Workshop Details
This is a four-day workshop:
We meet up on the evening of September 13th, and actively shoot and edit September 14th–15th in Sedona, and I’ll drive us all through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, through the Aspen forest, to the Grand Canyon, arriving early evening on September 15th, in time for our First Grand Canyon Sunset. We'll shoot at the Canyon on the 16th, and early on the 17th, then head to the iconic Horseshoe Bend. We will return the evening of the 17th to Sedona for our rest and final night’s stay.
The two hotels which will act as our meeting places and basecamps are the Historic El Tovar at the South Rim of The Grand Canyon: This is the website to use for Grand Canyon room reservations. We recommend the historic El Tovar—and it’s right on the rim! Reservation dates are for September 15 & 16th checkout the morning of September 17 (two nights). Use this link to get your reservation:
https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/ It’s imperative you make the reservation ASAP as the Canyon Rooms sometimes fill up a year in advance!
And the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas. Use this is the website for Sedona room reservations for September 13 check-in to September 15 morning checkout (two nights) and returning on Sept 17th (for just one more night), checking out the 18th:
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-sedona/best-western-plus-arroyo-roble-hotel-creekside-villas/propertyCode.03099.html
This hotel includes a very nice breakfast buffet facing the gorgeous red rocks of Sedona. We’re staying in this hotel the first two nights, and again on the final night, separated by the two nights at the Grand Canyon.
We will be traveling together in our 12-passenger van—Included in your fee—from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, all our day trips and back to Sedona. You may rent a car in Sedona if you’d like to continue on from there after our workshop.
Workshop Overview
In this workshop, we’ll focus on developing your photographic vision and learning how to truly see. We’ll cover key topics such as composition, lens selection, point of view, and—most importantly—understanding the critical difference between a technically correct exposure and a creatively successful one.
You’ll gain practical insights into essential questions like:
Where should you, and how to best focus?
How do I meter, and where ought you take your meter reading?
Why is a tripod necessary?
When should you use high ISOs like 3200 or 6400?
How might you make tiny improvements to your photographic workflow?
When do you use a particular type of lens filter?
We’ll also dedicate two midday hours a couple of days to image editing, ensuring you have the time and support to perfect your work in post-production.
This workshop is hands-on and personalized. From landscape to macro to telephoto, wide-angle to telephoto, natural light to flash—you’ll leave each session with stunning images and the confidence that your investment was truly worthwhile. I take your participation seriously and promise a meaningful, memorable, and lasting learning experience.
You’re not here to watch me disappear with my camera. My role is to be by your side, helping with composition, lens choice, point of view, and exposure decisions—so you can return home with exceptional photos you’re proud of.
Reservations & Payment
The total fee for the Photography Workshop is $3499.99
Accepted Payment Methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Venmo, and PayPal.
Book your own flights and hotel reservation. Meals are not included in the Workshop fee. Simply meet up on September 17th, at 7:00pm at the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas in Sedona, and I’ll train, teach, and consult you until the evening of September 17th.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life happens, and sometimes plans must change. If you need to cancel within 30 days of the workshop, you have two options. And, we highly suggest purchasing travel insurance.
You may choose to receive:
A credit for all amounts paid, valid for any workshop within 12 months, or
A cancellation invoice and supporting documentation to submit a claim to your travel insurance provider for a refund.
Travel Insurance
The following company provides travel insurance: I am not endorsing a company and don’t have any affiliations or arrangements with them. The information is offered for your consideration if you are concerned about needing to cancel a workshop.
Allianz Travel: www.allianztravelinsurance.com
Or, your agency of choice.
Waitlist
When a workshop is full, you can email Rick Burress at rickburress@gmail.com and ask him to put you on the Waitlist. If a spot becomes available, Rick will contact you as soon as possible to offer you the spot in the workshop.
Important: Meet and Greet
September 13th, the evening before the workshop, we will meet at Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas for approximately an hour.
This time is an opportunity to meet each other, share a little bit about ourselves and get acquainted. We will discuss equipment and any concerns you might have along with your goals and expectations for the workshop. Most importantly, we will cover the proposed agenda for the two workshop days based on current weather and local events.
Sedona is an exciting place to stay and continue your adventure beyond our two days together. I will suggest other local destinations and experiences to continue your photographic journey for many days, if you wish. More to follow!
I look forward to working with you, re-connecting with old friends and making new ones!
Photographer/Workshop Leader
