Cottonwood Colors & Badlands
October 25 – 29, 2025
Overview
Join us to photograph lunar landscapes and colorful cottonwood trees, set against the backdrop of the stunning Utah badlands. This ALL-INCLUSIVE photography workshop will take place in several locations across southern Utah.
Group Size
Small group of 5 guests
Location
Utah
Investment
$2895
Fitness
Easy Hiking
What Should You Expect?
The stark beauty of the Utah badlands is undeniable, with its multicolored cliffs, bizarre formations and grand vistas. This workshop is aimed at photographing Utah’s distinctive cottonwood trees alongside these striking badlands.
We will not be photographing the areas iconic location, instead opting for exploring back roads and chasing what the weather throws our way.
Time not spent shooting will be filled with Lightroom and Photoshop lessons which are recorded for your future viewing.
Itinerary
Please note, this itinerary is subject to change.
This workshop will begin in Hanksville, UT and end in Kanab, UT.
Day 1
We’ll meet at 2 pm for a late lunch and quick orientation before heading out on a long 4×4 drive to photograph one of the most stunning badlands vistas around at sunset.
Day 2
This morning, we’ll get an early start and photograph twisted cottonwood trees against a backdrop of blue colored badlands. In the afternoon, we’ll hike into a nearby slot canyon with glowing light. The evening shoot could be any number of locations depending on the weather.
Day 3
For sunrise, we’ll photograph fall colors against the classic red rock of canyon country. After breakfast, we’ll make the long drive to Kanab, grab lunch and check into our hotel. For sunset, we will visit the most beautiful, striped badlands in the whole state.
Day 4
This day will be filled with photographing tall buttes, mud cracks and candy cane badlands, with of course more cottonwood trees. During the afternoon, we can review each others images and go through an advanced editing session in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Day 5
We have a final sunrise shoot with the colorful rainbow hills before returning to town. The workshop will conclude after breakfast. If we picked you up in Salt Lake City, we will drop you off no later than 4:00pm.
Logistics
This workshop will begin in Hanksville, UT and end in Kanab, UT.
You can either drive yourself, or ride with us from Salt Lake City. If you ride with us, we will pick you up from your Salt Lake hotel at 10:00am. At the end of the workshop, expect to return to Salt Lake by 4pm.
Expect moderate daytime temperatures and cold mornings. Dressing in layers is important.
Lodging for Kanab is in a modern hotel and lodging for Hanksville is in a quaint motel.
These areas are a haven for drone photography. If you have one, bring it along.
While this workshop is scheduled to photograph peak fall colors, there is of course some seasonal variation and we cannot make guarantees.
Sample Gallery
Camera Gear
- Bring all your lenses along for this workshop, from 10-400mm
- Polarizer that fits your telephoto lens
- Sturdy tripod
- Rocket blower for dust
- Small camera bag
- Drone (optional)
- Lens foot for your specific telephoto lens.
Personal Gear
- Sturdy, thick hiking shoes
- Long pants, jacket & gloves
- Trekking poles
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
- Extra shoes
Fitness Requirements
This workshop is listed as easy to moderate. Most outings will be fairly easy with a max hiking distance of 3 miles per day over easy terrain. There will be a couple of optional hikes that are more moderate and to reach several spots we will be doing some bushwhacking through tall brush. One of the shooting spots will have us getting wet feet.
Included
- 4×4 transportation for the duration of the workshop
- Single occupancy lodging
- All foods and snacks
- Photographic guiding and instruction
- In-depth photoshop sessions (Recorded)
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Utah
- Lodging before and after the workshop
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal Items
- Travel Insurance
Pricing
$2895
A $1000 non-refundable deposit will hold your space for this workshop. The remaining payment is required at least 90 days prior to the start of the workshop. Sharing a room with a friend or partner will result in a $500 discount.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation request more than 100 days before the start of a workshop will receive a full refund minus your deposit, which can be applied toward a future tour. If you decide not to attend a future workshop, this deposit is forfeited. If you cancel within 100 days, no refunds of any kind will be issued. If you cancel your reservation within 100 days and we are able to fill your space on a tour, we will provide a full refund. Once a tour has started, no refunds will be given for missed outings, delays, weather related events, or elements beyond our control. In the event of an emergency, I’m more than happy to work with you. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, which covers non-refundable fees and travel expenses. Cancellation requests must be made in writing by emailing me at nickolas.warner@gmail.com