Arches-area workshop recommendations

Hi all,

I'm seriously considering doing a workshop in the Arches NP area. I know many such workshops include other areas as well. The problem is that searches find several options. The Nat Geo one is too expensive. My budget is probably around $2000 maximum (which seems to be more than enough based on searches).

Any recommendations of particularly good ones? What should I be asking myself in order to narrow down the search?

thanks.

I don't have personal experience with any specific workshops in the area. However, I've spent a great deal of time there. Outstanding locations include Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Dead Horse Point SP, and a vast array of other public lands in the red rock country. A little further afield will get you Goblin Valley SP and quite a few other places. The challenge in Arches is the extreme crowding they are seeing even in what used to be the slow season. It may be that an organized group will have arranged access, but that is something you will want to confirm before putting up your money. I would check with some of the local photography stores to see if they can make a recommendation. You can also check this <LINK>. Or, come alone or with friend and make it happen on your own. I'm not convinced a knowledgeable practitioner will benefit enormously from a guided tour. A tour will be constrained or defined by the level of strenuous hiking the members are able or willing to do. Many of the best photo opportunities in Arches and Canyonlands come after a fair walk. Others are available at roadside, but shared with the hoards of tourists. Taking yourself will give you the flexibility to set your own dates to avoid the crowds, and choose the level of physical effort you want to invest. Many of the most amazing images happen only by either detailed pre-planning (such as to get the moon in the right place relative to a geologic feature), or by happenstance requiring flexibility and responsiveness.

For example, this image was the result of seeing a brief glimpse of a possibility from the road, but then having to drive several miles in order to find a safe place to turn around and come back to the spot:

An organized tour may or may not be flexible enough to adapt to such opportunities. Good luck. I hope you find what you are looking for and have a ton of fun doing it.