Photograph the Rugged Kofa Wilderness

3 Days - Ehrenberg, AZ
Jan 27 - Jan 29, 2023
Activity Level
Skill Level
All Levels

$1,195.00

Registration deadline: December 31, 2022

Only 1 Seats Left

Photograph the Kofa Mountains and intriguing landscapes of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge with outdoor photographer, Laurence Parent. This craggy volcanic range and Sonoran Desert landscape offer a wide range of photographic opportunities from the abundance of cacti and unique desert botanicals,  jagged mountain peaks, native palms, steep canyons and one of the largest herds of desert bighorn sheep.

 

Kofa’s backcountry is one of Laurence’s favorite Arizona photo destinations. During this 3-day photo getaway, Laurence will guide you to perfect desert landscapes for capturing sunrise, sunset and intriguing compositions. In addition, he will help you hone your skills in creative image-making through in-field and classroom instruction.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and photograph the pristine desert landscapes of this amazing region.


Workshop includes:

  • Photo instruction
  • Two nights lodging based on single occupancy*
  • Roundtrip transportation from Phoenix
  • Water and snacks
  • Permit fees
  • Pre-workshop webinar
  • Post-workshop critique

*If you are traveling with a companion, double occupancy is permitted and a discount will be provided.

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, January  27, 2023

  • Depart Phoenix at 10:00 am to drive towards Ehrenberg.
  • Stopping in Quartzsite, we will have lunch and head into the Kofa Wilderness where we will photograph through the early evening along Palm Canyon Road.
  • We will drive out of the wilderness area to Ehrenberg where we will check into our accommodations and eat dinner.
  • Drive to Ehrenberg to check into our accommodations and eat dinner.

Day 2 – Saturday, January 28, 2023

  • Early departure by 6:00 am for a full day in the field.
  • Our first location will take us along Palm Canyon Road to capture sunrise shots.
  • Continuing with our day, we will go to Palm Canyon and hike up to a view of the native palm trees approximately a half-mile incline. We will photograph the small stand of palms nestled in the canyon.
  • (Optional) For those participants who enjoy and are capable of some rock scrambling, Laurence will lead you up higher up the canyon for some close-up views of the palm trees in their dramatic setting.
  • The group will take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on to explore other shooting locations.
  • Our afternoon and sunset locations will take us to the mouth of Kofa Queen Canyon where we will conclude shooting.
  • Return to Ehrenberg for dinner and lodging.

Day 3 – Sunday, January 29, 2023

  • Rise early for departure to our sunrise locations along King Valley Road in the Castle Dome Mountains.
  • Drive back to Phoenix
  • The workshop adjourns by late afternoon.

Physical Rating: Moderate

Temperatures in the desert winter can range from low 30°F to high 60°F.  Participants should be prepared with warm clothing and dress in layers. The workshop includes hikes up to a half-mile round trip including our hike uphill to Palm Canyon*.  Other shooting areas will be close to the vehicle on relatively flat but uneven ground with plentiful cacti. Participants should plan on a full day in the field on Saturday.

 

*Those more adventurous can engage in some rock scrambling and boulder hopping to reach the higher portions of Palm Canyon.

The Workshop will Depart from / Return to:


Holiday Inn & Suites
3220 S. 48th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
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

 

Best Western Desert Oasis
I-10 Exit 1 S Frontage Road
Ehrenberg, AZ 85334

Phone: 928-923-9711

Two nights of lodging, based on single occupancy is included in your workshop fee.  If you are traveling with a companion, you may opt for double occupancy and received a discount. If you are meeting the group in Ehrenberg, we have a courtesy block of rooms for the night before the workshop begins. Should you wish to stay this night, please call the hotel at 928-923-9711 and mention Arizona Highways PhotoScapes. This room night is not included in your workshop fee and should be booked prior to January 10.

Laurence Parent
Photographer
Christina Heinle
Photo Guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS RECOMMENDED

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.com or contact them at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 03-0147.  Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. W20

 

CANCELATION POLICY:  All cancelations must be in writing to info@ahps.org

  • 91 days or more prior to the start of the workshop your deposit will be refunded less $250
  • 61-90 days your workshop fees will be refunded in the form of an AHPS Store Credit Voucher less $250 administrative fee. The remainder of the fees paid can be used toward a future workshop within 18 months of cancelation. The voucher is good for 18 months.
  • 60 days or less until departure – No refund.

 

If we are able to fill your seat and the workshop runs at full enrollment we will refund your workshop fees less the $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.

Please note that AHPS is not liable for any additional participant expenses incurred such as airfare, hotel accommodations, or any other components booked outside of the workshop.

 

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.