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White Sands
At a Glance
Location
New Mexico, USA
Tuition
$4,995
Dates
October 10 – 13, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 5 Guests
Collections
- Short Escape
- US National Parks and Wilderness
White Sands Photography Workshop
Landscapes in Gypsum White Dunes
October 10 – 13, 2027
- Brilliant white gypsum dunes illuminated by the purple glow of sunrise
- Use telephoto lenses to compress the dunes with the sun’s first light
- Photograph rock art at the Three Rivers Petroglyph site
One of the newest additions to the National Park System, White Sands has much to offer. The ever-changing white gypsum dunes of White Sands rise from the Tularosa Basin and take on the light from the sky above them. We will hike deep into the dunes to photograph the iconic sunset over the dunes with the San Andres Mountains as the backdrop.
The Tularosa Basin is also home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in the Southwest. Over 21,000 petroglyphs were made by the Jornada Mogollon people, dating back between 400 – 1450 AD.
With early access into White Sands, we will be in long before the sun rises. We’ll use telephoto lenses to compress the dunes with the sun’s first light, warming the Organ Mountains. Our afternoons will find us back out in the dunes shooting wide-angle scenes and using our longer lenses again. With our late access permit, we will stay late into the night, capturing stars above the dunes.
We will also spend an afternoon and evening at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, photographing petroglyphs that reveal a mysterious past. With respect, we will compose them as foreground elements with the stunning Tularosa Basin and 12,000 ft Sierra Blanca Peak as our background. It is easy to understand why the Jornada Mogollon people made this beautiful landscape their home many centuries ago.
This workshop will include the Muench Workshop signature image review and post-processing sessions, including Lightroom and Photoshop. Expect to learn new skills, from panorama-stitching and exposure blending to low-light processing. The workshop is designed for the beginner to the seasoned pro. Being a small group, we can teach everyone’s skill level.
Muench Workshops operates with all state and federal commercial use permits.
Your Pro
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
October 9, 2027: Arrive and Unwind, Preferred Hotel Stay in El Paso
Arrive at El Paso anytime today. We have a preferred hotel for you to stay at this evening (not included).
October 10, 2027: El Paso Meetup, Scenic Drive to Alamogordo, Sunset Photography at White Sands
We’ll meet you in the recommended hotel in El Paso by noon, and we will drive you to Alamogordo, NM. After checking in to our hotel, we’ll leave for our first sunset shoot at White Sands.
October 11–12, 2027: 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, followed by a return to Alamogordo for breakfast and an image review. You’ll have some time to rest in the afternoon before heading out for a sunset shoot at White Sands that (weather permitting) will extend into a star shoot!
October 13, 2027: 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.
Fitness
Moderate: You must be able to walk in heavy sand for long periods of time.
Flights
Arrive at El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso, Texas anytime on October 9, 2027. Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on October 13, 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 $350 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from the pro
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- Internal flights during the workshop.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- All helicopter charters.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Guided camping with custom meals and comfortable tents.
- Camp bedding: cot, sheet and sleeping bag
- Meals and lodging onboard the ship.
- Waterproof boots for shore excursions.
- Many hours of basic and advanced Lightroom instruction.
- Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
- Naturalist lectures and presentations on board.
- English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Talor Stone.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- 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 available for $350 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $2,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- 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 a variety of techniques, including panorama-stitching, exposure blending, and low-light processing. You'll also practice using telephoto lenses to compress dunes and wide-angle lenses for expansive landscapes.
This workshop follows our standard refundable policy. If you cancel more than 150 days before the start date, you'll receive a full refund. Cancellations between 150 and 91 days before the workshop will refund payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90 and 61 days, payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days, but if we fill your space, you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
The workshop requires a moderate fitness level. You'll need to be able to walk in heavy sand for extended periods, as we'll be hiking deep into the dunes for our photography sessions.
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 5 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience with the instructors.
Bring a range of lenses, including telephoto lenses for compressing the dunes and wide-angle lenses for capturing expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod will be essential for low-light and night photography.
Yes, all meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop are included. However, meals before or after the workshop dates are not covered.
While travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
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