UTAH BADLANDS BY DRONE 2025
September 7-11 (Sunday-Thursday)
Step into Another Dimension as Fall Light Transforms this Otherworldly Landscape
Five Day Drone Photography Workshop
(Small Group – Five Students)
Welcome to "Utah Badlands by Drone 2025," a captivating five-day workshop that delves into the heart of this otherworldly terrain. As fall light bathes the rugged landscapes, you'll have the unique opportunity to capture the raw beauty of Utah's Badlands through the birds-eye view of your drone. This transformative experience is designed for a small group, ensuring individualized instruction and personalized guidance.
Throughout the workshop, you'll learn best practices in drone photography, from capturing stunning aerial vistas to practicing post-processing techniques. Equip yourself with the skills to create breathtaking images that you can proudly take home.
Join us for this immersive journey. Every participant will gain the skills to elevate their photography. With expert instruction, you'll discover how to harness the full potential of your drone, transforming the mesmerizing Utah Badlands into your creative canvas. This workshop promises an unforgettable adventure, blending technical instruction with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
FEATURES OF THIS TRIP
WHERE WE WILL TRAVEL
Utah Badlands
Definition of Badlands: A type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded. They are characterized by steep slopes, minimal vegetation, lack of a substantial regolith, and high drainage density. Ravines, gullies, buttes, hoodoos and other such geologic forms are common in badlands. The numerous geological features include rock towers, and spires which are a product of extensive weathering, spires are highly eroded rock towers that are composed of a harder rock above layers of softer, less resistant strata. The formations, colors, and textures offer a wide range of photographic compositions at all times of day, and provide fascinating foregrounds for nightscape photography.
The Mars Society operates a facility (Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)) in the badlands. Here, interplanetary travel can be simulated with a crew of 6 to 8 people for several months at a time. Note the MDRS is a closed scientific facility and is not open to the public, so please respect their work and do not wander onto their campus.
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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 for Utah Badlands by Drone, where filling you with memories is as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images.
Trip Overview
In September 2025, we’ll roam Utah’s remote badlands under dramatic skies, chasing sunset glows across time scarred vistas. If you crave endless horizons, otherworldly textures, the magic of the Southwest, and you want to capture it all by drone, then this journey was made for you!
Embark on a thrilling aerial adventure over Utah's surreal Badlands. Hone your drone photography skills with hands-on practice and expert tips, capturing the raw, otherworldly terrain in breathtaking detail. Join us for an incredible five-day experience that will elevate your photography on this unforgettable journey.
Since drones are critically affected by wind, we will switch over to tripod and camera photography when or if the winds kick up. But either way, you will enjoy every moment in the spectacular Utah badlands!
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WORKSHOP SNAPSHOT
DATES: September 7-11 (Sunday-Thursday), 2025; five days under magnificent skies for drone photography in the Utah Badlands.
PRICE PER PERSON: $2,895 (Includes all lodging) Deposit of $1,595 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, with dangerous cliffs in some areas. All locations will be accessed by paved and dirt roads
ALTITUDE: 4,300’
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate activity with treks approximately two miles round trip on sandy/rocky gently sloping terrain
CLIMATE: Typically clear skies. Highs in September average Highs 79°; Lows 50°
Nearest Town(s): Hanksville, UT
AIRPORT(S): Salt Lake City International Airport, Canyonlands Regional Airport
VEHICLE: All locations are accessible by stock high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles
ACCOMMODATIONS: Your room is reserved at the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville, UT. Please reference Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.
ITINERARY SNAPSHOTTRIP VITALS: Sunday, September 7 we meet at 3:00 p.m. in Hanksville, Utah (TBD). Our days will be full, and we will concentrate our activities around sunrise, sunset, and golden hours. Two days will include mid-day sessions devoted to learning best practices for post processing that brings out the best in an image. We wrap things up, and say our goodbyes after shooting sunrise on Thursday, September 11. A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to our trip.
SHOOTING SCHEDULE: Most of our featured locations are within one hour of our accommodations. Plan to rise early to arrive before sunrise on most mornings. Be sure to dress for the temps, and bring snacks, and beverages.
LODGING: Your reservation awaits you at the Whispering Sands Motel in Hanksville, UT. Please request Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in.
ASTRONOMICAL SNAPSHOT (approximate)
MORNING
Blue Hour: 6:50 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.
Golden Hour: 7:00 a.m. - 7:51 a.m.
Sunrise: 7:16 a.m.EVENING
Golden Hour: 6:55 p.m. - 7:46 p.m.
Sunset: 7:30 p.m.
Blue Hour: 7:46 p.m. - 7:56 p.m.
UTAH BADLANDS BY DRONE – 2025
September 7-11 (Sunday-Thursday)
Five Day Drone Photography Workshop
(ONLY FIVE SPOTS AVAILABLE)
$2,895 Lodging Included
FAQ
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Workshop Instruction to Include
I 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, you will come away equipped with the knowledge, creative insight, and practical applications to achieve your goals.
We will also engage in post processing sessions, and discussions around compositions and best practices for drone photography.
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 -
What to Bring
Since drones are critically affected by wind, we will switch over to tripod and camera photography when or if the winds kick up. Please review the following gear recommends so that you come ready for anything.
GEAR
Drone, three or four batteries, charger, ND and/or Circular Polarizer filter set (especially for video), extra propellers, and any tools to change them. Updating your firmware for drone and RC is generally advised. KNOW YOUR GEAR
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless
Lenses to consider: 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
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)
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
PLEASE NOTE: You take full responsibility for your drone, piloting your drone, and for any resulting damage or injuries from your drone. Christine Kenyon is not held responsible or liable for any loss or damage to your drone, or from your drone, as a result of it crashing, or any fly-aways, and will not regulate your drone or the piloting of your drone, unless it is deemed reckless.
You are responsible for knowing your way around all of your gear 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 trip yourself – know and practice with your gear, especially if you will be using any new equipment on this trip.
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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With Christine Kenyon's unmatched cancellation policy, your workshop investment remains secure and flexible. If you're unable to attend, you may receive a refund (if your seat is filled), or apply your payment as a credit toward future workshops for up to two years—giving you peace of mind and full control over your plans.
Refunds and Credits
Should you cancel your trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund, minus a $250 cancellation fee, provided your seat can be filled prior to the workshop commencing. However, there is no guarantee that your seat will be filled.
If your seat cannot be filled, your deposit (for non-custom group workshops only) may be applied as a credit toward another workshop within the same calendar year, minus a $250 cancellation fee, provided a seat is available. If any portion of your credit remains unused, up to 50% of the balance may be carried over for use in the following year. All remaining credit expires after that time. Should the credit be used toward a workshop of greater value, you are responsible for the difference.
In the event of more-than-one cancellation within the two-year credit window, all remaining credit, including any additional payments toward the second cancellation, will be forfeited. We strongly encourage clients to confirm availability and commitment before rescheduling.
All workshops purchased using a cancellation credit are not eligible for any other discount. After the credit is applied to a new workshop, the remaining balance due is to be paid in accordance with the standard trip payment schedule.
Should cancelling a workshop, at any time prior to its commencement, result in Christine Kenyon incurring any nonrefundable costs or fees (i.e., group accommodations, AirBNB, third party bookings, etc.), Christine Kenyon will deduct these costs from any existing credit applicable toward future bookings.
Cancellation requests must be made in writing - via mail or email. No refunds will be given for any delays or cancellations for reasons of inclement weather, cancelled or delayed flights, or other events/disasters, acts of God, or for any circumstance beyond Christine Kenyon’s control, either before, during, or after the workshop.
Trip/travel insurance is highly recommended, and a reference can be provided.
