If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your own professional-quality photos of your outdoor adventures, this is your chance. The Golden Light in the Mighty 5 Photo Adventure is designed for both budding amateurs and experienced photographers looking to enhance their skills.
During this six-night trip, you’ll have a chance to learn how to use your camera to its full advantage. You’ll develop new techniques and then get the chance to put your skills to work, taking stunning photographs of some of Utah’s most incredible natural landmarks. No matter your experience level, this comprehensive course, led by a professional photographer, will take you through the process of capturing the perfect shot, from planning the picture ahead of time to polishing it in the digital darkroom.
The Tour Itinerary
Your tour begins at the Salt Lake City Airport, where a luxury 15-passenger coach will be waiting to transfer you to Salt Lake City. For your first night, you’ll be staying at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, a modern 4-star property located in the heart of the city.
There, you’ll enjoy a welcome reception over dinner at the Blue Iguana Salt Lake City and get to know the other guests and your instructors. After dinner, we’ll head to a conference room at the Hilton to discuss the trip’s itinerary, gauge your experience level, and start covering the basics of exposure and using your camera’s settings.
Day One
From there, the real adventure takes off. On your first full day, we’ll road trip to Canyonlands National Park, taking full advantage of the ride with some more lessons on exposure and camera modes along the way. You’ll even get a chance to start using your skills with a visit to the famous Mesa Arch and a sunset shoot in Arches National Park. Finish the day with your first lesson on astrophotography as the daylight starts to fade.
Day Two
The second full day starts with a sunrise visit to Mesa Arch before you continue on to Capitol Reef National Park by way of the scenic highway 24, with more lessons during your ride. You’ll also get another chance to try some astrophotography in the certified Dark Sky Park.
Day Three
Day three begins with some photography lessons, followed by a visit to Grand Staircase Escalante on your way to Boulder, Utah for lunch. Then, it’s back in the van for another lesson before a sunset session in Bryce Canyon National Park. After dinner and sundown, you’ll enjoy your first group editing session. As a group, you’ll talk about your favorite shots so far, and give each other some constructive feedback.
Day Four
Because you’ll be staying in the park, the next day begins with a short walk outside of your door for an incredible sunrise session in Bryce Canyon. After breakfast, you’ll continue to your final national park, Zion. You’ll enjoy lunch outside the park and some free-time. Then your group will set out on a hike to get an even better view of the sun setting over ZIon canyon. You’ll spend the evening preparing for your special last day.
Day Five
Depending on when you take your tour, your final full day will either be a trip through Zion Narrows or to Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. Either site will let you put your new photography skills to work and take home some images you’ll treasure forever.
Day Six
On day 6, we’ll have one last group feedback session before transferring to St. George Regional Airport or McCarren International Airport.
Meet Our Professional Photographers
During your tour, you’ll be led by two professional photographers; Charlie Kessner and Rachel Ross.
Rachel is a photographer and filmmaker based in Salt Lake City, Utah. An avid rock climber, canyoneer, runner, painter, and biker, her passion for the outdoors and her photography skills have taken her around the world, including trips with National Geographic to India and first-ascent climbing trips in a remote corner of China. She has taught landscape photography at Zion National Park and has led tours of slot canyons throughout the Southwest.
Charlie Kessner is a photographer and videographer based in St. George, Utah. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, Charlie developed a love of the outdoors at an early age. He has since traveled the world, shooting video and taking photos across the Southwest as well as in Central and South America. He came to St. George in 2012 to work in wilderness therapy, where he continues his photography career while also enjoying climbing, canyoneering, music, and plenty of coffee.
Luxurious Accommodations and Fine Dining
While this tour will take you to some of Utah’s most stunning and scenic natural sights, you’ll still enjoy luxurious accommodations each night and three delicious meals a day. After your first night at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center, your next stop is the brand-new, ultra-modern, four-star Hoodoo Moab.
After a day at Capitol Reef, your group will enjoy a stay at the unique Cougar Ridge Lodge. Take a soak in the jacuzzi or take in the stunning skies surrounding this scenic destination. To make your sunrise shoot even easier, your next night will be spent at Bruce Canyon Lodge, located inside the park.
Your final two nights will be spent at the beautiful Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens. Located on the banks of the Virgin River, this stunning resort offers views of Zion’s red rock cliffs.
During your tour, you’ll dine at some of the region’s finest dining establishments. From the famous Hell’s Backbone Grill to the delicious Rosita’s Santa Fe Kitchen, there’s something to look forward to at every meal.
What’s Included?
The Golden Light in the Mighty 5 Photo Adventure starts at just $6,495, with your tour fee covering nearly everything you’ll need for the trip of a lifetime.
These expenses are covered by your tour fee:
- Transportation from Salt Lake City Airport and to St. George Regional Airport or to the St. George Shuttle to Las Vegas International Airport
- All transportation during your tour
- 6 nights in luxurious 4-star lodging locations
- A welcome meal and closing meal, as well as 2 full meals a day at fine-dining restaurants
- Snacks during your trip
- More than 15 hours of hands-on classroom time from a professional photographer
- Access to your photography instructor around the clock for questions
- More than 20 hours of hands-on experience in the field with your professional photography instructor, including 5 sunset shoots, 2 sunrise shoots, at least one astrophotography shoot, and 1 photo tour of either Antelope Slot Canyon or Zion Narrows
- 3 professional feedback sessions and informal feedback sessions each day
- Entrance fees for all 5 Utah National Parks
- A 6-month subscription to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop or Skylum Suite
- 1 large professional print of your favorite photo from the trip.
The only additional expenses that guests are responsible for are airfare, transportation from St. George or Las Vegas to Salt Lake City at the start of your trip, and instructor gratuities.
Book Your Spot on One of our Golden Light in the Mighty 5 Photo Adventure
New to photography? Or looking to enhance your skills? The Golden Light in the Mighty 5 Photo Adventure is the ultimate getaway. Book today to guarantee your spot and start taking your own professional-quality photos of your vacations and outdoor adventures.
