Learning Lab: Minimalism in White Sands

At a Glance

Location

New Mexico, USA

Tuition

$4,995

Dates

October 14 – 17, 2028

Fitness Level

Moderate

Availability

Limited to 5 Guests

Collections

Learning Lab
Short Escape
US National Parks and Wilderness

Learning Lab: Minimalism in White Sands Photography Workshop

Name: Learning Lab: Minimalism in White Sands
Start: 2028-10-14
End: 2028-10-17
Location: Learning Lab: Minimalism in White Sands

Explore Minimalism Through Shape, Line, and Negative Space

October 14 – 17, 2028

Learn to capture minimalist composition using lines and negative space
Photograph White Sands at sunrise, sunset, and into blue hour
Learn in the classroom, then apply each lesson in the dunes

White Sands is one of the Southwest’s most remarkable landscapes, but its greatest value to photographers is how clearly it teaches the art of composition. The simplicity of the gypsum dunes removes distractions, allowing you to concentrate on the essential elements of a strong photograph—line, shape, texture, light, balance, and negative space. Throughout the workshop, you’ll learn to recognize subtle compositions, refine your visual awareness, and discover how small changes in perspective, focal length, and light can transform an ordinary scene into an extraordinary image. It’s an ideal place to strengthen your creative vision while creating a portfolio of striking photographs.

With early-access permits, we’ll enter before sunrise and stay out after sunset, when the light is soft and blue. Following the morning time in the dunes, you’ll have time to enjoy a great breakfast and get ready for class. You’ll meet in a private meeting space where everyone will share their images and discuss the compositions. Your instructor will share practical methods for creating stronger, more intentional minimalist landscape compositions.

These classroom sessions will take up the better part of the midday bright light, saving the better light for being out in the dunes. You’ll receive personalized instruction in Lightroom and Photoshop while learning techniques such as panorama stitching, exposure blending, focus stacking, and low-light processing. Our small group size allows us to tailor instruction to your experience level, helping you leave with stronger compositional skills, greater creative confidence, and a portfolio that reflects a more intentional way of seeing.

Your Pro

David Thompson

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

October 13, 2028: Optional early arrival in El Paso

Arrive at El Paso anytime today. We have a preferred hotel for you to stay at this evening (not included).

October 14, 2028: El Paso Meetup, Scenic Drive to Alamogordo, Sunset Photography at White Sands

By 10:00AM, we’ll meet you at the recommended El Paso hotel, where we’ll drive together to Alamogordo, NM. Once we arrive to our hotel, we’ll meet up in our private meeting space and discuss the lesson for the first sunset shoot on the dunes. You’ll have time to check-in and repack for our evening shoot.

October 15–16, 2028: Sunrise Magic at White Sands, Image Review in Alamogordo, Star Shooting Adventure

Each morning we’ll wake up early for a sunrise shoot at White Sands. We’ll return to our hotel for breakfast, followed by our classroom time to review images and learn more about composition. We’ll break for lunch, spend another hour or so in class, then have a short break, and then head out for an early dinner on our way back out into the field for sunset and blue hour. Each time we visit, we’ll pick a slightly different location, allowing everyone to practice their “seeing” skills learned from the previous lesson.

October 17, 2028: Final Image Reflections, Breakfast Together, Departure to El Paso

This morning we’ll have a final image review and breakfast together before departing for El Paso and flights home.

Testimonials

Michelle C.

Namibia: Landscapes of Light and Shadow '26

David's expertise spans landscapes, macro, wildlife, and abstract photography. Yet somehow, he has a way of making all of it feel approachable and exciting.

Judith M.

Faroe Islands '26

I was the least experienced photographer in the group, but I never felt intimidated. David was extremely patient, and the whole group was so supportive and funny that we made it through wind, hail, rain, and sleet without feeling frustrated!

Polly S.

Oregon Coast and Redwoods '26

DT is maybe my favorite instructor. He is very good at teaching composition, explains why you would want to do one thing over another, and expects you to show him compositions before he gives any instruction. His approach makes sure I'll learn at a fast pace on each workshop.

Gallery

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muench workshops photo, usa, white sands national park, sand dunes, wind patterns, texture, shadows, smooth curves

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muench workshops photo, landscape, summer, night skies, dunes, white sands, sand dunes, low level lighting, starry night sky, milky way, mountain silhouette, ripples in sand, shooting star

muench workshops photo, landscape, night skies, dunes, white sands, sand dunes, low level lighting, night sky, milky way, stars, clear weather

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Behind the Scenes

muench workshops photo, landscape, dunes, desert, long shadows, people shadows, sand dunes, hiking poles, clear sky

muench workshops photo, usa, white sands national park new mexico, landscape, dunes, desert, person with camera on tripod, wearing winter clothing, sand dunes, sunset sky, clouds, sparse vegetation

muench workshops photo, usa, white sands national park new mexico, landscape, dunes, desert, two photographers, tripods, cameras, sand dunes, sunset sky, clouds, orange beanie, glasses

muench workshops photo, usa, white sands national park new mexico, landscape, dunes, desert, man, camera on tripod, red beanie, headlamp, sand dunes, nighttime, cool lighting

muench workshops photo, usa, white sands national park new mexico, landscape, dunes, desert, four people walking, nighttime, headlamps or flashlights, sand or dirt ground, shadows

muench workshops photo, usa, white sands np new mexico, landscape, person lying on sand, camera on tripod, white sand dunes, rock formation, solitary tree, sunset lighting

muench workshops photo, usa, white sands np new mexico, landscape, people hiking, sand dune, nighttime, headlamps, flashlights, shadows, dark sky, distant horizon

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Fitness

Moderate: Be prepared for early starts and late finishes as we explore the gypsum dunes at sunrise and sunset. Accessing the dunes involves walking on sandy terrain, which can require careful footing. You’ll have breaks for meals and classroom sessions, allowing time to rest and recharge between outings.

Flights

Arrive at El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso anytime on October 13, 2028. Flights out can be made after 3:00 PM on October 17, 2028. 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 a $385 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 David Thompson.
Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

Travel to and from El Paso, Texas.
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 is available for a $385 supplement.

Payment Terms

Your deposit of $2,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
The balance is due not later than June 1, 2028.
All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What techniques will I learn during the White Sands workshop?

You'll learn to recognize subtle compositions, refine your visual awareness, and transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary images by adjusting perspective, focal length, and light. You'll also practice panorama stitching, exposure blending, focus stacking, and low-light processing in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Is this workshop refundable?

Yes, this workshop is refundable. If you cancel more than 150 days before the start date, you'll receive a full refund. Cancellations between 150–91 days will refund payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are given within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you'll receive a 100% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.

What is the group size for this workshop?

The workshop has a maximum capacity of 5 participants, ensuring personalized instruction and ample opportunity for one-on-one guidance from the instructor.

What kind of physical fitness is required for this workshop?

A moderate fitness level is required, as you'll need to walk in heavy sand for long periods. This will allow you to fully participate in the sunrise and sunset shoots across the dunes.

What equipment should I bring for the White Sands photo workshop?

Bring a range of lenses, including wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for landscapes, and a tripod for stability during low-light conditions. A laptop with Lightroom and Photoshop installed will be useful for post-processing sessions.

Are meals and accommodations included in the workshop fee?

Yes, double occupancy lodging, all meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop are included. A single room is available for an additional $385 supplement. Alcoholic beverages and any meals before or after the workshop dates are not included.

Do I need travel insurance for this workshop?

While travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances that could affect your travel plans.