DESERT SPRING:
ARCHES & CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARKS
APRIL 4 - 8, 2027
Arches and Canyonlands embody the most stunning red rock wilderness landscapes on earth. Spend a week photographing spectacular locations in these two national parks in southeastern Utah.
Throughout Arches National Park, astonishing sandstone formations punctuate the skyline, from the iconic Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock to the spectacular Windows Arches. There are over 2000 arches in the park and we will explore all the famous ones in the sweetest light.
Based in the adventure town of Moab, we’ll be in a great location to also explore Canyonlands National Park. This area offers unparalleled panoramic scenes of canyons, buttes and mesas in a landscape sculpted by the Green and Colorado Rivers. We will capture the unique beauty of rock formations, warm desert colors, and impressive vistas, including the views at Dead Horse State Park. We’ll also enjoy photographing the area’s dark skies as Doug covers how to effectively capture and process starlight and Milky Way images.
Join DJP for photographic adventure and learning in the iconic national treasures of Arches and Canyonlands!
Overview
Our Workshop begins with a welcome orientation on Sunday, April 4 at 7:00 pm and concludes after our group slideshow on Thursday, April 8 at 12:00 pm.
Each day will include field sessions led by Doug at the best times for shooting, daily lectures to improve your photographic skills, and constructive critiques of your images. Classroom sessions are tailored to each workshop and are based on participants’ interests and goals for the workshop. Additional topics are designed to enhance participants’ skills for the type of shooting the location emphasizes.
Location Highlights: Broken Arch, Landscape Arch, Corona Arch, Delicate Arch, and Window Area, Park Avenue, Dead Horse State Park, Green River Overlook (CNP).
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
Our workshop lodging location will be the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab. A room block has been arranged for our group; checking in on April 4 and checking out on April 8, 2027 (4 nights). Room rates are $279/night +tax per night. Please reference Doug Johnson Photography to receive the special group rate. *Note: Room block will be released to the public on February 24, 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 airports for this workshop is Grand Junction Airport (GJT) - 113 miles. Participants might also consider flying into Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - 234 miles. You will find several major car rental companies have office locations on-site at the airport. 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. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Walking up to 3 miles on sandy, sometimes rocky, trails. Elevation: ~4000ft - 5500ft.
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 and some inclines.
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.
“Doug’s workshops are always a great time to learn more about photography (regardless of skill level), receive helpful, constructive critiques, and enjoy the camaraderie of a smart, fun, and helpful group of photographers. The mix of repeat photographers and new participants is a testimony to Doug’s skill and personality. ”
PARK FEES
Participants are responsible for park entrance fees. Click the link to Arches and Canyonlands for information regarding fees and passes (depending on your travel schedule, an annual NPS 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.

