Yosemite Black & White Workshop
Waterfalls, Granite and the Art of Seeing
March 15–19, 2027 | Yosemite National Park
An immersive, five-day photography workshop with Andrew Hertel. Limited to just three participants, with four nights of private lodging inside Yosemite Valley included.
Yosemite is a place I return to again and again. Its towering granite walls, powerful waterfalls, and quieter corners offer endless opportunities to explore light, form, texture, and atmosphere through black-and-white photography.
March is a fascinating time to photograph Yosemite. Winter may still have a firm hold on the Sierra Nevada while the first signs of spring begin to appear in the valley. Snowstorms are still possible, waterfalls are flowing, and changing weather can transform familiar landscapes from one day to the next.
For me, black-and-white photography is about more than removing color. It's about recognizing the elements that give a photograph its strength and learning to use them to communicate how a place feels, rather than simply recording how it looks.
During this workshop, we'll explore Yosemite's iconic landscapes and often-overlooked details while developing a more intentional approach to seeing and photographing in black and white. From working with moving water and changing light to composition and post-processing, we'll explore the creative decisions that shape a finished photograph.
With only three participants, you'll receive personalized instruction throughout the workshop, including field guidance, image reviews, and post-processing discussions. Our schedule will remain flexible, allowing us to respond to changing conditions and spend time with the subjects that inspire us.
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
By making a payment for the photo tour, you agree that you have read and acknowledge the terms and conditions.
About the Workshop
This workshop is designed to be immersive, flexible, and intentionally small.
With only three participants, we'll have the freedom to respond to conditions, spend more time with a subject, and adjust our days around weather, light, and the opportunities we discover.
Our days will typically begin early, photographing Yosemite as the first light reaches its granite walls, waterfalls, and forests. Midday offers a chance to slow down, review photographs, discuss post-processing, and recharge before returning to the field.
Throughout the workshop, we'll explore both Yosemite's iconic landscapes and quieter scenes that are often overlooked. We'll focus on recognizing the elements that make a compelling black-and-white photograph, whether it's the movement of water, the relationship between light and shadow, or the shapes and textures found throughout the valley.
One of the advantages of this workshop is that we'll be staying right inside Yosemite Valley at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Rather than commuting into the park each morning, we'll already be close to the landscapes we're photographing. That gives us more freedom to respond when the weather changes, head out early, return for a break, or spend additional time working with a promising scene.
My goal is to create a relaxed, thoughtful experience where you have the time and support to develop your own photographic vision.
What You’ll Experience
Waterfalls & Moving Water
Yosemite's waterfalls and rivers offer wonderful opportunities to explore movement, texture, contrast, and shutter speed. We'll experiment with different interpretations of water, from revealing its energy to creating quieter, more abstract compositions.
Grand Landscapes & Quiet Details
Beyond Yosemite's iconic views, we'll search for smaller scenes and relationships within the landscape. Granite formations, trees, reflections, and natural patterns offer opportunities to create expressive black-and-white photographs.
Changing Light & Atmospheric Conditions
March can bring a remarkable variety of conditions to Yosemite, from lingering winter storms and fresh snow to mist, clearing skies, and early spring light. We'll explore how changing weather influences contrast, tonal separation, and atmosphere, learning to respond creatively to whatever conditions we encounter.
Personalized Instruction
With only three participants, there will be time for individual guidance in the field, thoughtful discussions, and image reviews tailored to your experience and creative goals.
Stay Inside Yosemite Valley
Four nights of private accommodations at Yosemite Valley Lodge are included in your workshop. Staying in the valley allows us to spend less time driving and more time photographing, with the flexibility to take breaks and return to the field as conditions change.
What You'll Learn
Learning to See in Black & White
Develop the ability to recognize photographs through light, contrast, shape, texture, and tonal relationships rather than relying on color. We'll discuss how to visualize the finished photograph while you're still in the field.
Composition & Simplification
Learn to identify what matters within a scene and remove distractions. We'll explore visual balance, negative space, framing, and the relationships between elements to create stronger, more intentional compositions.
Interpreting Water & Movement
Explore how shutter speed changes the way moving water is represented. We'll experiment with different exposures and discuss how technical choices can support the mood and intention of a photograph.
Light, Contrast & Tonal Relationships
Understand how different lighting conditions influence black-and-white photographs. We'll work with highlights, shadows, midtones, and tonal separation to create images with depth and visual impact.
Black & White Post-Processing
Take your photographs from RAW files to finished images using Lightroom and Photoshop. We'll discuss tonal adjustments, local contrast, dodging and burning, and how to guide the viewer's eye without overprocessing.
Throughout the workshop, the emphasis will be on making thoughtful creative decisions and developing photographs that reflect your own interpretation of Yosemite. My goal isn't for everyone to come home with the same photographs, but for each participant to leave with a stronger understanding of their own creative process.
Itinerary
Early Morning Photography
We'll head into the valley before or around sunrise, allowing us to take advantage of the changing light and atmosphere. Our destinations will depend on conditions and the photographic opportunities available.
Breakfast & Time to Recharge
After our morning session, we'll take a break for breakfast and some time to rest. Staying in Yosemite Valley makes it easy to return to our rooms without a long drive.
Midday Learning & Image Reviews
Midday provides an opportunity to review photographs, explore black-and-white processing techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop, discuss creative decisions, and reflect on the morning's work.
Afternoon Photography
We'll return to the field to explore new locations, work with different subjects, and respond to the afternoon's light and weather.
Evening Light & Optional Night Sessions
We'll close the day photographing evening conditions and, when opportunities arise, may venture out after dark to explore nighttime photography in Yosemite.
Our schedule will remain flexible throughout the workshop. Conditions, not a rigid itinerary, will guide how we spend our time.
What's Included
Four Nights at Yosemite Valley Lodge
Enjoy four nights of private accommodations at Yosemite Valley Lodge, located inside Yosemite National Park. Each participant will have their own room, providing a comfortable place to relax and recharge between photography sessions. No room sharing or additional single-occupancy fee is required.
Transportation Within Yosemite
Transportation during our photography outings is included, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than navigating roads and parking.
Personalized Photography Instruction
With a maximum of three participants, you'll receive individual guidance throughout the workshop. We'll work on composition, exposure, visualization, and creative decision-making, with particular attention to black-and-white photography.
Black & White Post-Processing
We'll spend time reviewing and developing photographs using Lightroom and Photoshop, exploring tonal adjustments, local contrast, dodging and burning, and other techniques that help bring your creative vision to life.
Image Reviews & Creative Discussions
We'll review photographs together, discuss what makes an image successful, and explore ways to strengthen your compositions and processing decisions.
A Flexible, Small-Group Experience
Rather than following a rigid shot list, we'll respond to the conditions and opportunities Yosemite presents, allowing more time for exploration and individual learning.
Not Included
Transportation to and from Yosemite, meals and snacks, personal photography equipment, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is designed for photographers who want to explore Yosemite while developing a more intentional approach to black-and-white photography.
You don't need to be an experienced black-and-white photographer to attend. Whether you're just beginning to explore monochrome or looking to refine an established style, instruction will be tailored to your experience.
This workshop may be a great fit if you:
Want to learn how to recognize and create stronger black-and-white photographs.
Enjoy exploring composition, light, texture, and atmosphere.
Are interested in both iconic landscapes and quieter, more intimate subjects.
Appreciate small-group learning and individualized instruction.
Are comfortable with early mornings, moderate walking, and changing weather.
Prefer a thoughtful, flexible photographic experience rather than rushing through a shot list.
This workshop may not be the best fit if you:
Want to photograph exclusively in color.
Prefer a fixed itinerary focused on checking off iconic locations.
Are looking for strenuous hiking or backcountry travel.
Prefer a large-group workshop environment.
Although our primary focus will be black-and-white photography, that doesn't mean we'll ignore color when a scene calls for it. I believe in responding to the landscape rather than forcing every photograph into a particular style. If we encounter a scene where color is an important part of the story, we'll embrace that opportunity.
By making a payment for the photo tour, you agree that you have read and acknowledge the terms and conditions.
Cancellation Policy
These workshops take significant time and resources to put together. Locations are scouted, accommodations are booked, and logistics are coordinated well in advance of the start date. Because of that investment, I have to protect my ability to deliver the experience I've promised to everyone in the group.
I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation; it's a small cost that protects you if something unexpected comes up.
Cancel 90 days or more from the start date: full refund minus the deposit
Cancel 31–89 days from the start date: 50% refund of your total registration fee
Cancel 30 days or less: no refund
I wish I could make exceptions, but I'm unable to. This is why I strongly encourage travel insurance. I personally use RedPoint but you are free to use any provider.
In the unlikely event that I have to cancel a workshop, you will receive a full refund or the option to apply your payment toward a future workshop.
FAQ’s
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We'll be staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge, located inside Yosemite National Park. Each participant will have their own private room for all four nights of the workshop.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in the valley is the flexibility it gives us. We can head out early, return for breaks or image reviews, and take advantage of changing conditions without having to commute into the park each day.
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Black-and-white photography will be the primary focus of this workshop, but that doesn't mean we'll ignore color when a scene calls for it.
I believe in responding to what the landscape gives us rather than forcing every photograph into a particular style. If we encounter a scene where color is an important part of the story, we'll absolutely explore that opportunity.
The goal is to develop a stronger understanding of black-and-white photography while remaining open to the creative possibilities Yosemite presents.
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Description texThis workshop is open to photographers of all experience levels. Whether you're looking to become more comfortable with your camera or refine your creative approach, instruction will be adapted to meet you where you are. We’ll discuss technique when needed, but the workshop is equally focused on observation, composition, light, and creating more intentional photographs.t goes here
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Not at all. This workshop welcomes photographers who are curious about black-and-white photography as well as those looking to refine their existing approach.
We'll explore how to recognize potential black-and-white photographs in the field, make creative decisions while shooting, and develop those images in post-processing. Instruction will be adapted to your experience and goals.
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This workshop is designed to be accessible to most photographers with a moderate level of fitness.
While we may spend long days exploring Yosemite and walking throughout the valley, there are no strenuous hikes planned. Expect moderate walking on uneven terrain and occasional walks of up to approximately two miles.
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No.
Once you arrive at the workshop lodging location, transportation within Yosemite National Park is included throughout the workshop. My goal is to remove as much logistical stress as possible so you can focus on photography and enjoying your experience.
Participants are responsible for their travel to and from Yosemite.
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Meals are not included.
This allows flexibility for dietary preferences and keeps the daily schedule adaptable based on conditions and photography opportunities. We'll build natural breaks into each day for meals and rest.
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Hopefully! Yosemite's moonbows are a fascinating phenomenon, and if the timing and conditions align, we may have an opportunity to photograph them.
However, moonbows depend on several factors, including waterfall flow, moonlight, weather, and timing. They're not a guaranteed part of the workshop, and our primary focus will remain on exploring Yosemite through black-and-white photography.
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Changing conditions are part of what makes Yosemite in March so exciting.
Rather than following a rigid itinerary, the workshop remains flexible so we can adapt to weather, light, and photographic opportunities as they develop. Storms, mist, changing skies, and fresh snow can often lead to some of the most memorable experiences and photographs.
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A detailed gear list will be provided before the workshop.
In general, a camera, tripod, wide-to-telephoto lenses, extra batteries, weather-appropriate clothing, and comfortable walking footwear are recommended.
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Most participants will find Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to be the most convenient option, though other airports may work depending on your travel plans.
Additional travel recommendations and arrival details will be provided after registration.
Permits and Insurance
I obtain all necessary permits from the National Park Service to operate photography workshops in Yosemite National Park. 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, a fine art black-and-white nature photographer based in Southern California, and I'll be your guide for this Yosemite workshop.
Yosemite is a place I've returned to again and again over the years. I love its immense granite walls and powerful waterfalls, but I'm equally drawn to the quieter moments: a stand of trees in changing light, reflections along the Merced River, or the way a storm transforms a familiar scene.
Black-and-white photography has become the foundation of my artistic work. I'm interested in how light, form, texture, and composition can communicate the feeling of a place, and I enjoy sharing that approach with other photographers.
My teaching combines technical instruction with creative exploration. I want you to understand your camera and editing tools, but more importantly, I want you to develop the confidence to make photographs that reflect how you see the world.
I'm Wilderness First Aid certified and a member of Nature First, and I believe responsible photography and respect for the places we visit are essential parts of the experience.
My goal is simple: to help you grow as a photographer while enjoying a few memorable days in one of my favorite places.
