June 2-5, 2023
Join wilderness photographer, Chad Dutson, for a photographer's paradise visiting world-class sites within the permit-only areas of Coyote Buttes North and South. Yes, permits are secured and included to both sites!
HIGHLIGHTS
The Wave
(Coyote Buttes North)Cottonwood Cove and/or Paw Hole
(Coyote Buttes South)4WD transportation in the backcountry
Limited to 4 participants with 2 instructors
Initial group dinner (June 2)
BLM-permitted guides
Workshop is for all photographic experience levels. Beginners will value the level of photography instruction, while advanced photographers will find so much benefit from guides who know the area.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
[Subject to Change]
Day 1: Evening Meet-and-Greet in Kanab over dinner.
Day 2: The group will plan to shoot all day within the Coyotes Buttes area. Possibilities include Cottonwood Cove and Paw Hole. Both sites involve a short hike through sandy, slopped terrain of easy to moderate intensity. Entrance permits are included.
Day 3: The group will plan to shoot all day within Coyote Buttes North, which includes The Wave. A visit to The Wave involves a minimum 6-mile hike (roundtrip) of moderate-intensity, with an optional 2-3 additional miles of strenuous intensity to visit other landmarks in the area.
Day 4: The group will hike to visit at least two hiking sites, such as Maze Rock Art Site, The Toadstools, and Wire Pass. Each site involves a 2-mile hike (roundtrip) of easy to moderate intensity.
DETAILS ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
At least two days in the Coyote Buttes Permit Areas, both North and South. Have confidence in visiting the sites, as these highly sought-after permits are already secured.
Other photography opportunities, which may include The Toadstools, Wire Pass, Maze Rock Art Site, and White Pocket.
Limited to 4 participants with 2 guides/instructors.
Learn advanced techniques from two professional photographers.
4WD backcountry transportation included.
The workshop begins and ends in Kanab, Utah -- our base of operations. Our first meet-and-greet will be in the afternoon/evening on Friday, June 2nd. We will discuss workshop expectations, techniques, and photographic philosophy. Then the real fun begins.
Throughout the workshop, photography instruction will cover many of Chad’s techniques, including proper exposure and composition. Advanced techniques will also be shared, such as focus-stacking and HDR. When is it appropriate (or required) to use these techniques, and when is it wasting your time? Chad has photographed professionally using Sony, Nikon, and Canon equipment, and caters instruction to your photographic experience level.
The Wave is a full-day experience, over 6-miles round-trip of moderate intensity. The other days will include Coyote Buttes South and other areas. Coyote Buttes South is filled with red, orange, yellow, and white sandstone. You will see endless sandstone formations and teepees. The entire area contains incredible jaw-gaping scenery! Picture yourself standing atop sandstone structures, looking across desert valleys while the sun sets in front of you! The views are outstanding and the memories will last a lifetime!
What is Included in the Workshop Price?
All permits and fees, including Coyote Buttes North and Coyote Buttes South.
SUV Transportation during the workshop.
Personalized BLM-approved guide service and photography instruction.
Lunch on Days 2 and 3. Trail snacks & water.
Initial group dinner.
What is Your Responsibility?
Transportation to/from Kanab, Utah. Scheduled airline service is available at these locations, and rental cars are available at each airport:
+ 74 miles from Page, Arizona
+ 86 miles from Saint George, Utah
+ 209 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada
+ 317 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lodging at Kanab, Utah. Your guides will be staying at the La Quinta.
Breakfast and Dinner each day. There are several local restaurants.
RECOMMENDED GEAR LIST
The Important Stuff
Camera body
Lenses: Wide-angle and mid-range telephoto
Filters: circular polarizer and ND filters
Tripod
Spare batteries and memory cards
Lens cleaning supplies
Trigger or remote
Camera Backpack (with rain poncho or bag to cover, in case of wet weather)
Personal Gear
Layered clothing, including a jacket (see FAQs, below)
Rain jacket
Sturdy hiking footwear with good traction and hiking socks
Water bottle or hydration bladder
Headlamp and spare batteries
Personal toiletries
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, glasses
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Are the permits to Coyote Buttes really included in the price? YES! These permits are highly coveted and have already been secured via lottery. Entry into each section of Coyote Buttes is limited per day, and you will be one of them! Workshop is fully authorized/permitted by the BLM in the Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
What specific photo gear should I bring? Camera and tripod are a must, and we suggest you bring at least two lenses, with ranges from 16 to 200mm (full-frame) or 10 to 140mm (crop sensor). Due to the sandy and possibly rainy/snowy environment, it is recommended you also bring camera cleaning equipment, such as an air blower, lens wipes, lint-free cloths, and a lens brush.
What other gear should I bring? Be prepared with layered clothing for mid-spring weather. High temperature averages 75 degrees, nights around 40, although these temperatures can vary at either spectrum by 10 to 15 degrees. We will be hiking regardless of weather, whether sun, wind, or rain, so plan accordingly. In addition to the items listed above, you may consider extra socks and underclothing, in case you get wet.
What photography experience must I have? Our workshops are geared toward all levels. Beginners will value the photography instruction while advanced photographers will appreciate the guide service.
May I bring a non-photographer friend? Certainly, the more the merrier; however since space is limited you must purchase a slot for each attendee. Groups of two or more are discounted 10%. Return clients are also discounted 10%. Inquire for a checkout discount code.
May we carpool from Salt Lake City or St. George? Transportation to/from the Salt Lake City area may be arranged with the photographers for a small fee. We may also be able to arrange a St. George pickup. Inquire, if interested.
Is there cell coverage in the backcountry? There is some coverage, but most of the time, no. AT&T has limited coverage at Coyote Buttes North and White Pocket (unsure about other carriers).
What type of insurance should I secure? We recommend travel insurance to cover the what-ifs in travel. Air travel changes, vehicle breakdowns, and weather can all wreak havoc. Travel insurance provides peace of mind. We also recommend equipment insurance. Camera equipment is super sensitive, and being in the desert all day carries inherent risk. Cover your equipment with a policy sufficient to at least repair and/or replace your gear.