Kanab Utah Landscape Photography Workshop

Desert Awakening

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

★★★★★
“The workshop was very helpful to me in getting started with astrophotography. …
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Seshasayee V.
★★★★★
“The workshop was very helpful to me in getting started with astrophotography. Justin is very knowledgeable and patiently explained all the things very well, a very well-planned workshop. I would recommend this workshop to anybody interested in astrophotography. ”
Seshasayee V.
★★★★★
“This was an amazing class! Thank you for helping me learn what …
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Jason H.
★★★★★
“This was an amazing class! Thank you for helping me learn what settings work best and how to locate different areas of the night sky to photograph! I look forward to honing my skills in the future!”
Jason H.
★★★★★
“Fantastic experience all the way around! Justin is incredibly knowledgeable and extremely …
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Jacqueline P.
★★★★★
“Fantastic experience all the way around! Justin is incredibly knowledgeable and extremely patient. I learned so much in just a few hours. This workshop completely opened up my eyes to new photographic opportunities! ”
Jacqueline P.
★★★★★
“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop! I would definitely recommend it to anyone …
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Richard A.
★★★★★
“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop! I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in photographing the night sky.”
Richard A.
★★★★★
“Amazing workshop for beginning astrophotographers. Justin is a very knowledgeable, friendly, and …
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Mario P.
★★★★★
“Amazing workshop for beginning astrophotographers. Justin is a very knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable instructor. From camera setup, field photography, and post production, Justin will teach you the tools and skills you need to start your own journey in astrophotography. ”
Mario P.
★★★★★
“Justin is very knowledgeable, patient, and a wonderful teacher. I appreciated how …
Read More
Valerie N.
★★★★★
“Justin is very knowledgeable, patient, and a wonderful teacher. I appreciated how he took the time to spend with each workshop participant to make sure everyone was happy with their shots. He also wanted us to understand the settings that would work best, and why. It is so nice to learn a few new photography skills, and I now feel confident I can practice these on my own.”
Valerie N.
★★★★★
“Not only did I learn the concepts/techniques for astrophotography, but Justin …
Read More
Doug B.
★★★★★
“Not only did I learn the concepts/techniques for astrophotography, but Justin and my fellow photographers were able to help me problem solve my issues with obtaining sharp images by problem-solving the focus settings on my camera. I look forward to taking more classes. Thanks for a great class in a beautiful setting.”
Doug B.
★★★★★
“I had a very enjoyable evening learning astrophotography. Justin did a great …
Read More
Tom R.
★★★★★
“I had a very enjoyable evening learning astrophotography. Justin did a great job working with each of the attendees on a personal basis. I came away with a greater understanding and excitement for astrophotography. I highly recommend Justin.”
Tom R.
★★★★★
“Justin is very knowledgeable in all aspects of photography and post-processing. He …
Read More
Eric T.
★★★★★
“Justin is very knowledgeable in all aspects of photography and post-processing. He listens to the participants to make sure all questions are answered. Justin made some suggestions on composition, but also allowed each photographer to seek their own image. ”
Eric T.
★★★★★
“This was my first workshop with Justin and my first time capturing …
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Shannon A.
★★★★★
“This was my first workshop with Justin and my first time capturing Milky Way photos. Justin was very informative, and I learned a lot about astrophotography.”
Shannon A.

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

Checkout – Desert Awakening – Kanab, Utah

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?

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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.

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About 30 Days Before

We hold a group planning call to cover logistics, gear and what to expect.

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Workshop Week

You’ll receive reminder emails with logistical details and any potential changes.

Frequently Asked Questions