THE BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
SEPTEMBER 19 - 24, 2027
The Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park of South Dakota provide an amazing variety of photographic opportunities in two distinct landscapes that are unlike any other western region! We’ll begin our photo adventure in the Black Hills with ponderosa pine forests and unique rock formations. Traveling the scenic, winding roads through the national forest, we will stop to capture reflections in Sylvan Lake, scenes of open meadows edged with forests, and images of the area’s impressive granite spires, the Needles. A highlight of our time in the Black Hills will be visiting Custer State Park with its free-roaming herd of bison and other wildlife such as pronghorn, elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep - and even wild burros!
After exploring the beauty of the Black Hills, we will head east to Badlands National Park. Its landscape is otherworldly with rolling ridges, pinnacles, and gullies. The sedimentary rock and ancient soil layers create bands of pastel yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples. There are endless possibilities for photographing abstract landscapes, sweeping vistas, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Join DJP to explore the incredible variety of habitats, geologic formations, wildlife, and photo opportunities among the contrasting and striking landscapes of the Black Hills and Badlands!
Overview
Our Workshop begins with a welcome orientation on Sunday, September 19 at 9:00am in Keystone, SD and concludes on Friday, September 24 at 6:00pm in Wall, SD.
Sunday-Tuesday | September 19 - 21 | Black Hills ~ Keystone, SD
Tuesday evening-Friday | September 21 - 24 | Badlands NP ~ Wall, SD
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 and constructive critiques of participants’ images. 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: Black Hills: Custer State Park, Wildlife Loop Road, the Needles, Sylvan Lake, Spearfish Canyon (Bridal Veil, Spearfish and Roughneck Falls), Limestone Plateau, Friendship Tower, Custer Peak Fire Lookout. Badlands NP: Pinnacles Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook, Door Windows Trail, Castle Trail, Cedar Pass, White River Overlook, 1880 Town, Cottonwood historic town.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Tuition by March 15, 2027: $2795 (represents a $100 discount!)
After March 15, 2027: $2895
Deposit: $600 due with Registration (after the Early Bird deadline, the deposit will be $700)
Balance: $2195 due June 21, 2027
Already registered, 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 for the workshop is in Keytone, South Dakota. DJP has a reservation block beginning the night of September 18 (so participants can be ready when the workshop begins at 9am, September 19) and departing September 21 (3 nights total). We’ll be based at the charming, family-run American Pines Cabins. Lodging options include single occupancy in one of 6 Amish constructed, two-bedroom cabins with kitchen/living area and bathroom at their “American Pines” location, or single occupancy in one of their larger multi-bedroom cabins at their “Creekside” property, which also have full kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. You can view the options on their website and room choices are based on a first-come, first-served basis. *Note: Room block will be released to the public on August 15, 2027, so please secure your room before this date.
For the second half of the workshop we’ll be located in Wall, South Dakota. A room block is reserved for DJP participants at the Best Western Plains Motel, beginning September 21 and departing September 25 (4 nights). The workshop ends at 6pm on September 24, so the lodging hold includes that night. Room rates are $174.99 +tax per night. *Note: Room block will be released to the public on August 15, 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 closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). Various car rental companies are available at the airport.
Doug Johnson Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets, hotel rooms in the event of a workshop cancellation. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Hiking up to 3 miles, marked paths and trails, which may be uneven.
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.
“The workshops are always fun due to Doug, but don’t fool yourself - you will work hard at your craft while at any of his workshops. All who attend are also serious about their photography regardless of their level of the work. The critiques are visually inspiring, and are always a learning experience. I’m planning on going again next year!”
PARK FEES
Participants are responsible for park entrance fees. Click the link to Badlands NP 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.
