Utah and Arizona: Best of the Western US

The desert landscapes of Utah and Arizona are packed with iconic photographic opportunities. Amongst them are mesas, hoodoos, arches, slot canyons, sand dunes, balanced rocks and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon itself. All these features result from geological uplift of the Colorado Plateau over millions of years and the resulting patterns of erosion.

Photographing these natural wonders requires an understanding of light in desert environments and local knowledge to be in the right place when light is at its best. This tour is a great way to see and photograph America's vast landscapes with professional photographer Robert Harvey. Organised to maximise photo opportunities, Robert will be on hand to assist in getting the best images possible of this fabulously photogenic destination. Walk among the red rock hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, capture the sunrise over the iconic formations in Arches National Park and discover the sweeping views across one of the world's greatest natural wonders - the Grand Canyon. Also organised within the trip are various opportunities for astrophotography, with a chance to capture the magical night sky over these remarkable national parks. We've planned this trip over the moon phases, so the low light in Bryce and Arches National Parks will give us the best possible chance of seeing the milky way stretching across the sky.

Our tour leader will guide you to take your landscape and astrophotography to the next level, as well as enhancing your understanding of these remarkable desert landscapes.

Highlights

• Photograph six spectacular National Parks and two iconic Navajo Tribal Parks
• Includes many lesser-known locations “off the beaten track”
• Sunset visits to Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock and The Watchman to make the best use of light for photography
• Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, Mesa Arch, North Window, Devil’s Garden, Bryce Canyon and Towers of the Virgin
• Experience the wonderful potential of reflected light in Antelope Canyon
• Photograph the stars and Milky Way in the dark skies and striking foregrounds of Monument Valley and Arches National Park
• Led by expert landscape photographer Robert Harvey

This is a specialist photography holiday, aimed at the keen amateur photographer, focusing on remarkable desert landscapes and night skies of the American South-West. Meal times will be fitted around the best photographic opportunities, which will often involve early starts to the day and occasional late finishes. Our leader will provide detailed guidance on shooting positions and image capture based on many years’ experience of these destinations, including astrophotography, working with reflected light and high dynamic range. This programme will ensure excellent opportunities for participants to improve their photographic skills and return home with outstanding images of these exceptional landscapes, by both day and night.

Group size: Maximum of 12 participants (two leaders).

Recommended photographic equipment:

• Camera - A DSLR or mirrorless camera is recommended. Alternatively any camera that allows you some manual control (aperture priority, shutter priority etc) would be suitable for this trip.
• Lenses - A selection ranging from wide angle to short telephoto would be recommended. A fast lens for astrophotography would also be useful.
• Tripod - A tripod is essential, particularly for shooting in low light
• Remote cable release (if you own one. The timer on your camera can also fulfil this function)
• Manual for your camera
• Neutral density and polarising filters (optional)
• Spare memory cards
• Charger
• Spare battery