Location:
Kanab, Utah
Date:
April 3 – 6, 2027
Investment:
$2,999
Difficulty:
Level 3: Moderate
Lodging:
Included
Transportation:
Included
Workshops are limited to a small group to ensure hands-on instruction and real-time feedback in the field.
What Is the Desert Awakening Photography Workshop?
Step into the red rock canyons and star-filled skies of Kanab, Utah. Desert Awakening is a photographer-first landscape and astrophotography workshop designed to slow things down, refine your craft, and immerse you in some of the most dramatic terrain in the American Southwest.
From narrow slot canyons and towering vermilion cliffs to wind-carved hoodoos and wide-open night skies, this workshop balances iconic locations with thoughtful instruction. You’ll focus on composition, light, and storytelling by day, and exposure, star tracking, and Milky Way technique by night, not rushing from spot to spot, but learning how to see and photograph these landscapes with intention, in every kind of light.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your portfolio or reconnect with why you love landscape photography in the first place, this experience is built to inspire, challenge, and elevate your work.

What You’ll Learn During the Workshop

Hands-On Learning
You’ll work side by side in the field, learning how to set up your camera, evaluate light, and make intentional exposure decisions in changing desert conditions. Instruction is practical and adaptive, focused on real scenes rather than presets or formulas.
Composition & Creative Exploration
Southern Utah rewards patience and intention. You’ll work on composition, foreground selection, visual flow, and scale in wide-open desert environments. The focus is on building images that feel balanced, grounded, and connected to place.
Working With Light & Atmosphere
Learn how to read desert light throughout the day, from soft morning glow to dramatic evening contrast. We’ll focus on using shadow, texture, weather, and subtle color shifts to add depth and mood to your images.
Post Processing Session
Editing sessions focus on building a clean, natural workflow for landscape photography. You’ll learn how to approach basic landscape edits in Lightroom, with optional discussion of more advanced techniques depending on the group’s experience.
Knowledge Expansion & Technique
Topics may include exposure strategy, focal length selection, depth control, focus stacking (when applicable), and adapting your approach based on terrain, weather, and evolving light conditions in desert landscapes.
What Past Participants Are Saying
Workshop Itinerary
Before You Arrive
Planning Call
About 30 days before, we hold a group planning call on Google Meet to introduce ourselves, review essential gear and camera settings, and walk through logistics so everyone arrives prepared and confident.
Day 1
Let The Adventure Begin
Meet at our lodging in the early to mid-afternoon to get settled, go over the plan, and discuss the first evening’s shooting conditions and goals.

Days 2 & 3
Taking Things Further
Sunrise: 4:30-5:00 AM
First light at a carefully selected location, then back to town or lodging for breakfast and rest.
Midday: 1:00-3:00 PM
Editing and critique session on Google Meet (recorded): photography concepts, post-processing workflows, and image critiques.
Late Lunch / Early Dinner
Time to recharge before heading back out.
Sunset: 4:00 PM
Position for ideal sunset light and evening shooting.
Based On Conditions: Weather and skies permitting, we may add a late-morning slot canyon or a late-evening star session. Options are discussed during the planning call.
Day 4
Our Final Sunrise
One more sunrise shoot, then a group breakfast and time to reflect. The workshop wraps with checkout by 11:00 AM.
What to expect on foot: Most days are 2-3 miles over uneven, rocky, sandy terrain. Some days may reach 5-6 miles depending on conditions and location.
Workshop Logistics
Where we meet, how to get there, and what to plan for.

LOCATION
Kanab, Utah
Exact meeting locations and shooting sites are shared with registered participants.
Nearest Airports
- ~5 Hours – Phoenix, Arizona
- ~5 Hours – Salt Lake City, Utah
- ~3 Hours – Las Vegas, Nevada
Lodging
Included in your rate. Details are shared during the planning call and in your logistics emails.
Transportation
You’re responsible for getting to Kanab, Utah. From there, you’re with me and transportation is provided! You are welcome to drive on your own though some of the areas we will be visiting require 4×4 and travel through deep soft sand.
Meet Your Guide
Justin Northcraft is an adventurer, photographer, and content creator deeply immersed in the realms of landscape, aerial, lifestyle, and astrophotography. A dedicated creative professional since 2006, Justin currently calls Utah home, drawing endless inspiration from its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. His pursuit of visually compelling content is driven by a commitment to uniqueness and originality.
In addition to his creative endeavors, Justin is passionate about education and fostering lasting relationships with his workshop clients. He believes in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences, creating a collaborative and enriching environment where everyone can grow and thrive. Join Justin on a journey of exploration and learning, and elevate your photography skills while building meaningful connections within a community of like-minded enthusiasts.

Ready For An Adventure in Southern Utah?
Desert Awakening Photography Workshop
Kanab, Utah – April 3 – 6, 2027 – 4 Days, 3 Nights
What’s Included
- 4 days and 3 nights of guided shooting and learning
- Lodging for all 3 nights, single occupancy
- Transportation during the workshop
- Guidance and instruction, in the field and in post-processing
- Group breakfast on the last day
- Permits for Parks and Land Use
What’s Not Included
- Flights and travel insurance (recommended)
- Camera equipment (a gear list comes after you register)
- Meals, except the last-day group breakfast
- Transportation to and from Kanab, Utah
Register Here
$2,999 per person
- Single Occupancy $2,999
- Double Occupancy – Not Available
Limited to 3 participants
Registration closes 90 days before the workshop. Schedules may change due to weather or other unexpected circumstances. For all cancellations and changes, see our Workshop Policies.
How Do I Get There and Get Around?
The workshop starts and ends in Kanab, Utah. It’s remote, so plan your travel ahead. Cell service can be spotty; download offline maps before you arrive.
Getting There
Kanab is about 3 hours from Las Vegas and 5 hours from either Salt Lake City or Phoenix. Most guests fly into one of those cities and drive to town.
Getting Around
Participants are responsible for getting to Kanab, Utah. From there, transportation is provided.
Lodging
Lodging location and room assignments are shared during the planning call and in your logistics emails. If you’d like to stay at the same place before or after the workshop, reach out and we’ll share the details.
Meals
Dining in Kanab is fairly limited, and we’ll be up early and out late. We’ll share restaurant suggestions during the planning call. Meals are on each participant. You’re welcome to join the group, but it’s optional. We do plan a group breakfast on the last day.
What Happens After I register?
Right Away
You get a confirmation email with your receipt and a link to your registration form and some initial logistical information including details about the planning call.
About 30 Days Before
We hold a group planning call to cover logistics, gear and what to expect.
Workshop Week
You’ll receive reminder emails with logistical details and any potential changes.












