ANZA-BORREGO DESERT, SALTON SEA
&
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
MARCH 14 - 19, 2027
Join us to explore the diverse and dramatic environments of California’s high desert: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Salton Sea. This photography adventure provides the unique opportunity to experience three of Southern California’s most compelling landscapes!
We will begin in Anza-Borrego, California’s largest state park, where we’ll photograph sculpted slot canyons, sweeping desert vistas, and the unique landscape along the Salton Sea. In Joshua Tree National Park, we will capture the park’s iconic twisted Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and the diverse textures of cacti and desert flora. We’ll immerse ourselves in the beautiful desert light and wide-open spaces to capture stunning photographs.
A highlight of the week will be our visit to the Salton Sea, a large “accidental” inland lake with a salinity that is currently 50% greater than that of the ocean! Here, we’ll explore haunting shoreline scenes, abandoned structures, surreal reflections, and unique, painted land art. Assuming the weather cooperates, we will also spend time strengthening our night photography skills under some of the clearest night skies in the state.
Experience the magic of California’s high desert with DJP and create extraordinary images in one of the West’s most visually striking environments!
Overview
Our Workshop begins with a welcome orientation on Sunday, March 14 at 7:00 pm in Anza-Borrego and concludes after our group slideshow on Friday, March 19 at 6:00 pm in Joshua Tree National Park.
March 14 - 16 | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
March 1 6 - 19 | Joshua Tree National Park
Each day will be packed with field sessions led by Doug at the best times for shooting, daily lectures to improve your photographic skills and visual seeing, constructive critiques of participants’ images, and open labs for individual assistance. Classroom sessions are tailored to each workshop and are based on participant interests and goals for the workshop. Additional topics are designed to enhance participants’ skills for the type of shooting the location emphasizes.
Location Highlights: Anza Borrego - Font's Point, Borrego Palm Canyon, Arroyo Tapiado, Galletta Meadows, Clark Dry Lake and Wind Caves. Salton Sea: Bombay Beach Drive In, Salvation Mountain, Salton Sea SP, Slab City. Joshua Tree - Keys View, Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Hidden Valley, Penguin Rock (juniper tree), Heart Rock, Barker Dam.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Tuition by January 10, 2027: $2595 (represents a $100 discount!)
After January 10, 2027: $2695
Deposit: $600 due with Registration (after the Early Bird deadline, the deposit will be $700)
Balance: $1995 due February 1, 2027
Already registered and need to make a final payment - Click Here
Workshop Details
LODGING
This workshop has two lodging locations. Participant information on making reservations is below.
Our first lodging location is the Borrego Springs Resort. There is a room block in place for 2 nights, arriving March 14 and departing March 16. The group room rate is $179 per night + tax. Please call (541) 517-9074 and use Doug Johnson Photography to receive this special rate. *Note: Room block will be released to the public on February 24, 2027, so please secure your room before this date.
The second location for this workshop is the Spark by Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree. There is a room block set up for participants for 3 nights starting on March 16 departing March 19. Rates are $174 per night + tax. When making your reservation tell them you are with the Doug Johnson Photography Group. *Note: Room block will be released to the public on February 23, 2027, so please secure your room before this date.
TRAVEL
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to/from the workshop and during the workshop.
The nearest airport for this workshop is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). You will find that several major car rental companies at the airports. For transportation to and from field shoots, we suggest that you carpool to get to know fellow students.
Doug Johnson Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets, or hotel rooms in the event of a workshop cancellation. We strongly recommend all participants consider the purchase of travel insurance.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Up to 2-3 miles of walking, paved and unpaved trails; some uneven rocky surfaces.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, participants are expected to be in good physical health. You must be able to carry your own photo gear, be prepared for variable weather (including sun and warm temperatures), and be able to walk in outdoor terrain that will likely involve uneven surfaces.
If you have any questions about the workshop conditions, please contact Doug before registering. While we make every effort to support participants, if we find that the activities are more demanding than your abilities allow, we may need to adjust your participation to ensure your well-being and the smooth flow of the workshop.
“One of the best things about Doug’s workshops is his encouragement to find your own style in landscape photography. He gently guides you, but doesn’t expect you to follow his ideas or suggestions. They are made in a way to help you think differently, look at landscapes with fresh eyes, look at the elegance of nature from a novel angle, and find your own distinct focus on the landscape in which you are shooting.”
PARK FEES
Participants are responsible for park entrance fees. Click the link to Anza Borrego State Park and Joshua Tree NP for information regarding fees and passes (depending on your travel schedule, an annual pass may be an economical option).
EQUIPMENT & ATTIRE
We want your experience on a Doug Johnson Photography workshop to be extraordinary and recognize that preparation is one important key to success. Specific guidelines will be sent to participants, but a general list of recommendations can be downloaded via our Gear & Packing List.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please visit FAQs about Location Workshops.
You can review our Cancellation Policy here.
We are always happy to talk with you about our workshops and what makes a good match for your goals. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Doug at 303-829-2215 or contact us via our online form.
