Monument Valley 2009 Workshops Photos by Keith Skelton
THE HUNTER’S FULL MOON!
Join Keith Skelton on a four day workshop where you will photograph free standing sandstone rock forms that rise majestically 1,000 feet from the desert floor. We will teach you how to tap into your creativity so you may return home with many memorable photographs. The most spectacular photographs in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park are often taken from a half-hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise. This is when we will be shooting the majority of our photos.
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•Daily discussions about pre-visualization, seeing color, composition, exposure and techniques.
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•How to capture dramatic landscapes.
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•How to take advantage of natural light.
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•Digital camera techniques including raw and HDR.
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•Taking photos at night under the stars.
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•Time lapse photography
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•There will be a full moon rise at sunset for a dramatic views over the Valley.
This is a place to enjoy nature and culture on a grand scale. Click here to see previous workshops.
Keith Skelton is a professional photographer and educator with over 30 years of experience. He have an extensive background in landscape photography techniques and aesthetics. You will get individualized instruction and one-on-one attention. We will teach you how to capture the best images possible on either film or digital.
All levels of experience are welcome! Limited to 12 students.
DAY 1- After we meet on the evening in Mexican Hat, we will go out and do some shooting of the sunset at the valley overlook. We will stay out until dark and then eat dinner and discuss plans for the rest of the trip.
DAY 2 - This will be a full day. We will go back to the valley view at sunrise to photograph the the Mittens.. Both sunset and sunrise give unique views and light of the same place. Between 8 am and 9 am we will return for breakfast.
Later, we will drive to Goosenecks State Park to photograph the San Juan River that has cut out a canyon 1,500 feet deep. We will then head over to the Valley of the Gods just a few minutes away from Goosenecks. We will be driving a 17 mile loop on dirt roads stopping to photograph the monoliths and sunset light. After sunset we will head back to The San Juan Inn for dinner. http://go-utah.com/utah/mexican-hat/Mexican-hat.html We may try some night photography for those that are up to it.
The San Juan Inn at sunrise.
WHAT TO BRING
-Any cameras you think you might use use or need. This includes, film, digital, small compact, video, 4x5, etc. It is always good to have some sort of back up. I bring my small digital specifically for easy snapshots.
-Any and all lenses. You may or may not use them all, but it is better to safe. Bring your telephoto because they great for landscapes. Bring a older manual wide angle lens if you think it works with your digital. They are sometimes helpful for night photography especially if the have a large aperture. (f2, f2.8, etc.) Filters for the most part are not needed for digital except it is important to have a clear UV on your lens for protection. Many people like polarizing filters or "grad" filters. Bring some sort of camera bag or camera back pack for carrying equipment, water, and snacks.
-Accessories such as cable release, lens tissue, EXTRA batteries, battery chargers, camera manuals, film, EXTRA memory cards. You should have at least 20 GIG of memory. If conditions allow us to do night photography it is helpful to have some sort of cable release that will allow the shutter to stay open for at least 1 minute.
-A STURDY tripod for long exposures
WEATHER
The temperatures in October average between 72F and 38F. Good protection from sun is needed. Also jackets, sweatshirt, etc. for cool nights. Sturdy shoes or light boots are recommended. We will be walking and light hiking. Note that there will be climbing up and down wooden ladders at Natural Bridges.
5th Annual Monument Valley Photo Adventure - October 20-24, 2010
DAY 3 - We will leave in the morning, driving to Natural Bridges National Monument which is about 35 miles from Mexican Hat. Depending on exact timing we will also photograph the “House on Fire” Anasazi Ruins which is nearby. It involves walking a few miles. On the way back we will photograph the lookout from Muley Point Road if there is still light in the sky.
DAY 4 - We will photograph the Valley again at sunrise and then drive our personal cars into Monument Valley. This is where we will see some classic scenes such as "Totem Pole", "Rain God Mesa", and "John Ford's Point". This will be about a two hour drive on dirt roads.
DAY 5 - This day is open since most people will be traveling home. Depending on schedules
we will can photograph “Mexican Hat” rock at sunrise prior to breakfast and departure.
Note that this schedule will need to be flexible to take advantage of the best weather and light.
HOW TO GET TO MONUMENT VALLEY
Monument Valley, is a full day's drive from either Las Vegas or Phoenix. Flagstaff, Arizona and Durango, Colo., are closer, and have airports. A SUV is helpful, but not required. A drive from Los Angeles is 600 miles or 9-10 hours. Flagstaff is 196 miles to Mexican Hat and Durango, CO. is 164 miles to Mexican Hat, UT.
The San Juan Inn is located in Mexican Hat, Utah, 22 miles North of Monument Valley on the North side of the San Juan River just off of Highway 163.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Please try to get an advance reservation at The San Juan Inn, Mexican Hat UT. Call 800-447-2022. These rooms fill up fast so make your reservation early. It can always be cancelled later. The will be the center of activity will be at The San Juan Inn.
Other motels in Mexican Hat include The Hat Rock Inn, and the The Mexican Hat Lodge and Swinging Steak. These motels are within walking distance to The San Juan Inn.
MEALS
The groups usually eat together but it is not required. Many meals will be at The San Juan Inn just because it is close and there are not many other restaurants to choose from.
You will be responsible for all travel, rooms, and meal costs.
PRICE FOR THIS WORKSHOP: $499.00
Former students receive a $50.00 discount.
