Explore and photograph some of the White Mountains’ most picturesque areas with a focus on the pristine mountain lakes and swift-running streams that dot the countryside and where Ponderosa Pine, aspen, and fir dominate the landscape. The group will photograph scenes of the Black River in the Blue Range Primitive Area, KP Creek, Luna Lake near Alpine, and Aker Lake near Hannagan Meadow.
We will also photograph the rebirth of the forest recovery from the Wallow Fire, the largest wildfire in Arizona’s history. If monsoons are in full force, we can capture the dramatic clouds reflecting in the rivers and framing endless views from the overlooks.
Under the expert guidance of frequent Arizona Highways Magazine contributor, Joel Hazelton, this workshop includes backcountry locations requiring moderate hiking up to 6 miles roundtrip with up to 400′ in elevation gain. While a bit more strenuous than some of our workshops, the benefits are sure to please. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready for White Mountain beauty.
Workshop includes:
- 3 nights single occupancy lodging (self-contained cabins)
- Group transportation from our cabins to various shooting locations
- Water, snacks, a picnic meal and welcome meal
- Pre-workshop webinar
- Post-workshop critique
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 conditions. We want to give you the best photo opportunities possible.
Day One – Thursday, July 20, 2023
- Arrive at the Alpine Buckboard Cabins by 1:00 pm for Joel’s orientation.
- Welcome dinner
- Head out for our first shoot at Aker lake near Hannigan Meadow for late afternoon, and early evening light.
- Return to the cabins
Day Two: Friday, July 21, 2023
- Our summer workshop means rising early to drive and be ready for sunrise at Boneyard Creek. This excursion will involve hikes 1-2 miles off-trail to explore meadows around the creek.
- After we have captured images with the best light, we will head back to our cabins for a break and then trip to town for lunch.
- Early afternoon we will review images.
- Mid-afternoon we will head out for our afternoon shooting location, stopping to pick up to-go sandwiches before proceeding on our hike into the Black River via the Bear Creek Trail. Hiking up to 5 miles roundtrip.
Day Three: Saturday, July 22, 2023
- Today, we will begin our day with a sunrise shoot at Luna Lake and will continue photographing through morning light before returning to Alpine for brunch.
- Return to the cabins for image downloading, review, and rest.
- Head to town for an early dinner after which we will head out to photograph the East Fork of the Black River for sunset and late light.
- Return to the cabins.
Day Four: Sunday, July 23, 2023
- Our last early rise will take us to a picturesque horseshoe bend over the Black River for our final sunrise shoot.
- Breakfast in town
- Checkout of our cabins and return home
Physical Rating: Moderate to Slightly Difficult
This workshop takes place at a minimum elevation of 8,000′. Participants should be in good physical shape to hike with camera gear the 2-6 miles each day. Some hiking will be on trails while other areas will be on open land. Everyone must have headlamps for hiking in and out to locations in the dark. An extra handheld flashlight will be helpful too. Hiking poles can be useful in this terrain.
Possible water crossings or stone stepping across creeks. Rubber boots will be advantageous if you want to photograph in marshy areas.
Participants should plan for all types of weather from warm and hot to muggy and rainy if monsoons are developing. Some locations in this workshop have been known to have poison ivy patches, so wearing pants is highly recommended, and bringing a separate bag for dirty clothes so as not to cross-contaminate the urushiol oil on other clothing.
Lodging During the Workshop
Alpine Buckboard Cabins 
#2 CR 2141
Alpine, AZ
Tel: 928-750-3874
During this photo adventure, we will spend three nights at the Alpine Buckboard Cabins. Each cabin is well-appointed with 2 bedrooms, a full-size refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker, and is well-stocked with dishes/silverware for six guests, a dish-drainer, dish towels/cloths, pot holders, cutting board and BBQ grill & utensils for your convenience. If you should wish to stay an extra night before or after the workshop, please call Buckboard Cabins directly and notify them you are with our group. You are responsible for reserving any additional nights, and this must be done as far in advance as possible. Pre night cabins are only guaranteed until May 31.
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.
- If you must cancel your reservation 91 or more days before your trip, you must notify us in writing to info@ahps.org. After we receive your written cancelation you will be refunded any amount you have paid less the non-refundable $100 processing fee.
- If your cancelation occurs between 61-90 days before your workshop departure, Arizona Highways PhotoScapes will issue a credit voucher for any fees paid that you can use toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation.
- Should you cancel less than 60 days prior to your trip, no refunds will be made and you will forfeit any funds paid to Arizona Highways PhotoScapes.*
* If we are able to fill your seat and the workshop runs at full enrollment we will refund your workshop fees less a $100 processing fee.
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.