Southwest Utah is home to three glorious National Parks - Zion, Bryce and Cedar Breaks.  This five day workshop will provide an intimate introduction to all three.

We begin in spectacular Zion Canyon National Park, often called the "Red Yosemite."  Zion has two main features - the deep canyon with towering red walls, carved by the gentle Virgin River, and the petrified sand dunes of the high country with cross hatched formations and the mysterious hoodoos.  In mid-October autumn will just be starting to leave its mark on the foliage. The first two days will be spent photographing Zion.

Our next stop is Bryce Canyon.  Bryce is not really a canyon but rather an intricately eroded hillside.  Again we are surrounded with red sandstone, this time carved into even more fantastic hoodoos.  Bryce faces the east is wonderful for its sunrises.  And when we wander down its trails in the morning we are treated to marvelous bounce light.   Bryce is roughly 3000 to 4000 feet higher than Zion where the hand of autumn will probably have touched the aspen.  We'll spend two days in Bryce.

Our final stop will be Cedar Breaks.  This National Park is the opposite of Bryce.  It is the same eroded hillside with the same hoodoos but this time it faces west to catch the setting sun.  At an elevation of 10,000, Cedar Breaks is also another 2000 feet higher than Bryce.  Besides the hoodoos, Cedar Breaks is famous for its grand aspen groves.  The last day will be spent at Cedar Breaks.

We have three goals for our workshops.

1. Great photographs:  We know these areas well and will put you in the right place in the best light to give you the opportunity to come away with some great photographs.  We'll not only go to the iconic locations but also some out of the way places that offer more intimate experiences.
2. Grow as a photographer:  We are here to work closely with you to help you grow as a photographer.  We can help you with both technical and creative issues.  You will be given the opportunity to work on assignments that will expand your creative eye.  You can have as much or as little interaction as you desire.
3. Great time:  We're going to have a great time.  We're getting away from the hustle of our every day lives to spend time in some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery on the planet.  We are going to experience uplifting sunrises and majestic sunsets.  We'll work hard, play hard and at night we'll sleep hard.  And in the end, we'll come away tired but also refreshed and invigorated.

This workshop is appropriate for photographers of all skill levels who are interested in developing their skills.  We welcome those just starting down the nature photography road to those with considerable experience.  There is a place for everyone.

You will receive as much or as little personal attention as you desire.  It's up to you.  All of your questions are welcome; no question is too elementary.  So, if you would rate yourself as a novice you will find something for you in this workshop.  Likewise if you are an advanced amateur or professional you too will find something.

For this reason we're keeping the attendance to a maximum of six people.  With any more than that it's simply not possible to give everyone the one-on-one attention desire or deserve.

Probably the one thing everyone should have is an SLR camera (digital or film) with an assortment of lenses that cover the range from wide angle and normal to telephoto.  Also, a sturdy tripod is also a must.  Beyond that, your enthusiasm. eagerness to learn and love of the outdoors is the only thing else that is needed.

October 17-18: Springdale, Utah

October 19-20: Bryce

October 21: Cedar Breaks

You are responsible for making your own lodging arrangements.  Recommended accommodations will be emailed to you when you register.

FLYING IN:  The closes airport is Las Vegas, NV.  Rent a car there and travel north on I-15 to St. George, Utah (about 120 miles).  Just north of St George take SR-9 to Springdale.  Distance is about 40 miles.

FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Take I-15 north to Las Vegas, NV.  From there follow the directions above.

FROM ARIZONA OR NEW MEXICO: Make your way west to US-89.  North on 89 to Carmel Mountain Junction, UT.  Then West on SR-9 to Springdale (about 25 miles).

The weather in the Eastern Sierra can be very warm in July.  Average highs are in the 80s and 90s.  Average lows are in the 50s and 60s.  The temperatures in the mountains will be in the 70s during the day.

It's difficult to predict precipitation but hopefully we'll have a few thunder showers.

Temperatures can be cool in the early morning and warm to hot in the afternoon so pack accordingly.  Hats, sunglasses and sun screen are always appropriate.  Sturdy walking or hiking shoes will be appreciated as we will do a lot of walking.

Attendees will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. To sign up complete the Registration and Assumption of Risk forms and fax them to Ralph Nordstrom at (949) 589-8457 or mail them to Ralph Nordstrom Photography, 25422 Trabuco Road, Ste 105/250, Lake Forest, CA 92630.  A $200 non-refundable deposit is required with your registration.  You can pay be credit card or check.  Click on the links below to download the forms.

Registration Form                                                 Assumption of Risk

If you must cancel, please notify us at least 7 days before the event.  The $200 deposit is non-refundable.  However, the remainder of the workshop fee is refundable or can be applied to future workshops.

We publish articles on the art and technology of photography from time to time. If you've enjoyed this article and would like to read future ones you can sign up for our mailing list.  Just click on the 'Sign Up Now' button below and complete a brief form.  Any information you give us about yourself will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Ralph Nordstrom Photography
25422 Trabuco Rd, Ste 105/250
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Ralph@RalphNordstromPhotography.com
949-589-0958