More Than A Photo Tour... We Are A Learning Adventure.
Valley Of Fire
A Discovery Series Workshop
April 18 - 22, 2024
Tuition: $ 3450 USD Limited to 4 Participants
Land of Vivid Colors and Bold Textures
"The sun arrives after rosy fingered dawn to illuminate the world" - Homer. Sunrise and sunset are the most magical times of day in the Valley Of Fire, and that is when we will be doing the majority of our photography.
We invite you to come explore the wonders of this 40,000 acre Nevada state park, just an hour from the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Founded in 1935, Valley Of Fire is Nevada's very first state park and is known for its colorful and often bizarre looking outcroppings of Aztec sandstone, unique in the desert Southwest.
With features like Rock of Gibraltar, Rainbow Vista, Yawning Indian, Fire Canyon and Elephant Rock, Valley of Fire is truly a landscape photographer’s delight. With its variety of desert animal and plant species the Valley Of Fire has a little something to catch every photographers eye.
Rock of Gibraltar as seen from the Fire Wave trail, the low angle of the afternoon sun accentuates the color and texture of these formations.
Our small group photography workshop is designed for enthusiasts of all skill levels, from beginners eager to grasp the fundamentals to advanced photographers looking to refine their techniques. Nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, the Valley of Fire is a photographer's paradise, boasting vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and surreal vistas that come alive with the warm glow of the sun.
About This Workshop
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
The Valley of Fire Photography Workshop is appropriate for photographers of average fitness levels. During the course of each day of the workshop we will walk/hike, on average, 5k (3mi). A variety of terrain will be encountered, trails range from improved easy access, to sandy paths, to uneven rock. Altitudes may vary from 610m (2,000’) to 800m (2,600’) above sea level. Average April temperatures in The Valley of Fire range from highs of 26°C (79°F) to lows of 13°C (55°F).
It is expected for all participants to be able to carry their own personal gear and water during the workshop. You will receive a document with greater detail on all aspects of the workshop after you register.
What You Can Expect:
Expert Instruction: Led by James Neihouse, our workshop offers personalized guidance, tailored tips, and hands-on instruction to elevate your photography.
Minimum of 8 hours per day of in-field shooting and instruction
Positive, interactive and fun learning environment
Class sizes limited to six students to insure personal attention
Water and snacks while in the field
Elephant Rock is one of the many iconic rock formations to be found throughout this unique wild space. Long exposure created the cloud streaks.
What's Included:
Field Photography Sessions, Class Session on Digital Image Processing, Critiques. Hotel accommodations - Single Occupancy. Transportation from and to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport will be provided. A box lunch and assorted drinks will be provided on days we are in the park.
What's Not Included:
Airfare, and meals, other than those mentioned above, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, anything not specifically mentioned in the workshop description.
Lodging In Overton, NV:
After registration you will receive information on the base hotel. We strive to pick quality, comfortable lodging that fits with the logistics of the workshop. Most of time the hotels will have a 3 star or better rating. In some cases hotels with that rating level are not located close enough to the workshop location, it those situations the accommodations selected will be best available.
What You'll Learn:
Among the things we'll talk about are - How to "see the light" and the way it affects the image. Lens options for landscape composition and subject isolation. High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques for landscape. Focus Stacking techniques for landscape photography. How to use filters to control exposure and enhance your photograph.
Web and Smartphone apps that can help you plan your photo session and maximize your time in the field.
With James Neihouse as your instructor you will receive the benefit of his many decades of experience as a professional image maker, with ample one-on-one instruction time in the field, as well as spirited critiques and post processing training.
Wind and water erode the colorful sandstone creating other-worldly landscapes.
Bighorn sheep wander the rocks near Mouse's Tank. Other wildlife we may encounter include bobcat, desert tortoise, and golden eagle to name a few.
The Milky Way rises above one of the many unusual rock formations in the park.
Artist have been finding inspiration in the Valley Of Fire for thousands of years. These petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock are just a few of the many spread around the valley.
There’s more to Valley of Fire than just stunning landscapes, wildlife is also a big part of the valley. It is not unusual to see bighorn sheep, coyotes, raptors and various desert reptiles. Valley of Fire also offers some excellent night sky photography opportunities.
About Camera Gear & Equipment:
Basic requirements are:
DSLR or Mirrorless camera that is capable of shooting in manual mode
Sturdy Tripod
Remote Shutter Release
Fast Wide Angle or Wide Zoom Lens (f/2.8 or faster)
Medium length telephoto lens (200-400mm)
Extra Batteries
Clothing suitable for desert climate. Temps can range from low 50s to low 80s during the day.
It is possible to rent camera equipment in Las Vegas. There are also several fairly well stocked camera stores in the area.
After you have registered you will receive a pdf with lots of information specific to your workshop. In the meantime you can visit our “Preparing For Your Workshop” page.Schedule:
Schedule*:
Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas by 1:00pm. Meet and Greet, Dinner, Travel to Overton, NV. Check into hotel.
Day 2 & 3: Depart hotel 06:00(TBD), arrive at VoF for Blue Hour. Morning field photography, Lunch in the park, Afternoon/Sunset field photography.
Day 4: Depart hotel 06:00am(TBD), arrive at Valley Of Fire for Blue Hour. Morning field photography. Return to Overton for lunch and afternoon processing and sessions and critique. Farewell dinner.
Day 5: Sunrise and morning field session, break for lunch, post-processing and critique session, Workshop concludes at 4:00pm
*Schedule is subject to change to ensure optimal field time, adjust for weather conditions, and any unforeseen issues.
Embark on a photographic journey in one of nature's most captivating settings. Whether you're a beginner seeking inspiration of a seasoned photographer looking for a fresh perspective, our small group workshop promises an enriching experience. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and capture the magic of Nevada's Valley of Fire through your lens!
Group size is limited not only for a more favorable instructor to student ratio, but also to help minimize the human impact on the natural environments we will be photographing. At James Neihouse Photography Workshops we strive to uphold the Leave No Trace code for outdoor ethics.*
Visit our Valley Of Fire Gallery for more stunning images from this magical place.
Register:
To hold your place in this workshop you may choose to place a $500 DEPOSIT. This option is available until until January 19, 2024. The remainder of the workshop fee will be due on March 19, 2024. Please be sure to READ and UNDERSTAND our Policy on Payments, Deposits, Cancellations, and Refunds
April 18 - 22, 2024
$3450 USD
Please be sure to READ and UNDERSTAND our Policy on Payments, Deposits, Cancellations, and Refunds and our Workshop Agreement before you proceed.
You are encouraged to purchase trip insurance to protect your investment in case of an unforeseen situation or emergency that requires you to cancel your workshop. Here is a review of travel insurance companies - Travel Insurance Reviews
We accept credit cards, and PayPal. Credit card payments are handled through Stripe.com and you should receive a payment confirmation from them.
Contact Us to pay using bank transfers, bank checks, Venmo*, and Zelle or for information about other payment options. Installment plans are available.
*Venmo payments must be made from a mobile device.