
UTAH’S HEAVENLY HOODOOS 2026
June 8-12 (Monday–Friday)
Discover a land carved by time and lit by the stars in
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon
on this Five Day Landscape and Milky Way Photography Workshop Adventure
(Small Group – Five Students)
In June 2026, we’ll explore Bryce Canyon’s glorious amphitheaters and Grand Staircase’s hoodoo gardens, crafting stunning images by day and nightscape under starry skies. This workshop offers a fresh look at the Southwest’s sculpted wonders — from spectacular sunrises to Milky Way marvels.
Bring your creativity, and let’s capture landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth.
FEATURES OF THIS TRIP
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase is a series of five “steps” rising about 5,500 feet across the southwestern part of the monument; each step encompasses a different coloured expanse of cliffs and a different biome, ranging from nearly barren desert to evergreen forest. The arid Kaiparowits Plateau rises above the surrounding land in the center of the monument and contains prehistoric artifacts, petrified wood, and fossils. In the northeast, the Escalante River has cut deep into the sandstone over many millennia to create a tangle of interconnected, sometimes quite narrow, steep-sided canyons. Wildlife includes black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, mule deer, elk, kangaroo rats, bighorn sheep, a variety of snakes and lizards, and nearly 300 species of birds. Various habitats support a range of plants from coniferous and deciduous trees to cactus and yucca.
By Benjamin Crandall (Student)
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is a national park located in the state of Utah, covering 35,835 acres, with stunning vistas, unique geological formations, and diverse plant and animal life. A main attraction of Bryce Canyon are its towering red rock spires and pinnacles known as “hoodoos,” along with a variety of other geological formations.
The early historical record of Bryce Canyon involves its early origins. Three native peoples are known to have inhabited the area: the Anasazi, the Fremont, and the Paiute. However, due to its harsh winters, the Anasazi and Fremont were unlikely to have taken up permanent residence. The Paiute Indians, however, did occupy the area of Bryce Canyon starting around 1200 A.D.
Bryce Canyon got its name from early Mormon pioneers who tended sheep and cows in the area long before it became a national park. Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon pioneer, homesteaded in the area in 1874, where he and his family settled and helped build the first church in the area near Bryce Canyon in 1875. He also constructed a logging road in the Bryce Amphitheater.
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Allow Me to Introduce Myself
It is my privilege to share with you my knowledge of photography, which was instilled during my childhood by my late father and mentor, Lowell Anson Kenyon, Chief of the Office of Photography for the Smithsonian Institution.
My style is upbeat, and enthusiastic, and l provide a positive learning environment that nurtures your art, and grounds you in best practices through personalized instruction. My tips and time-tested techniques will help you pursue your brand of photography with greater purpose and with more intentional creativity.
I hope to share with you my passion, not only for capturing compelling photographs, but also for allowing yourself to be “captured” by the beauty and awe of this place – to connect with nature, and appreciate the relevance of our great western treasures.
These workshops are adventurous, and you will enjoy maximum time in the field.
There is no arguing that golden hour light is wonderful, but you will also learn how to maximize any lighting scenario, simply because we don’t always have the luxury of creating images in golden hour, or under perfect light for that matter. You will also be encouraged to use all of your lenses, whether that be a macro for Autumn still life compositions, or a telephoto to capture intimate landscape details otherwise far from view. Remember, you can always rent lenses if you don’t already own them.
To ensure you receive a well-rounded educational experience, following this workshop, I provide you with two-hours of HD video content from my Digital Darkroom series. The series is suitable for all skill levels in post processing, and use both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. If you are uncomfortable with Photoshop, please know there will be content processed solely in Lightroom.
So join me on this amazing trip, where filling you with memories is as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images.
Trip Overview
From the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the sweeping rock gardens, and arches of Grand Staircase-Escalante, this workshop offers a deep dive into the timeless beauty of Utah’s high desert.
Each day brings new opportunities to chase soft sunrise light, intricate rock formations, and epic nightscapes under clear Southwest skies. Whether you’re capturing golden hour among stone cathedrals or composing the Milky Way over desert cliffs, this adventure will sharpen your skills and ignite your inspiration.
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WORKSHOP SNAPSHOT
DATES: June 8-12, 2026 (Monday–Friday); five days under dark skies
PRICE PER PERSON: $2,995 (Includes all lodging) Deposit of $1,495 to hold your place, with final payment due approximately 120 days prior to the trip.
GROUP SIZE: Limit 5 Students
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL: Beginner-Advanced
TERRAIN: Sandy and rocky terrain, generally flat. All locations will be accessed by paved and dirt roads
ALTITUDE: Escalante: 5,820’ Bryce Canyon: 9,000’
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate activity with treks approximately two miles round trip on sandy/rocky gently sloping terrain
CLIMATE: • Escalante:Highs 87°F; Lows 50°F • Bryce: Highs 75º; Lows 45º — Dress in layers
AIRPORT(S): Salt Lake City, Escalante Municipal
NEAREST TOWN(S): Escalante, UT, Tropic, UT
VEHICLE: All locations are accessible by sedan
ACCOMMODATIONS: Your reservation awaits you at the Cowboy Country Inn, Escalante, UT, and at the Bryce Canyon Resort near the entrance to Bryce Canyon N.P. (see details below)
ITINERARY SNAPSHOTTRIP VITALS: Monday, June 8, we meet at 2:00 p.m. at TBD, Bryce Canyon National Park. We shoot a Milky Way panorama over the spectacular amphitheater, and enjoy beautiful locations throughout the park during our two day adventure. Plan to check out of our hotel in Bryce on June 10, when we leave to head to Escalante, Utah. For our remaining two days, we will explore one of my all time favorite spots, Devil’s Garden. We wrap things up over breakfast, and say our goodbyes.
SHOOTING SCHEDULE: We will shoot the Milky Way each and every night, and plan to capture Bryce amphitheater sunrise. Be sure to dress for the temps, and bring snacks, and beverages. Bryce can be in the 30°s at night even in June! A detailed itinerary will be emailed approximately 30 days prior to the trip.
LODGING: Your room for June 8-10 (two nights) is reserved at the Bryce Canyon Resort near the entrance to Bryce Canyon N.P. Reservations for June 10-12 (two nights) are at the Cowboy Country Inn, Escalante, UT. Reference Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.
ASTRONOMICAL SNAPSHOT (approximate)MORNING
Blue Hour: 5:35 a.m. - 5:48 a.m.
Golden Hour: 5:48 a.m. - 6:45 a.m.
Sunrise: 6:06 a.m.EVENING
Golden Hour: 8:13 p.m. - 9:12 p.m.
Sunset: 8:53 p.m.
Blue Hour: 9:12 p.m. - 9:24 p.m.
Milky Way: 10:48 p.m. - 4:12 a.m.
UTAH’S HEAVENLY HOODOOS 2026
June 8-12 (Monday–Friday)
Five Day Landscape and Milky Way Photography Workshop
(Small Group – Five Students)
$2,995 Lodging Included
FAQ
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This Workshop Includes
I love sharing my knowledge of photography, and I trust these amazing places will inspire you. So come and enjoy an exciting, educational, and fun western adventure, all the while knowing that I am there to guide you through each photographic opportunity.
PLEASE NOTE:We will schedule apre-trip Zoom meeting approximately 30 days prior to the workshop start date
Workshop Instruction to IncludeI will guide you through my workflow in the field, the art of approaching the scene, compositional techniques, scouting and strategy, and some creative philosophy to help you elevate your photography to new heights. From scouting and planning using my recommended phone apps, to my complete Milky Way workflow in the field, you will come away equipped with the knowledge, creative insight, and practical applications to achieve your goals.
Instructional Nightscape Guide
You will receive, via email, my “Capture the Night” guide to nightscape photography (PDF). This guide will review camera setup and settings that optimize your photography for both daytime and night photography.
Digital Darkroom InstructionAt no additional charge, each workshop includes a two-hour post processing Zoom session for the group in approximately two to three weeks following the trip. All attendees are encouraged to attend, as we will go through my Milky Way blue-hour-blend workflow. Every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule when we schedule our session. Should you be unable to attend, you will receive an email with the link to an HD video download of the session.
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What to Bring
GEAR
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with a wide aperture (i.e., f/2.8 or wider) lens.
Lenses: Wide angle: 14-24mm, Mid-range: 24-70mm, Telephoto: 70-200mm, 80-400mm, etc.(as noted in full frame focal lengths)
Solid tripod and head
Wired shutter release or wireless remote release, for long bulb-mode exposures (if camera is not equipped)
Extra batteries for everything that takes batteries. You’ll thank me.
Extra memory cards, so you don’t miss a single shot
Lens cleaner/blower to save you from dust gremlins
Circular Polarizer (if you only have one filter in your bag, this is it)
3-stop or variable neutral density (nice to have, but not required)
Laptop, or other system to backup your images each day
PERSONAL
Headlamp (did I say bring extra batteries?)
Camera bag + rainfly (yes, even in the desert)
Bring layered, warm, breathable, clothing, including a waterproof shell
Comfortable supportive footwear, wicking socks (wool or synthetic) (keep your feet happy)
Dress for the temps. Layers are recommended. Always check the local forecast as it varies.
Bring snacks and stay hydrated (hydration especially important at altitude)
Consider hand warmers for those early morning shoots, plus warm gloves or fingerless mittens
Trekking poles (better safe than sorry)
Bug repellant (highly recommend Picaridin by Sawyer for the local DEET-resistant night gnats)
Sun Glasses, hat, handkerchief (Desert sand especially hard on the eyes, handkerchief for dusty wind)
Toiletries
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This Workshop Does Not Include
No ground transportation, or transportation to or from the workshop.
No food/beverages will be provided
There is no insurance provided to cover your travel, trip, your gear, or your vehicle. (Trip insurance is recommended)
No camera gear is provided
There may be little or no cellphone coverage in the workshop locations
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Requirements
You are responsible for knowing your way around your camera and its menu system. My time with each of you will be spent learning to capture great images. Please do not burden others, and get less out of this event yourself – know and practice your camera, especially if you will be using any new gear on this trip.
Ability to shoot in a variety of weather and environmental conditions from bright sun to summer storms and at elevations ranging from near sea level to over 10,000 feet in elevation, depending on the workshop.
The ability to hike one to two miles per day over uneven, hilly, and at times rough terrain, however, most locations do not involve much hiking at all.
The ability to remain flexible to make the most out of the often changing environmental conditions.
The ability to work well with others in a group setting.
Our group must stay together. Please do not wander off without telling me of your where abouts. We will be in areas with potential hazards that include exposed cliffs, unstable terrain, and wildlife.
You are responsible for knowing and following all park or jurisdictional rules. Leave No Trace. Let’s leave it better than it was! Thank you!
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PLEASE NOTE: All deposits/payments received are non-refundable. Should you cancel your trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund (minus a $250 cancellation fee), provided your spot can be filled before the workshop begins. However, there is no guarantee that your spot will be filled. If you are not eligible for a refund, your deposit (workshops only) may be used as a credit toward another workshop* (minus a $250 cancellation fee), for the current year, and 50% of any unused credit balance may be used for the following year. Should the credit be used toward a workshop of greater value, you are responsible for the difference.
Trip/travel insurance is highly recommended, and we can provide a reference.We cannot guarantee a refund.
*Please refer to my complete Terms & Conditions when you click on Book Now.