What is the meeting time and place?

Meet at 2:30pm at the flagpole in front of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center; instructors will give an orientation before the first evening shoot.

Are meals and lodging included?

No. The workshop fee covers instruction only; participants are responsible for all meals and accommodations.

Do I need prior photography experience?

No. All skill levels are welcome; basic camera familiarity helps, but instructors provide hands-on coaching and demos.

Are there restroom facilities during field sessions?

Bathrooms are limited in many field locations; plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace practices when facilities are not available.

Will I need a special vehicle?

Most locations are accessible by standard vehicles, but some shoots or program notes may recommend high-clearance or 4WD; details will be provided in advance.

Who do I contact with questions before the workshop?

For camera-specific questions email david@exploringexposure.com; for program logistics contact events@dvnha.org.

Mastering Light in Death Valley: 3-Day Photography Workshop with David Kingham & Jennifer Renwick | Photography Tour | Workshop

Photograph the extremes of light and landscape in Death Valley on Capturing Visions: A 3-Day Photography Workshop 2026, a hands-on masterclass led by instructors David Kingham and Jennifer Renwick and produced by the Death Valley Natural History Association. Meet at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center flagpole in Death Valley, California, and spend three days chasing sunrises, sunsets, and star-filled skies across one of the driest, most dramatic parks in the United States. This workshop pulls you into classic park scenes: wind-sculpted Mesquite Flat dunes, the bleached mirror of Badwater Basin’s salt flats, and the painterly streaks of Artist’s Drive. The geology here reads like an open field guide—ancient alluvial fans, dark volcanic outcrops, and evaporated salt crusts that crack into geometric mosaics. Instructors guide small groups through composition, lens choice, filter technique, and mobile scouting apps while emphasizing how to read light across these stark textures. Over three days you’ll practice two dawn shoots, two evening golden hours, and a dedicated night session for astrophotography. Expect fieldwork on uneven sand, gravel, and cobbles with daily walking of two to six miles; caravaning in personal vehicles keeps the group nimble and reduces impact. The program is open to all skill levels: photographers who bring basic camera familiarity will find rapid gains thanks to individualized coaching and hands-on demos. Practicalities are straightforward: the workshop fee covers instruction only—participants arrange their own lodging and meals—and DVNHA members receive a discounted rate. Plan to secure accommodations early; options range from The Ranch & The Inn at Death Valley (The Oasis) at Furnace Creek to Stovepipe Wells Hotel, Panamint Springs Resort, or nearby towns such as Beatty, NV. Bring a sturdy tripod, full batteries, layered clothing for large temperature swings, and plenty of water; signed Participant Agreement and park entrance fees are required. What makes this experience stand out is the combination of technical instruction and intimate, site-specific knowledge. You’re not only learning exposure and composition; you’re learning how those choices change when light grazes gypsum crusts at dawn or when the Milky Way arcs above a salt pan. Proceeds support the Death Valley Institute’s conservation and education work, so your tuition helps preserve the fragile plants, cryptic soils, and night skies you’ll photograph. Whether you’re chasing sharper landscape frames or your first star trails, this workshop turns Death Valley’s extremes into creative possibility. The workshop begins with a meet-up at 2:30pm at the flagpole in front of the Furnace Creek Visitor Center; organizers ask participants to sign the required Participant Agreement before arrival. Bathrooms are limited in the field, so plan accordingly. For camera-specific questions email [email protected] or for program logistics contact [email protected]—both are listed in the registration materials. Bring sunscreen and snacks.

About Death Valley Natural History Association

Death Valley Natural History Association supports public education and interpretation in Death Valley, California. The association offers guided experiences and educational programs that highlight the park’s natural history. Through hands-on workshops and short interpretive tours, Death Valley Natural History Association connects visitors with the valley’s landscapes, geology, and night skies.

The association’s trip offerings include a multi-day photography workshop and a geology-focused field tour. Capturing Visions: A 3-Day Photography Workshop 2026 is an immersive three-day course led by expert instructors, focusing on sunrises, sunsets, and night-sky photography across iconic Death Valley locations. Geo Bites: Of Sand & Water is a concise guided tour that explores Mesquite Flat Dunes, Stovepipe Well, and other geological features while explaining the valley’s formation and surface processes.

Programs emphasize accurate natural history interpretation and skill development. Instructors and guides featured in these experiences are described as experts in their fields, providing practical instruction and contextual explanation. Trips operate within Death Valley, California, and are designed for a range of participant skill levels, from beginners to experienced visitors.

As a local resource for natural history education, the association provides reliable, park-focused programming that complements visitor learning. Its offerings are suitable for travelers seeking photography instruction, geology insights, or a deeper understanding of Death Valley’s environment. All descriptions reflect the association’s documented program summaries and published trip details. Information and schedules are drawn from published trip summaries and official program materials, ensuring accuracy for prospective participants planning visits or arranging educational outings throughout Death Valley park region.

Mastering Light in Death Valley: 3-Day Photography Workshop with David Kingham & Jennifer Renwick

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