Sunset reflecting in a mountain lake
Hoodoos reflect sunset colors
Milky Way reflected in alpine lake
Sandstone arch with the Milky Way overhead

UTAH’S SPARKLING LAKES &
HEAVENLY HOODOOS 2026

JULY 7-11 (Tuesday-Saturday)

From desert arches to alpine lakes, join a journey across Utah’s
wild extremes on this five-day Milky Way and landscape adventure. Join us for an unforgettable photography workshop that blends education and exploration in the heart of the Southwest.
(Small Group – Five Students)

Contrast the sculpted wonders of Devils Garden with the cool alpine serenity of the High Uintas in this unique dual-destination workshop. We’ll photograph sandstone arches, twisted hoodoos, reflective lakes, and star-filled mountain nights — a full spectrum of Utah’s hidden beauty. This workshop is perfect for photographers who crave variety, wild places, and the chance to create bold images in two dramatically different environments.

Trip Features icons

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.

High Uinta Mountains

The Uinta Mountains are a high, pristine mountain area in northeastern Utah that is popular for fishing, hiking, backpacking, horse packing, hunting and other outdoor activities.

Most of the Uinta Mountain Range is contained within the Ashley National Forest, which was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The western portion lies within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which was created by presidential proclamation in 1906, and the Cache National Forest, which was designated in 1907. The High Uintas Wilderness was established by Congress in 1984. It includes 460,000 acres and is the largest wilderness area in Utah.

There are well over 1,000 natural lakes in the Uintas and more than 500 of them support populations of game fish. There are also over 400 miles of streams.

The Uinta Range is the highest in Utah, and is the only major range in the contiguous United States with an east-west orientation. Elevations range from 8,000 feet in the lower canyons to 13,528 feet atop Kings Peak - the highest point in Utah. Ridges divide the area into large, scenic basins; many ridges rise abruptly several thousand feet above the basins.

Temperatures in areas above 10,000 feet are seldom above 80 degrees during summer days. Night temperatures during summer are 30-40 degrees, with freezing possible at any time, and summer afternoon thunderstorms may occur with little warning.

Alpine Lake reflects colorful sunset

Before You Book Your Trip,
Sign Up with the K-Group for FREE
It Will Save You Money on This Workshop!

Christine Kenyon with her Black Lab Tuffy
Christine Kenyon takes a photo in a stormy sunset

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 adventure, where filling you with memories is as important as filling your memory cards with unforgettable images.

Trip Overview

n July 2026, we'll photograph the wind-carved beauty of Devils Garden before escaping the summer heat to the serene, star-studded High Uintas.
Two dramatically different landscapes — one unforgettable photography adventure. Experience night skies, sandstone magic, and cool mountain reflections all in one workshop.

Workshop icons
  • WORKSHOP SNAPSHOT

    DATES: July 7-11 (Tuesday-Saturday); 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’ Uintas 10,000’
    ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate activity with treks approximately two miles round trip on sandy/rocky gently sloping terrain
    CLIMATE: • Escalante:Highs 92°F; Lows 57°F • Uintas: Highs upper 70ºs; Lows 50ºs
    AIRPORT(S): Salt Lake City, Escalante Municipal
    NEAREST TOWN(S): Escalante, UT, Kamas, UT
    VEHICLE: All locations are accessible by sedan

    ITINERARY SNAPSHOT

    TRIP VITALS: Sunday, July 7, we meet at 2:00 p.m. at TBD, in Escalante, Utah. We will explore one of my all time favorite locations, Devil’s Garden, for the first two nights of our trip, and check out of our hotel on July 9. We then head north to the High Uintas for our remaining two nights of Milky Way photography along the shores of sublime alpine lakes. We reminisce on our adventure together, and say our goodbyes on July 11 over breakfast in Kamas.

    SHOOTING SCHEDULE: Detailed itinerary is emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to our start date. Be sure to dress for the temps, and bring snacks, and beverages. Bryce can be in the low 30°s at night, even in June!

    LODGING: Your room for July 7-11 (two nights) is reserved at the Cowboy Country Inn, Escalante, UT. Reference Christine Kenyon Workshop when you check in. Our final two night stay is at the Park Plaza Resort in Park City.

    ASTRONOMICAL SNAPSHOT (approximate)

    MORNING
    Blue Hour:
    5:40 a.m. - 5:52 a.m.
    Golden Hour: 5:52 a.m. - 6:49 a.m.
    Sunrise: 6:10 a.m.

    EVENING
    Golden Hour:
    8:09 p.m. - 9:07 p.m.
    Sunset:
    8:48 p.m.
    Blue Hour: 9:07 p.m. - 9:19 p.m.
    Milky Way: 10:40 p.m. - 4:18 a.m.

UTAH’S LAKES & HOODOOS 2026

JULY 7-11 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Five Day Landscape and Milky Way Photography Workshop
(Small Group – Five Students)
$2,995 Lodging Included

FAQ

  • 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 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, 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 Instruction

    At 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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.

See What Other Workshop Participants
Had to Say About Their Experience

Alpine lake reflects the Milky Way against a mountain skyline
Small wooded lake reflects the Milky Way

We plan to explore breathtaking scenery:
Devil’s Garden, and the Uinta Lakes
I can’t wait to share some of my favorite locations!
Hope you join us!

Sandstone arch with Milky Way
Three hoodoos against a blue sky

Follow the Link Below to Learn How You Can
Receive a Discount When You Book
Personalized Online Post Processing