2024 Death Valley Photography Workshop
DATES: January 28-February 1, 2024
BEGINS: At 6:00 p.m. on January 28. Hotel check-in starts at 3:00 pm.
ENDS: About 9:30-10:00 am on February 1. Hotel checkout is 11:00 a.m.
COST: $2495/person
DEPOSIT: $500/person
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately strenuous. Best suited for active, sure-footed participants who are capable of hiking up to two-miles roundtrip on uneven, rocky or sandy uphill terrain while carrying their gear.
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 8 people (co-ed)
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Grab your camera and head to Death Valley National Park, where the landscape teams with life, movement, and visual inspiration to satisfy even the most discriminating landscape photographer. Feel alive with curiosity and adventure here!
In an learning-intensive, supportive, and small group setting, where pushing ourselves to try new things will be encouraged, attendees will learn more about how to:
Incorporate the creative process into your photography to make unique and meaningful images
Connect more deeply with Death Valley's grand and intimate landscapes through mindful observations
Tap into visualization, visual language/composition, and lighting techniques to create unique and emotional visual expressions
Technically translate what you know, see, and feel into an effective photograph using exposure controls, depth of field, filters, etc.
To put our learnings and skills to use in the field, we'll visit photogenic locations like Badwater Salt Flats, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Dante's View while exploring unnamed and lesser-known locations as well. Participants will get immediate feedback on their work in the field and during image critique sessions.
WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
Four (4) nights lodging, from Sunday, January 28 until Thursday, February 1 (double-occupancy; limited single occupancy available upon request for an additional $500--please request early by sending Colleen an email!)
Welcome dinner & drinks at Stovepipe Wells on January 28
Photography instruction (classroom, field, critiques) and handouts
Death Valley National Park CUA permit & park entrance fees
An invitation to join the closed "CMS Photography: Workshop Alumni Forum"
WORKSHOP EXCLUDES:
Airfare (closest airport is Las Vegas, NV)
Transportation to/from/during the workshop (carpooling will be encouraged due to permit restrictions)
Meals on January 29-February 1, 2023
Trip insurance
SOLD OUT
Please email Colleen for waitlist
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be provided in writing. Cancellations made:
At least 90 days prior to the workshop start date: A refund for the deposit paid, minus a $250 administrative fee, will be granted.
89-61 days prior to the workshop start date: A full refund, minus the $500 deposit paid, will be granted. If the vacated spot happens to fill prior to the workshop, then a full refund, including any balance paid and the deposit minus a $250 administrative fee, will be granted.
60 days or less prior to the workshop start date: No refunds will be issued. If the vacated spot happens to fill prior to the workshop, then a full refund, including any balance paid and the deposit minus a $250 administrative fee, will be granted.
Any requests to transfer a participants registration to another CMS Photography workshop will be treated as a cancellation. The above policy will dictate which monies, if any, shall transfer.
Although rare, CMS Photography reserves the right to cancel a workshop for any reason at our discretion. Should we decide to cancel a workshop, we will refund your registration fees in full.
Also, CMS Photography also reserves the right to modify a workshop itinerary based on local or federal restrictions beyond our control (e.g. COVID-19 restrictions, government shutdowns, closed sites). Should a registrant choose to cancel because of these changes, our standard cancellation policy outlined above applies.
There are no exceptions to these policies.
CMS Photography strongly encourages you to purchase trip insurance with a "Cancel for Any Reason" clause immediately after paying your deposit to protect yourself in the event of unexpected circumstances preventing you from attending our workshops. Consider contacting AAA, your credit cards, or other notable trip insurance companies for appropriate policies.
TESTIMONIAL FROM PAST ATTENDEES
“The number one criteria I look for in a photography workshop is the leaders ability to teach. I had experienced a couple of webinars with Colleen where she illustrated visual creativity. She has a beautiful gift to teach and to stretch a person’s ability to think out of their box. I also like that Colleen chooses shooting locations that are non-typical, offering a fresh perspective to create one’s own vision.” --Kaylyn F., 2022 Death Valley Sheographer
“Colleen’s workshops go beyond the technical and help me to explore the magic of what I’m seeing. Death Valley definitely offers beauty and challenges. Getting to a location is one thing but learning to experience it brings out the best in my photography." --Cathy P. , 2022 Death Valley Sheographer
“Colleen helps you become a better photographer by using all of your senses. You won’t just snap commonly known locations; you will document your experience and emotions.” --Kelly M., 2022 Death Valley Sheographer
"Death Valley was a delight to explore with Colleen. She is totally there for you throughout the workshop! I received far more than I expected; wonderful photographic opportunities, personal attention, technical assistance, and a sense of camaraderie and fun!" --Audrey P., 2020 Death Valley Sheographer
"Women only and Colleen as an inspiration-there's nothing better! We had a great time, were stretched, challenged and fulfilled. Death Valley provided the backdrop with its variety of scenery to top it all off." --Sue P., 2020 Death Valley Sheographer
"This is my third workshop with Colleen. Her workshops contain technical information that is carefully distilled to meet the varying needs of all the attendees. She has a no policy of, "no question is silly." This helps provide a nurturing and stimulating experience for all. Plus there was plenty of fun to be had on this trip! Thank you Colleen for once again exceeding my expectations and making me a better photographer!" --Kathleen F., 2019 Death Valley co-ed
"Colleen is a boundless bundle of energy encouraging even the most lethargic of us to stretch our limitations and, at times, burst through them." -- Ray L., 2019 Death Valley co-ed
"I really love that Colleen's workshops have a field part and a classroom/software/learning part in her workshops. As a result we have combined and complimentary learning experiences that enhance our improvement in both environments. She knows where the beautiful and unusual places are and the best time frame to photograph." --Emma B., 2019 Death Valley co-ed
"The Sheography workshop exceeded my expectations. Colleen is a fun, free spirited and a gifted teacher. She helps you not only take better photos but helps you write a story with each composition. She really helped us to connect with nature in a personal and unique approach. Highly recommend attending one of her workshops." --Ginny K., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"Sheography fills a unique niche for women who are interested in enhancing their photography skills and "eye" in a supportive environment -- while at the same time having a little adventure (ok, a lot of adventure) in some of the world's most beautiful places. Colleen's leadership, mentoring, knowledge and personality make these trips a wonderful learning experience!" --Mary G., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"From start to finish Colleen's workshops are fun, informative, creative, well planned yet flexible depending on the group and conditions of location. I always learn new and invigorating ideas, concepts and skills." --Kathy B., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"Colleen is excellent at balancing classroom and photo taking opportunities and she is totally focused on the participants & helping them improve their photography skills." --Polly B., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"I chose to attend Colleen's Sheography workshop mostly because of the location, the supportive environment of an all women's workshop I thought might be a bonus. What I didn't realize was how much I would be inspired by both the instructor and the other attendees!" --Donna D., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer
"Colleen fosters a wonderful community for the participants in her workshops. Then from there we all grow creatively and technically. WHAT A FABULOUS LOCATION and Colleen knew exactly where to go and when." -- Emma B., 2018 Death Valley Sheographer