MONSOONS & THE GRAND CANYON PHOTO WORKSHOP - AUGUST 7-13, 2024
Monsoons & the Grand Canyon Workshop
Rob Strain is a licensed Grand Canyon Guide who lives in Prescott, Arizona. This allows him to make frequent trips to the Grand Canyon during the all seasons. He has photographed from every prominent point at the Grand Canyon and many unknown locations. In addition to this workshop he offers private custom workshops of 1-5 days for individuals and small groups.
DATES & COST:
August 7-13, 2024;
(Preliminary 2025 dates, Aug 6-12)
With shared room lodging $3195
With full individual room lodging $3595
Non-photo participant, shared room $2500
Camping (all or partial) $2700-3200 depending on number of nights camping (call me!)
Summary: We will be photographing from both the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon plus one or two prime locations between east of the Grand Canyon. A major emphasis will be placed on capturing monsoon weather, including huge anvil cloud formations, storms within the canyon and lightning. Of course, this all depends on the weather, but we have selected the most dependable part of the monsoon season. And there are plenty of alternatives for us on days the weather does not fully cooperate.
Here are some things you can expect:
We will frequently be on the move to catch the best weather phenomena as it highlights prominent canyon features and creates drama for your images.
You will learn how to properly frame your images, including taking advantage of longer lenses to isolate features under the most amazing light.
You will learn multiple techniques for capturing lightning and when to use each technique.
My job will to be sure you have the most successful, fun trip with great photography results. My job is not to take lots of pictures for myself but to help you get your shots. You can waste a lot of time hunting for these good locations during this busy season at the Grand Canyon. My job is to get you to productive locations at the right time.
We will work on improving your style so it is gallery level. Okay, if it's already there, we will use it as an example for other participants.
You will learn post processing techniques that will get the most from your images. We will pay particular attention to creating depth to your images that will make viewers want to linger as if they were on the edge of the rim themselves. We will review some of your favorite captures to make sure you are successful. If your images are out of focus, we will fix the problem on the first day, not the last day!
This workshop offers more bang for your buck and likely more fun than any other workshop at that features the Grand Canyon. To discover more about what to expect, be sure to look at some of the images below (in my style, not necessarily yours).
Our Schedule
Day 1, Aug 7
We meet in Flagstaff to carpool to Page, or you can meet us in Page if you prefer to drive directly there. We will spend our first night in Page. After an early dinner we will the catch sunset at Horseshoe Bend. Afterwards, we will have a brief image review and instructions for our shoot the next morning.
Day 2, Aug 8
If there are clouds, we may return to Horseshoe Bend or shoot another nearby location that will be enhanced by the sky at sunrise. If the weather is clear, we will stick around Page for a morning shoot at Lower Antelope Canyon where you will learn the best techniques for how to capture stellar slot canyon shots without the use of a tripod. If the slot canyon is closed due to rains, we will head out right away to the North Rim. If it is clear, we may stick around to shoot a second slot canyon. Once we reach the North Rim we will check into our lodging and shoot from Bright Angel Point in the evening. Clear weather on either night we are at the North Rim will provide interested photographers with an opportunity to capture the Milky Way over the canyon.
Day 3, Aug 9
We start early at Cape Royal, we return to the lodge for morning and afternoon instructional sessions. After an early dinner we will pick the best point for the late afternoon and sunset shoot.
Day 4, Aug 10.
We shoot sunrise back at Bright Angel Point before breakfast. Then we have a short session before heading to the South Rim. Along the way we will stop at Cameron Trading Post for a hearty lunch. We will stop at Desert View on our way to Grand Canyon Village. We will check into our accommodations in nearby Tusayan for the next three nights. This will be an early night unless there is lightning in and around the canyon.
Day 5, Aug 11
We start the day with a sunrise shoot at a promising location. After a slightly late breakfast you will have time to work on images. Our afternoon post-processing session is likely to begin around 1 pm, but this can change as we will be constantly watching the weather. We pick the best locations for our late afternoon and sunset shoots. This may mean taking the shuttle bus.
Day 6, Aug 12
Those who have energy left may choose to go out on an early shoot. Otherwise we will repeat the schedule from the previous day with personal processing time and an early afternoon post-processing session. We will have a late celebratory dinner at El Tovar Lodge.
Day 7, Aug 13
You may take the shuttle bus to shoot sunrise on your own. We will have breakfast around 9 am before heading back home or to your next destination.
TransportationÂ
For those traveling from out of state we will meet at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). There are currently direct flights to Flagstaff from the following cities:
- Phoenix.
- Portland, OR.
- Indianapolis.
- Orange County.
- Atlanta.
- Dallas.
- Chicago.
- Louisville
- Denver
- Cinncinatti
- Richmond, VA
Flights from these cities may not be every day of the week. Please check schedules. A good alternative is to fly to and from Phoenix and take the Groome Transportation shuttle to FLG. This is about a 2.5 hour trip for about $80.
There is also a shuttle from Grand Canyon Airport to FLG if you wish to stay over with your own lodging reservations after our workshop. The Grand Canyon busses do a good job of getting us around to many areas of the park.
My preferred number of participants is four. Reservations will close once four participants have registered. We will carpool to locations, dependent on the number of you who want to drive. Carpool drivers (up to two) will be reimbursed at mileage allowance of $.65 per mile from our pickup location until the end of the workshop.
If the skies are clear, you will enjoy creating fantastic "hand held" images in a slot canyon. The images below were all made handheld.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Reimbursement for carpool drivers (up to two).
All lodging for six nights
All meals plus ample snacks and water
Park entry and tour fees and any tips if we use a slot canyon guide
Five full days of on location and post processing instruction
Not included
Individual travel to the pickup and drop off location.
Alcoholic beverages
Any campsite reservations or fees if you choose to camp
Note that I do not accept tips, but I do accept testimonials.
Other Details
Fitness Level
Most of our photography will involve walks of no more than a couple hundred yards. There could be opportunities to walk further, however. The walk from the parking lot to the rim at Horseshoe Bend is 1.4 miles round trip on a gradual slope. If we are able to get into one of the slot canyon, there can be a number of steep steps that could be difficult on bad knees. If you have physical limitations, please contact me so we can discuss alternative.
Elevation
The South Rim is around 7000' in elevation whereas the North Rim is anywhere from 8000-8800' in elevation. This means the North Rim is usually about 3-5 degrees cooler than the South Rim. Page is at 4100'.
Weather
The average August high daytime temperature is 92° F and nighttime 65° F. Page can get up to 105° at this time of year. Slot canyons remain relatively cool, but we will have plenty of water for you.
General Equipment Recommendations
Waterproof rain jacket (should shed water)
Several possible under layers - long sleeved shirt, sweaters, sweatshirt
Umbrella
Sunscreen
Bug repellent (not much of an issue at GC; flies may be annoying around Page)
Trekking poles if you have physical limitations
Comfortable hiking or walking shoes - sticky soles recommended
Photography Gear
SLR, DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Tripod (able to extend to 5' or higher recommended)
Wired remote release
Lightning trigger (Lightning Bug+ or Lightning Trigger by Stepping Stones preferred)
Circular Polarizer
ND Filters (3 or 4, 6, 10) if possible
Batteries and charger
Laptop Computer with Lightroom & Photoshop, On1 or Capture 1
Cables
A deposit is required to hold your spot. You will be billed for the balance 90 days prior to the start of the workshop. Final payment in required 60 days prior to the workshop. Cancellations prior to 90 days are fully refundable. Cancellations 61 to 90 days prior to the workshop are 75% refundable. Deposits 31 to 60 days prior to the workshop are not refundable unless your position if filled, in which case the deposit is 75% refundable.
Please make a deposit for each person below. Then complete as much of the Photographer's Pre-Session Form as applies to the workshop.
MONSOONS & THE GRAND CANYON DEPOSIT 2024
6 -day workshop as described on website. Please indicate with your deposit whether this is for single or shared lodging and whether this is for a participant or a non-participant.
MONSOONS & THE GRAND CANYON DEPOSIT 2025
6 -day workshop as described on website. Please indicate with your deposit whether this is for single or shared lodging and whether this is for a participant or a non-participant.
Grand Canyon Photo Workshop Permit GRCA-2024-061
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