Wild Death Valley
March 13 – 18, 2026
2 Spots Left
Death Valley Black and White
At a Glance
Location
California, USA
Tuition
$6,495
Dates
December 7 – 12, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 8 Guests
Collections
- Learning Lab
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Death Valley Black and White Photography Workshop
Death Valley: Salt Pan, Dunes, and More
December 7 – 12, 2027
- Learn to see light, tone, and form in black and white and infrared
- Capture dunes, salt flats, and canyons in striking monochrome style
- Master filters, exposure, and post-processing for creative control
Death Valley National Park is one of the most striking and surreal landscapes on Earth, a place of glowing badlands, sweeping sand dunes, and stark, sculpted valleys that seem made for black and white and infrared photography. In this workshop, we will slow down and examine how light, tone, and texture shape the way this desert is perceived, transforming familiar views into graphic, monochrome studies of texture and form.
We will make the most of classic locations such as Zabriskie Point at first light, the flowing lines of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, the salt polygons of Badwater Basin, and a selection of canyons and high viewpoints. Each shoot location becomes a classroom to explore both minimalist and more complex scenes that shine in black and white and infrared imagery.
Learning is constant throughout this workshop, and it is suitable for photographers who are new to black and white and infrared photography, as well as those already further along their monochrome journey.
Instruction is hands-on and tailored to what we are photographing, with a focus on designing strong black and white compositions, managing exposure in high-contrast scenes, choosing and using IR filters, avoiding hotspots, controlling diffraction, and the more traditional photographic techniques such as focus stacking, long-lens landscapes, and finding minimalist scenes.
Whether you are new to black and white or looking to refine your infrared work, you will leave Death Valley with a stronger understanding of visual storytelling and a portfolio that expresses the park’s stark beauty in its purest elements of light, tone, and texture.
For more information on infrared photography, see our blogpost.
Muench Workshops is an Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
Your Pros
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
December 8–11, 2027: Exploring Death Valley
Each day is a blend of hands-on photography in stunning locations and engaging sessions in our private meeting space, where we dive into the art and technique of black & white and infrared photography. Locations include iconic spots like Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, and Dante’s View—each offering unique challenges and opportunities to play with light, texture, and tonal contrast. Mornings will start early, capturing the soft, ethereal light of dawn and the interplay of form and shadow. Midday, we’ll embrace the boldness of harsh light, teaching you how to use it creatively with infrared techniques or minimalist compositions. As the day winds down, we’ll chase the golden hour for breathtaking evening shoots, followed by a well-deserved meal.
In between, we’ll make the most of our time together with our signature image reviews (using proprietary software) and post-processing lessons in our private meeting room. You’ll learn how to transform your RAW files into expressive monochrome prints that truly reflect your vision.
To further inspire your creativity, we’ll guide you through exercises focused on themes like abstraction, texture, and minimalism—helping you refine your personal style and sharpen your compositional eye.
December 12, 2027: Dawn Farewell Shoot, Final Reviews, Departure from Las Vegas
Our final morning shoot, then breakfast, followed by our final image review. We’ll be on our way to Las Vegas by 11:00 AM, in time for flights anytime after 3:00 PM.
Infrared Photography
In this workshop, we'll create black-and-white images from standard color cameras and also infrared-converted cameras. We'll demonstrate the conversion methods for both in our image reviews. You don't have to have an infrared camera to join in the fun!
But, if you are new to infrared photography and have questions, please contact us, and we'll prepare you to capture a whole new world of beauty. We know that infrared photography can seem daunting and confusing, but capturing stunning black-and-white infrared images is simple.
If you want to convert an existing mirrorless camera, we're big fans of Kolari Vision's system of magnetic drop-in filters. These filters allow you to continue photographing in standard color, or after a quick swap of the drop-in filter, you're ready to shoot infrared. This is the perfect solution for a backup camera, and it means that you don't have to carry a body solely dedicated to infrared, saving weight! Note, this requires that your camera is converted to full spectrum. See their site for details, or contact us and we'll explain it all to you. You can check out their magnetic drop-in filters here.
Fitness
Moderate: You must be able to hike on uneven ground and on sand dunes for two miles or more.
Flights
Arrive at McCarran International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada before 10:00 AM on December 7, 2027. Flights out can be made after 3:00 PM on December 12, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,100 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $1,100 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than August 1, 2027.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll practice designing strong black and white compositions, managing exposure in high-contrast scenes, and using infrared filters effectively. The workshop covers focus stacking, long-lens landscapes, and finding minimalist scenes, helping you refine your visual storytelling skills.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. If you cancel more than 150 days before the start date, you receive a full refund. Cancellations between 150–91 days get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are given within 60 days, but if we fill your space, you receive a 100% refund of payments made. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
A moderate fitness level is required. You should be able to hike on uneven ground and sand dunes for two miles or more, as we'll be exploring various terrains in Death Valley.
Bring a range of lenses, including wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for landscapes, standard and telephoto zooms such as 24–105 mm, 70-200 mm, and a longer lens of up to 400–600 mm for capturing distant details. If you're interested in infrared photography, consider using Kolari Vision's magnetic drop-in filters for a versatile setup. We're happy to answer questions on any of this.
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and instruction from the two professional photographers leading the workshop.
While travel insurance is optional, it is recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances that might affect your travel plans. This includes travel medical and trip cancellation insurance.
The workshop includes double occupancy lodging, with the option for a single room available for an additional $1,100 supplement. All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop are included.
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