Iconic American Landscapes
Journey into the heart of the American wilderness with our immersive photography expeditions. From the sculpted sandstone of Southwest Utah, to the granite cathedrals of Yosemite, and the vast scenery of the Mojave desert. Our tours are built for photographers who crave adventure and artistic growth. These aren’t just sightseeing trips; they are technical field intensives designed for both adventure and learning.
February 16 - 20, 2027
$2,795 per person - Sharing
With the high country snow melts, Yosemite’s waterfalls and rivers spring to life, invoking scenes like perhaps no other in the world. In years of maximum water flow, Yosemite’s Upper and Lower Falls make a thundering sound that can be heard throughout the Valley. Bridalveil Fall is spectacular in the spring, with sprays that reach half of its 620-foot height. Some waterfalls such as Ribbon Falls only appear during the spring if it’s wet enough – at 1,162 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
This tour has been scheduled to coincide with peak waterfall season during winter. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph rainbows, waterfalls, and wide-open landscapes at some of Yosemite’s most iconic locations. Some of which include the giant granite domes of El Capitan, Sentinel Dome, and Half-Dome, and the cascading waters of Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Vernal Falls. We’ll also shoot many other locations on the valley floor, ensuring that you’re in the right place at the right time during the best lighting conditions.
Some of the Shooting Location Highlights:
Glacier Point’s commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall
Horsetail Fall (Firefall)
Valley Floor photographing El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, the Three Brothers, the Merced River, and Half Dome
INCLUDES
4 nights lodging
Field snacks and water
Carpooling is encouraged
In-the-field photographic training if needed
EXCLUDES
Transportation
Lodging beyond the nights included in the tour
Meals
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Wide-angle lens (24mm - minimum)
Telephoto lens (200mm - max.)
Recommended: 24mm - 70mm lens & 70mm - 200mm lens
Polarizing filter
Neutral density filter
Graduated ND filter
Good tripod (very important!)
INSTRUCTOR
David LaNeve, CPP
The California Center for Digital Arts is an Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
DESCRIPTION
Experience the magic of the Milky Way in Joshua Tree National Park during one of the best times of year for night sky photography. This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to help you confidently capture the beauty of the Milky Way while exploring the park's iconic rock formations, twisted Joshua trees, and dramatic desert landscapes.
Whether you're photographing the night sky for the first time or looking to improve your astrophotography skills, we'll guide you step-by-step through camera settings, achieving sharp focus in the dark, composition techniques, and practical tips for creating stunning Milky Way images. August offers warm evenings and an excellent view of the Milky Way core, making it an ideal time to learn and practice.
Throughout the workshop, we'll visit carefully selected locations that showcase Joshua Tree's unique scenery, giving you the opportunity to create memorable nightscape images while building confidence in your night photography skills.
SCHEDULE (details will be sent in an email)
Evening - meet & greet. Meet for dinner and discuss objectives and equipment.
Sunset and Blue Hour - Go out into the field to practice composition, bracket exposures, and capturing blue hour.
After Dark - Capture the stars and milky way!
MATERIALS REQUIRED
DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
Wide-angle lens (14-24MM or faster is recommended)
Tripod
Remote shutter
Extra batteries and memory cards
Red-light headlamp
NOT INCLUDED
Lodging - we recommend checking Motel 6 Twentynine Palms; Best Western Twentynine Palms Joshua Tree; or Holiday Inn Twentynine Palms- Joshua Tree
Meals
Transportation to Joshua Tree
LEVEL
Beginner - Advanced
August 27 - 30, 2026
$3,100 per person - Sharing
Join us for an unforgettable 4-day photography tour across Utah’s breathtaking landscapes. We’ll explore the region’s iconic red rock formations, deep canyons, and rugged cliffs, immersing ourselves in the vibrant colors and unique textures of the American Southwest. Our tour is designed to guide photographers of all levels through Utah’s most photogenic sites, ensuring opportunities for stunning captures of sunrises, sunsets, and everything in between.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Meeting Location & Transportation: We’ll start by meeting as a group in Las Vegas. From there, we'll carpool to our destinations across Utah. On the final day, we’ll head back to Las Vegas, where you can depart for home. This setup keeps our itinerary efficient and allows for a shared experience throughout the journey. Please inquire within for more information.
Day 1
Group dinner Las Vegas & optional Hoover Dam for early birds
Day 2
Las Vegas to Zion - Overnight in Bryce
Day 3
Bryce – Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend - Overnight in Antelope Canyon
Day 4
Antelope Canyon - Grand Canyon South Rim - Las Vegas
INCLUDES
Lodging TBD
Park entrance fees
EXCLUDES
Flights/ Transportation to Las Vegas
Meals (food & drink)
Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone, souvenirs etc.
Travel / medical / cancellation insurance
Tips & gratuities
Extra cost incurred if change in itinerary / flights etc.
Change in itinerary
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Wide-angle lens (24mm - minimum)
Telephoto lens (200mm - max.)
Recommended: 24mm - 70mm lens & 70mm - 200mm lens
Polarizing filter
Neutral density filter
Graduated ND filter
Good tripod (very important!)
INSTRUCTOR
David LaNeve, CPP
Learn how to capture the night sky in one of California’s best dark sky locations!
DESCRIPTION
Join us under the desert stars for a two-night Milky Way photography experience in beautiful Borrego Springs—one of Southern California’s designated Dark Sky Communities. Designed specifically for beginners, this immersive outing will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of capturing the night sky, from camera settings and focusing in the dark, to composition and post-processing tips.
You can join us for one night or stay for both to build your skills and explore multiple locations under different conditions. We’ll take advantage of the new moon and minimal light pollution for the best views of the Milky Way core as it arcs across the sky.
SCHEDULE (details will be sent in an email)
Evening - meet & greet. Meet for dinner and discuss objectives and equipment.
Sunset and Blue Hour - Go out into the field to practice composition, bracket exposures, and capturing blue hour.
After Dark - Capture the stars and milky way!
MATERIALS REQUIRED
DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
Wide-angle lens (14-24MM or faster is recommended)
Tripod
Remote shutter
Extra batteries and memory cards
Red-light headlamp
NOT INCLUDED
Lodging - we recommend checking Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort
Meals
Transportation to Borrego Springs
LEVEL
Beginner - Advanced