years since my last workshop. 

Day 1 May 12 

I will pick each of you up at your lodging between 8am-8:30 

Our first stop will be Peek-a-Boo Canyon. This jeep ride is bumpy, sandy and fun. From the highway turnoff it is a 5 mile drive to the canyon entrance. You will need your tripods for this photoshoot. A 3 section slot canyon with many opportunities for the perfect shot. 

Lunch in Mt. Carmel (group decision where) 

Next we make our way into the East entrance to Zion NP. Have your long lens at the ready incase Bighorn Sheep, Buffalo, eagle or condor sightings. We will make several stops winding through the park for the beauty she holds. 

Zion overlook trail. We will grab our gear and make the 1.5 mile roundtrip hike to the canyon overlook. A good backpack that can hold your gear is recommended. I have several if anyone needs to borrow let me know. This is a fun easy hike that will amaze your senses. 

From there I know you want the iconic shot of The Watchman. This will be our next stop before we leave the park.

Next stop will be Grafton. One of the earliest settlements in Utah also used as backdrop for many movies (Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid) for one. The beauty of the old buildings against the the backdrop of Zions West Temple is why we are here.

This will be a full day and I expect to have you back around 6pm. 

Day 2 May 13

I will pick you up at 8-8:30 am (unless we can make arrangements for you both to meet me in Apple Valley) 

The long ride to the most amazing place, Toroweap Overlook. See a part of the Grand Canyon NP system that is the most remote there is. 65 miles of dirt road means very few put in the effort to get here. We will spend a few hours here exploring all the possibilities of perfect pictures. Please bring sandwiches or whatever your preference for lunch with a view. I will have a cooler with water and snacks on all days. 

After the long ride out we will stop at ancient Paiute People pictographs and petroglyphs. This place is sacred and simply amazing. The feeling you get when in the presence of 4000 year old writings can be spiritual. 

I should have you back by 5:30 or 6 to get plenty of rest for Day 3. 

Day 3 May 14

This is going to be a long day full of fun and adventure. We are headed to Arizona. I will pick you up at 8-8:30 (unless we can make arrangements for you both to meet me in Apple Valley) 
2.5 hour drive will put us at our first stop White Pocket. Part of the Vermillion Hills National Monument system is just a short distance from the more famous "The Wave" but no permit is needed, just a high clearance 4 wheel drive. This place is every bit as beautiful as The Wave with so many photographic opportunities. From parking lot a short hike to Slick-rock where the adventure begins. Plan on spending a few hours creating images to last a lifetime. A few snacks before we head out to our next stop Marble Canyon and Navajo Bridge. This will be a shorter stop but well worth it, possible Condor sighting and excellent back drop for a picture of the bridges over the Colorado River. Next stop is Page, Az. where we can grab a bite to eat before heading to Horseshoe Bend. Wide Angle lens is highly recommended for this iconic shot. I use a 14mm or 24mm depending on my shot. Depending on time we may have one more stop on the way home. Group decision on how tired you are. 2.5 hour drive back will get you to your lodging later than usual. Figure around 8pm give or take. This will be a long but unforgettable day. 

I will make every effort to adjust itinerary to accommodate spending as much time as you need at each location without feeling rushed. If at any time you see something you want to photograph speak up and we will stop. This workshop is about having as much fun doing what we love to do. I can't thank you enough for trusting me with planning an unforgettable experience for you.

Things to bring 

Camera with extra battery and charger. Charge each night. Fresh SD Cards

Lenses: landscape/wide angle/telephoto

Filters: I use a 6 and 10 stop ND for a lot of mid day shooting in this area

Tripod.....functional but light

Backpack for gear on short hikes

Good hiking shoes 

Hat .... you must keep the mid day sun off of you .... please use sun screen

A Smile ... please have with you as much as possible

any snacks or beverages you like, I will have a cooler with ice, water and light snacks each day for all to use. You can put anything you want in the cooler.

Voice.... use your voice if not comfortable with any situation please let me know and I will alter to accommodate you, if I don't know I can't fix. We will be on ledges very high up at Toroweap and Zion Overlook. Please safety is first always. Do not get close to the edges. If you want to wander and do your own thing at times please let me know where you will be. Most places we visit have spotty to no cell service so don't depend on that for communicating between us in the field.

Thank you for choosing John Slot Photography