Death Valley, Land of Extremes

March 10 - 14, 2025

Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaDeath Valley National Park, California

Death Valley is truly a land of extremes. This region of the Mojave Desert is a national park situated in a basin 282 feet below sea level and rises to over 11,043 feet at Telescope Peak. The beauty is equally impressive with ever-changing sand dunes, multi-colored hills, jagged mountain peaks and a desert floor covered in patterns that constantly change with the winds and the rare rainfalls.

Photographing Death Valley means early mornings and late evenings to truly capture the beauty of this desert park. The early and late hours provide a variety of hues that illuminate the landscape and tame this harsh environment with the softness that comes with morning and evening light.

We'll photograph Zabriski Point, Dante's View, Badwater Basin, Mesquite Sand Dunes, but beyond these highlights, I have included in our itinerary other locations often overlooked and off the beaten path. Many of our locations require some hiking. Hikes are moderate in a couple locations but photographers in reasonable condition should have no problem.

You can expect to be the focus of attention. Your photography is paramount and it's my job to provide the answers that allow you to grow as a photographer. You'll receive an abundance of one on one instruction in the field along with group discussions. You'll discover the artist within and build on your skills. Mastering your tools in the field and knowing what they can do for you is the foundation to a successful photo journey. I know you want to enjoy this beautiful location behind your camera, therefore, I make every effort to maximize our time in the field and teach with a hands on approach. Learning to see and knowing what to do once you identify your subject is the stepping stone to building a work of art.

Photography Workshop Leader : William Manning
• Includes group and one-on-one instruction, critiques on location and feedback after workshop.
• Devoted to helping you see creatively in the field. We'll discuss use of filters, choosing the right lens for the subject, making the right
creative decisions, when to consider bracketing for HDR, and visualizing the finished photo with your processing knowledge.
• William has over 30 years experience, friendly, approachable and always there with you.
• Our workshops/tour locations are well scouted, planned and rewarding.

Workshop Fee: $2800
Workshop is limited to: 5 participants
Skill Level: All skill levels
Fitness Level: Easy to moderate - short hikes up to 1 to 1.5 miles. Hiking on sand dunes and rough rock surfaces.
Best Airport for Arrival and departure: McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, NV
Arrive in Death Valley no later than 4 p.m. on Wednesday March 3. Workshop will end around 12 noon on Sunday March 7

Register Today: Scroll to bottom of page to enroll today

Special Note: Lodging is limited in Death Valley National Park. Arrange lodging at The Ranch at Death Valley located in Furnace Creek (760-786-2345). Camping in Furnace Creek is also an option. There are a couple other hotels in Death Valley National Park.

Mesquite Sand Dunes Death Valley, California

Mesquite Sand Dunes is surrounded by mountains and sits at the end of the valley floor. The depth of the sand at its highest point is 130-140 feet. Death Valley National Park, California

Badwater Basin is a salt flat adjacent to the Black Mountains that descends to the lowest point in North America 279 feet below sea level. The expanse of water is made up of pure table salt. Death Valley National Park, California

Zabriski Point is part of the Amargosa Range. Zabriski Point is best known for it's erosional Landscape. This colorful landscape is composed of sediments from Furnace Creek Lake which dried up over 5 million years ago. Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley National Park, California, Zabriskie Point Sunrise

The Details

Death Valley, Land of Extremes Photography Workshop

March 10 -14 , 2025

Tour / Workshop Cost:
$2800.
Deposit: $500.
Airport Arrival and Departure: McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is the best airport to arrange both arrival and departure.

What's Included:
• Experienced Photographer, Teacher, and Guide
• One-on-one and group field instruction
• Photo Critiques and Instruction
• Small Group Size- Min 4 - Max 5 participants

Not Included:
• Air transportation
• Ground transportation
• Lodging
• Meals
• Tips and Gratuities
• Park Entrance fees

* If possible you may want to consider renting a high clearance vehicle. It is not mandatory as most if not all of our locations will be on developed roadways.

Pay
Registration
Tour and Workshop Policies

Workshops can be paid via PayPal or check. To pay through PayPal simply click button below .
To pay by check, cashiers check or money order simply mail to:

William Manning Photography
6396 Birchdale CT
Cincinnati, OH 45230

Payment: Deposit, Balance or Payment in Full

Photography Tour Policies

I. Reservations

A deposit and a completed registration form will reserve a place for you on a William Manning / Nature's Light Photo Tour. Payment can be made by via PayPal or personal check, cashiers check or money order. Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure date unless otherwise noted.

II. Payment / Refund Policies

a. Tour fee: Please see individual tour see what is included in each tour as this may vary.

b. A $250 deposit is required at time of registration for domestic tours. The balance is to be paid in full 90 days prior photo tour date. If registration takes place less than 2 months of tour date then payment in full will be required.

c. A $500 deposit is required at time of registration for international tours. The balance is to be paid in full 90 days prior photo tour date. If registration takes place less than 2 months of tour date then payment in full will be required.

d. Cancellation Policy: Deposit and balance paid will be refunded minus $100 (administration fees) if cancellation is made 90 days prior to tour date. A refund of 70% paid if cancellation is made in writing between 60-89 days before tour date. A refund of 50% paid if cancellation is made between 30-59 days before tour date. No refunds can be made if cancellation is made less than 29 days before tour date. William Manning Photography HIGHLY RECOMMENDS travel insurance to cover your investment in case of emergencies or other unforeseen need to cancel within the cancellation period.

Photography Tour Policies

I. Rule Number One, Two, and Three

Safety, safety and safety. My number one priority is to make sure my participants return home the same way they came with the exception of a lot more knowledge. Photography tours are about learning, meeting awesome people, and having fun in a beautiful and creative environment. We ask all participants to refrain from vulgar language and political discussions. I wish to keep a positive and enjoyable experience for all. Participants should know how to laugh, ask questions and simply have fun. We enjoy having all levels of photographers from beginners to professional. Laptops are not mandatory but will allow participants the opportunity  to edit, and allow feedback from tour leader.

II. Tour Itinerary

The following is a general itinerary but may vary from day to day and from tour to tour. Our first day is typically a meet and greet time along with a short introduction, Second day and thereafter – Photograph on location in early morning light and shoot throughout the morning hours. Break for brunch or lunch as a group and depending on time of year we may take a brief afternoon break. Group feedback is a wonderful way to learn and share. I strongly encourage participants to get involved in group discussions. Growth as a photographer and artist comes from listening to opinions from various points of view. We will return to the field for late afternoon light into the evening hours. The last morning we’ll end our workshop with a group breakfast and make our way back to airport and arrive around 12 noon unless otherwise stated in tour itinerary.

I love to teach and watch my participants grow as photographers throughout our time together. I am a people person, I find each individual is unique and I truly enjoy building friendships with my participants. Please come with plans to have a good time and enjoy the company of others who share their passion for photography as you do.

III. Transportation

Beginning in 2020, I will be providing ground transportation on most programs. I have decided this is truly the best way to maximize our shooting opportunities. There's always an itinerary but also times when we may come upon an awesome photo opportunity not on our itinerary. Traveling in a convey of multiple vehicles doesn't allow us the freedom to stop. Leave the driving to me or one of my leaders and sit back and enjoy the company of your fellow photographers.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance in case you must cancel due to illness, injury, accident, family or work related issues, etc. The company we recommend is Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com).

LIABILITY LIMITS

Please read and sign the Liability form enclosed with registration.