DEATH VALLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
December 12-15, 2026
Explore Death Valley Beyond the Ordinary
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Death Valley through a photography workshop that goes beyond the surface. From the sweeping sand dunes that stretch endlessly under the vast sky to rugged, remote landscapes that few choose to explore, this experience is crafted for photographers ready to push boundaries, work for their compositions, and immerse themselves in the raw magnificence of one of the most striking deserts on Earth. Every moment is an opportunity to connect deeply with the land, to discover its hidden stories, and to capture its timeless essence in your images.
December 12-15, 2026
Group Size: Limited to 6 participants, offering 3 to 1 instructor/guide ratio for maximum attention and focus. This small group size also minimizes our impact on Death Valley’s sensitive and fragile environments.
Workshop Leader: Hosted and taught by Andrew Hertel and Seth Hamel.
Dates and Pricing: December 12-15, 2026 Tuition: $2,850
(Workshop begins on the morning of Dec 12, plan to arrive to the park on Dec. 11)
About the Workshop
This isn’t your typical photography workshop. While we will visit some of Death Valley’s iconic and popular locations, we’ll also venture into the park’s remote and lesser-known areas, uncovering hidden gems that most visitors never see. These unique and secluded spots offer opportunities to capture the untamed essence of this incredible desert, providing images that truly stand apart.
Forget "shooting from the parking lot." This workshop is about earning your compositions and experiencing the landscape on a deeper level. Expect to walk extensively, especially when exploring the dunes and venturing into the park's stunning canyons, where every step brings a new perspective. You’ll immerse yourself in the landscapes, observing how light, shadow, and textures shift throughout the day. By slowing down and connecting with the environment, you’ll create intentional and impactful photographs that tell a story. With a group size limited to just six participants, you’ll receive focused, personalized guidance throughout the experience, ensuring that every moment is tailored to your creative journey.
A Fully Guided and Thoughtful Experience
Unlike many photography workshops where participants are responsible for driving themselves from location to location, this workshop is fully guided from start to finish. Seth and I will handle all daily transportation throughout the workshop, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience, the landscape, and your photography.
Traveling together also allows us to access more remote areas of Death Valley—places that are often skipped due to logistics—while moving efficiently and adapting to changing light and conditions.
Just as importantly, limiting the workshop to two vehicles helps reduce our overall impact on Death Valley’s sensitive desert environment. Fewer vehicles mean less disturbance to fragile landscapes, a smaller footprint in remote areas, and a more responsible way to experience the park.
What You’ll Experience
This immersive workshop spans 4 days and 3 nights, offering ample time to explore, create, and refine your photography skills. We will rise early each morning to photograph the stunning light as the desert awakens. Once the morning session is over, we will return for breakfast and a well-earned rest. During this downtime, we can review your photos and delve into post-processing techniques. In the afternoon, we will venture out again to capture the magical evening light in carefully selected locations. Each day will have a dedicated itinerary filled with unique activities and locations.
Vast Sand Dunes: Traverse some of the most beautiful and remote dunes in Death Valley. Discover the interplay of light and shadow, and look for captivating forms, shapes, and textures as you work to craft your shots.
Rugged and Remote Landscapes: Explore beyond the well-trodden paths to uncover the park’s hidden beauty.
Immersive Exploration: Spend time walking and connecting with the terrain, going beyond obvious vantage points.
Hands-On Guidance: Receive thoughtful, one-on-one instruction tailored to your skill level and creative goals.
The Team
Andrew Hertel: Sand Dune Enthusiast | Fine Art Photographer | Purveyor of Black & White Mood
I’m a fine art black and white photographer based in California, drawn to the solitude and raw beauty of wild landscapes—especially the desert. Death Valley has been a creative playground for me over the years, and I’ve spent countless hours exploring its remote corners, chasing light, and letting the stillness guide my work.
Seth and I have been friends for years—we’ve ridden motorcycles through sandstorms, photographed in wild conditions, and shared plenty of bad jokes under the stars. I’m stoked to be co-leading this workshop with him and bringing our shared love for the desert to a small group of photographers ready to dive deep into the landscape.
Seth Hamel: Canyon Wonderer | Landscape Photographer | Bringer of the Color
Seth is a master of light, composition, and finding beauty in the Southwest’s most rugged places. He’s been leading photo workshops through Zion and beyond for over a decade and has built a loyal following of photographers who appreciate not only his stunning work but also his calm, thoughtful teaching style. When he’s not guiding others into canyons or climbing dunes at sunrise, he’s probably on the trail or on two wheels, scouting the next hidden gem.
We’ve shared a lot of adventures over the years—and plenty of sand in our boots. Seth brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and desert magic to this workshop, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner in leading it. View Seth’s work https://www.zion-photography.com/
Itinerary
While the desert landscape of Death Valley may seem timeless, the light, weather, and conditions shift constantly—and that’s where the magic happens. This workshop is thoughtfully planned to maximize photographic opportunities, with a flexible approach that allows us to adapt based on weather conditions, light quality, and the unique opportunities each day presents.
Each day will follow a structured rhythm. We’ll rise early to catch the soft, golden hues of the morning light, venturing into carefully chosen locations that offer dynamic compositions as the desert awakens. After our morning session, we’ll return for a well-earned breakfast and rest, with dedicated time for photo reviews, post-processing sessions, and discussions to refine your creative vision.
In the afternoon, we’ll set out again, exploring new areas and preparing to capture the magic of golden hour and the dramatic transitions from daylight to dusk. While we have specific locations in mind, we'll adjust our plans as needed to chase the best light and conditions, ensuring we’re always in the right place at the right time.
This balanced approach provides both the structure of a well-thought-out plan and the flexibility to embrace the unexpected moments that make photography in Death Valley truly unforgettable.
Why Join This Workshop
As a photographer who deeply loves the desert, I’ve spent years exploring and creating in Death Valley’s vast and desolate beauty. My goal is to help you experience this awe-inspiring landscape in a way that inspires creativity and fosters a deep connection with your surroundings. I’ll challenge you to look beyond the obvious, embrace intentionality, and elevate your work.
Who This Workshop Is For
Those who are willing to work for their compositions, whether it’s hiking to reach the perfect dune or patiently waiting for the light.
Participants with a moderate fitness level who are comfortable walking long distances (2-3 miles) over uneven terrain, especially in sand dunes.
Photographers who want to explore beyond the well-known and dive into the remote beauty of Death Valley.
Anyone seeking a small, intimate group setting for a personalized and immersive experience.
What’s Included
Lodging at Stovepipe Wells for the duration of the workshop, included in the total workshop price.
Personalized instruction and guidance throughout the workshop.
Post-processing sessions focused on using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to refine and enhance your images.
Transportation to all shooting locations in 4x4 vehicles.
Access to both popular and remote locations within Death Valley.
Loads of mediocre humor.
What’s Not Included
While this workshop provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, certain costs are not included to allow participants the flexibility to tailor their travel plans
Travel to and from Death Valley. Death Valley National Park is accessible from multiple directions, with the closest airports being in Las Vegas, NV, and Los Angeles, CA. From Las Vegas, the drive to the park takes approximately 2 hours. From Los Angeles, it takes about 4.5 hours.
Meals, beverages and snacks.
Park Entrance Fee.
Personal Expenses.
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel delays. This ensures peace of mind in case of unexpected events.
What others have to say about the workshop
“Andrew was a terrific photo-workshop leader. His dedication to his participants was excellent. Daily, he explained what the options were for the day‘s adventure and let us as a group decide what to do. His knowledge of the Death Valley National Park was exceptional. He pointed out different compositions and camera setting to help us get the out of the ordinary shot. We would definitely go on another workshop with Andrew.”
— Dixie & carl“I went to Death Valley with Andrew and Seth Hamel and loved every minute of our four days trip.
They went out of their way to take us to great locations and were always available and eager to suggest improvements on composition and camera settings.
Should you have the chance to participate in one of their workshops I highly recommend you jump on the opportunity.”
— Gerard B“Andrew was very helpful for me with both composition selection of shots. Very friendly and was fun to work with. He cared that I was having a good experience and that I got what I needed. I would recommend him to any novice or intermediate photographer who is looking for work shop to improve their skills at fantastic locations.”
- Jim
Reserve Your Space
Spots are limited, and this unique workshop will fill quickly. Don’t miss your chance to join an unforgettable experience in one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
Please enter your name and email below to be notified of upcoming news and workshop releases.
Terms and Conditions for Attending a Workshop
By registering for this workshop, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Payments and Deposits:
A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days prior to the workshop start date. Failure to complete payment may result in the forfeiture of your spot.
2. Cancellations and Refunds:
If you cancel 60 days or more from the workshop start date, you will receive a full refund minus a $200 administrative fee. If you cancel 30-59 days from the workshop start date, 50% of your registration fee will be refunded. No refunds will be given for cancellations 29 days or less from the start date. No exceptions to this policy. To protect yourself, consider purchasing travel insurance.
If the workshop is canceled by Andrew Hertel for any reason, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee or your payment will be credited towards a different workshop.
3. Travel Insurance:
Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel delays.
4. Physical Requirements:
This workshop requires moderate physical fitness. Participants must be capable of hiking up to 2 miles over uneven terrain, including sand dunes. Please consult your physician if you have concerns about your ability to meet these requirements.
5. Weather Considerations:
While every effort is made to plan for ideal weather conditions, participants should be prepared for all types of weather, including hot, cold, rain, or snow. What some may consider "bad" weather often provides excellent photographic opportunities.
6. Liability and Safety:
By attending, you acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks. The organizer assumes no liability for injuries, illnesses, accidents, or loss/damage to personal property during the workshop.
7. Permits and Compliance:
This workshop is conducted with the necessary permits from the National Park Service and complies with all applicable regulations. The organizer carries liability insurance for added protection.
8. Code of Conduct:
Participants are expected to act respectfully toward others, including fellow attendees, the instructor, and the environment. Failure to adhere to this code of conduct may result in removal from the workshop without a refund.
FAQ’s
Permits and Insurance
What level of photography experience do I need? This workshop is open to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, the small group setting ensures personalized instruction tailored to your needs.
What should I bring for the hikes? Comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a backpack for your gear, and plenty of water. A detailed packing list will be provided before the workshop.
Will meals be provided? Meals are not included, but I will provide recommendations for nearby dining options and ensure that the schedule accommodates meal breaks.
What happens in case of bad weather? Death Valley’s dramatic weather often leads to unique photographic opportunities. The workshop will proceed in most weather conditions, but safety will always be the priority.
How do I secure my spot? Click the "Sign Up to Be Notified" link above to stay updated. Once registration opens, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to reserve your spot.
I obtain all necessary permits from the National Park Service to operate photography workshops in Death Valley. Additionally, I carry the required liability insurance to ensure a safe and professional experience for all participants.
Who Am I?
Hi, I’m Andrew Hertel, one of your guides for this Death Valley photography workshop. I’ve been exploring Death Valley for years, captivated by its ever-changing light, expansive dunes, and rugged beauty. Having lived in Southern California for over two decades, I’ve had countless opportunities to immerse myself in the park’s diverse landscapes.
I am Wilderness First Aid certified, ensuring that your safety is always a top priority during our time together. As a proud member of Nature First, I practice and teach Leave No Trace principles to promote responsible outdoor ethics and minimize our impact on these fragile environments.
My passion for the desert is reflected in my work, and I’m excited to share that connection with you—helping you not just capture stunning images but also experience the landscape in a meaningful way.
