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Drone Photography of the Southwest
At a Glance
Location
Utah
Tuition
$8,995
Dates
October 29 – November 4, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 5 Guests
Collections
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Drone Photography of the Southwest Photography Workshop
Drone Photography in Southeast Utah
October 29 – November 4, 2027
- Fly over iconic landscapes like the San Juan River
- Visit two distinct locations with diverse scenery
- Capture abstract scenes from the air
Unlock an otherworldly perspective on one of Earth’s most surreal landscapes. Join us for six days of dedicated drone photography in southeastern Utah, where time, water, and tectonics have carved a playground for aerial abstraction. From meandering rivers slicing through stratified canyons to surreal formations that look like spilled paint on Mars, this workshop is designed for drone photographers who crave graphic compositions, rare textures, and the creative thrill of seeing the land from above. Whether you’re into elegant chaos, painterly erosion patterns, or geology that looks like it’s been through a blender, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice.
Learn all about your controller to take full advantage of composing images from the air.
All locations are easy to access in our vehicle, and we will have a portable battery charger along to charge your batteries while you’re flying. This small group experience will allow you unlimited time to compose images from your drone controller while flying over spectacular scenery.
Your Pro
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
October 29, 2027: Arrive in Durango, Drive to Bluff, Late Light Drone Flight
Arrive in to Durango Colorado by 11:00 AM. We will meet you and begin our 3 hours drive to Bluff Utah. After checking in to our hotel we will head out for our first late light flight. Dinner and a good sleep.
October 30, 2027: Sunrise Drone Photography in Canyon Country, Image Review Session
We’ll start early to capture the blue hour as the sun rises over the canyon country and stay out photographing as long as the light is good. After a warm breakfast, we’ll meet for our first image review to make sure everything is working properly and you are getting the most out of your drone photography. We will be busy all afternoon and into the evening capturing amazing abstracts and canyon colors as well as low light and shadows. Dinner and a warm shower before a good night’s sleep.
October 31, 2027: Exploring Bluff’s Surrounding Canyons, Intense Drone Flying Day
On this second full day in the Bluff region, we have many great locations to visit. The small town is surrounded by canyons and geological features. We’ll spend just enough time to eat and charge our batteries throughout the day, but our main purpose will be to fly and photograph.
November 1, 2027: Early Shoot, Scenic Drive to Hanksville, Evening Landscape Flight
After an early morning shoot, we’ll get a good breakfast before packing up and driving North to Hanksville. The drive is scenic with a few possible stops for flights on the way, based on conditions. After arriving in Hanksville, we’ll spend just enough time settling in before heading out to see more amazing landscapes to fly over.
November 2, 2027: Drone Sessions Around Factory Butte, Image Composition Workshop
Hanksville is also surrounded by scenic landscapes, including the badlands surrounding Factory Butte. At this time of year, Cottonwoods should be in full color, offering a contrasting color to the grey-blue colors of the badlands. We’ll spend another couple of hours reviewing images in our signature image reviewing, aiming to highlight compositions that worked, recommend techniques to improve your existing work, or assist you in capturing more images of a similar style.
We’ll head out to another unique region to capture graphic and colorful scenes of the badlands.
November 3, 2027: Exploring Unique Landscapes by Drone
By this time in the trip, you’ll understand how addictive drone photography can be. We’ll take full advantage of good weather and make sure you get all the options to capture a plethora of quality images and unusual compositions in this area. Our final dinner and another hot shower before our last early morning shoot on the following morning.
November 4, 2027: Sunrise Flight over Utah Deserts, Return Drive to Durango
Another early sunrise morning to fly over the Southeastern Utah deserts. We’ll enjoy our final hot breakfast together before our drive back to Durango. We’ll make sure you arrive by 3:00 PM to catch any departing flights by as early as 5:00 PM.
Drone Workshop Specifics
This itinerary is designed for drone photography. We plan to make as many as 4-5 stops each day for photographic flights. You will be responsible for bringing enough drone batteries to fly for at least two hours daily. Typical drones fly for 30-40 minutes on each battery.
You should be capable of taking off and landing your drone manually, and flying simple flight plans to reach a designated location from the air. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drone photographer, you will find the instructions tailored to your specific needs and desires.
We will follow all drone-specific regulations and laws based on European regulations. We will be visiting regions that allow drones. Leaders will work with each participant, helping them verify their flight paths.
Fitness
Moderate: Short walks on uneven ground
Flights
Arrive at Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO), Durango, Colorado before 11:00 AM on October 29, 2027. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on November 4, 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 $1,400 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Joseph Roybal.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Durango, Colorado.
- 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 $1,400 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $3,000 is due by March 1, 2027.
- The balance is due not later than June 1, 2027.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll learn how to compose images from the air, manage your drone's flight path, and capture stunning aerial abstracts and textures. The workshop also covers manual takeoff and landing, as well as flying simple flight plans to reach designated locations.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, refunds are given for payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, for payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
Bring a drone capable of flying for 30-40 minutes per battery, as you'll need enough batteries to fly for at least three hours daily. Make sure you're comfortable with manual takeoff and landing, as well as flying simple flight plans.
The workshop requires a moderate fitness level, with short walks on uneven ground. Most locations are easily accessible by vehicle, minimizing the need for extensive hiking.
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 5 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of one-on-one guidance from the instructor.
While travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect your investment and cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Expect to make 4-5 stops each day for photographic flights, capturing the stunning landscapes of southeastern Utah. You'll have image reviews and post-processing sessions to enhance your skills and ensure you're getting the most out of your drone photography.
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