Our Best of the West workshop is a treat for anyone wanting to capture Arizona’s iconic locations from the Grand Canyon and Slot Canyons to Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. During this 7-day/6 night workshop, you will see intriguing geological wonders, experience Navajo culture and traditions, and receive extraordinary photographic instruction from LeRoy DeJolie.
Departing from Phoenix our first stop is none other than the Grand Canyon. This wonder of the world offers spectacular views of layered rock in warm earth tones basking under Arizona’s dramatic light. Late in the day and early in the morning the light dances across the canyon walls revealing breath-taking panoramas. With our first night based at the South Rim, LeRoy will share his depth of knowledge for capturing the play of light on the canyon walls and how to capture intriguing compositions of this vast landscape.
Next, our travels take us northeast to Page, Arizona where we will stay for two days to capture the iconic images of Horseshoe Bend, the Toadstools, and the magic of Secret Canyon. A guided tour to Secret Canyon will offer intriguing sandstone formations carved by wind and erosion and interesting hues of reds, oranges, purples, and blues. Its twisting walls and unique lighting conditions can sometimes be difficult to photograph, but Leroy will show you how to use these elements for beautiful captures.
Then we are off to experience the magic of Monument Valley. During our time here, we will
photograph the famous view of the Mittens as photographed by Ansel Adams. We will also take a Navajo guided tour to some of the most notable views such as the Totems at sunrise, John Ford Point, and Artist’s Point. Our visit is also timed to see the famed Mitten Shadow that happens twice a year. Just as the sun begins to set, the west mitten starts to cast its shadow on the east mitten. The alignment is beautiful and truly a sight to see.
Then it’s off to Canyon De Chelly, the ancient home of the Navajo, to photograph scenic images along the rim at Spider Rock and ancient ruins and petroglyphs within Canyon del Muerto during a half-day Navajo guided tour into the canyon.
As we wind down our trip and head back to Phoenix, you will have one more fun photo op, Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona, as we take a break for our final lunch.
Come along for the trip of a lifetime and explore the best of the Southwest’s greatest wonders. You will improve your photographic skills and come home with breathtaking photographs. As one photographer put it, “LeRoy is simply one of the best to learn from, and his knowledge of light and how to best utilize it is unparalleled.” B. Chapman
Workshop Includes:
- Pre-workshop webinar
- Infield and in classroom instruction
- 6 Nights of Single Occupancy Lodging*
- Round trip transportation from Phoenix, AZ
- Entrance fees, permits, and outfitter gratuity
- Outfitter guided tour to Secret Canyon
- Outfitter guided tour in Monument Valley
- Outfitter guide tour in Canyon del Muerto
- Water, snacks, and a group meal
- Post-workshop critique
*If you are traveling with a companion and wish to share lodging, a deduction will be applied to your workshop fees.
Please be aware that the shooting locations stated in this itinerary may change. Each day we will determine which locations are best based on light and weather. We want to give you the best photo opportunities possible.
Day 1 – Friday, March 24, 2023
- We will meet in the parking lot at the Phoenix Airport Holiday Inn and Suites at 7:30 a.m. to load gear and luggage and prepare for departure.
- En route to the Grand Canyon, our group will stop for an early lunch.
- Upon our arrival to the South Rim in the early afternoon, LeRoy will conduct an orientation and presentation.
- The group will check into their rooms and then grab their gear and head out to capture breath-taking sunset photos.
- Dinner.
Day 2 – Saturday, March 25, 2023
- We must depart early at 5:00 am to catch the shuttle bus for our sunrise shoot.
- When we return to the lodge, we will have a break for breakfast before loading up and checking out.
- We will stop at the Grand Canyon Watchtower Overlook for about an hour and then continue on to Cameron Trading Post for lunch.
- We will arrive at our next destination by mid-afternoon.
- After checking in to our hotel we will depart for Horseshoe Bend for sunset.
- Back to town for dinner and a good nights’ sleep.
Day 3 – Sunday, March 26, 2023
- We will rise early for our sunrise shoot at the Toadstools.
- Mid-day we’ll take a break to rest, and download images for an afternoon critique.
- Late in the afternoon, we’ll head to the Lake Powell overlook for sunset.
- Return for dinner.
Day 4 – Monday, March 27, 2023
- Our morning will start with sunrise at Little Cut before returning to Page for breakfast and checkout.
- Then we are off to Monument Valley and will check into our lodging at Goulding’s.
- Dependent on weather and light conditions we will either head to the Mittens to capture the first evening of the Mitten Shadow or alternately go to Tear Drop Arch.
- Return to Gouldings for dinner.
Day 5 – Tuesday, March 28, 2023
- We will have an early rise to depart for our guided Navajo tour into Monument Valley to photograph the sunrise at the Totems.
- Midday we’ll rest and download images and have a critique.
- Once again, we will assess the lighting conditions and determine if another opportunity for the Mitten Shadow presents itself. If the lighting is less than ideal, we will opt for another location.
- We will return to the lodge for dinner and early evening.
Day 6 – Wednesday, March 29, 2023
- We will rise early to photograph the Mittens again, this time at sunrise.
- Upon our return to the lodge, we will pack our luggage, check out, have lunch and load up for our drive to Chinle.
- We will arrive in Chinle early afternoon and conduct an image critique.
- Our last sunset shoot will take us to the far east rim of Canyon de Chelly where we’ll capture the monolithic rock tower known as Spider Rock.
- Return for dinner.
Day 7 – Thursday, March 30, 2023
- Our last morning we will rise early for a three-hour tour into Canyon del Muerto where we will capture images of First Ruin and Antelope House.
- Back by noon, we will have lunch before departing back to Phoenix.
- En route we will stop at the Hubbell Trading Post, an active trading post since 1878 to view the amazing Navajo artifacts, rugs, and jewelry and photograph the grounds.
- Our last stop takes us to Winslow, AZ where we’ll stand “on the corner” for a quick snapshot before enjoying an amazing farewell dinner at the historic Fred Harvey La Posada Hotel.
- After dinner we will return to our departure hotel in Phoenix, arriving late in the evening
Strenuous Rating: Moderate.
This is a fast-paced itinerary with multiple destinations and long days. The longest hike/walk is 1.5-mile roundtrip. The terrain ranges from maintained to unmaintained surfaces. Hiking at the Toadstools is probably the most strenuous requiring large steps up and down. Participants should be capable of some light rock scrambling and slight changes in elevation.
Arizona Highways PhotoScapes is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation agency.
The Workshop will Depart From and Return to Phoenix, AZ
Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport
3220 S. 48th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (480) 543-1700
Pre-night and post-night rooms are available for workshop participants at our corporate rate. Participants are required to make their own reservations and pay for these dates. The corporate rate is only available on a space-available status and must be booked online. The corporate rate is not available by phone.
Lodging During the Workshop
Grand Canyon National Park Maswik Lodge
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Phone: (928) 638-2631
Lodging is included in your workshop fee based on single occupancy.
Courtyard by Marriott at Lake Powell
600 Clubhouse Drive
Page, Arizona 86040
Phone: (928) 645-5000
Lodging is included in your workshop fee based on single occupancy.
Gouldings Lodge
Monument Valley, UT
Phone: (435) 727-3231
Lodging is included in your workshop fee based on single occupancy.
Holiday Inn
Indian Route 7
Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone: (928) 674-5000
Lodging is included in your workshop fee based on single occupancy.
If you are concerned about the possibility of canceling your trip we urge you to protect your workshop investment and purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance plan with a “Cancel for Any Reason” option. Many guests have last-minute injuries, emergencies, or life changes that can disrupt their plans only to wish they had a way to recoup their lost expenses.
There are a number of reputable companies that provide Travel Insurance. For a listing of providers, you can visit www.insuremytrip.com. AHPS has partnered with TravelEx Insurance Services over the years and has found them to be reputable and offer comprehensive plans at competitive prices. For more information visit www.travelexinsurance.
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- If you cancel your reservation 181 days or more from departure, your deposit will be refunded less a $100 cancelation fee.
- If you must cancel your reservation between 120 days and 180 days prior to your trip, you will be refunded any amount you have paid less a $750 cancelation fee.
- If your cancelation occurs between 90-119 days before your workshop departure, Arizona Highways PhotoScapes will issue a credit voucher less the cancelation fee. The remainder of the fees paid can be used toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation.
- Should you cancel less than 90 days prior to your trip, no refunds will be made and you will forfeit any funds paid to Arizona Highways PhotoScapes.
This cancellation policy applies in every situation and there will be no exceptions made for any reason. We will not issue refunds for cancelations due to illness or late arrivals due to travel delays.
Arizona Highways PhotoScapes reserves the right to cancel or change any workshop if our minimum enrollment is not met or if situations beyond our control arise that may create unsafe or undesirable travel conditions. Any cancelation or postponement as a result of situations beyond our control, AHPS does not promise any refunds or credits. If and when feasible, we will attempt to reschedule the workshop at a later date. Alternatively, we may decide to issue you credit for a future workshop, or issue a refund, less any non-refundable deposits we have paid to workshop providers on your behalf.
PAYMENT TERMS: A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space. Please refer to the specific workshop for the required deposit. Final payments are due 90 days prior to departure. Approximately 15 days prior to the due date you will receive a reminder email that your balance is coming due. If final payments are not received by 70 days prior to your workshop, your registration is subject to forfeiture including all fees paid to date.
If registering within 90 days of your workshop, full payment is due at the time of registration.