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Desert Ecology & Photography Workshops

A Four-Stage Series

Dive into the hidden layers of the Mojave Desert and master the art of environmental storytelling through light and perception. This series of four immersive workshops takes you on a progressive journey—from understanding the intricate ecology beneath the sands to capturing the full spectrum of dawn-to-dark sky moments. Each stage builds on the last, guiding you to develop a deeply personal creative voice and a compelling portfolio.*

Why This Series Matters

The desert is more than empty space. It’s a living network of plants, animals, geological forces, and shifting light. I’ll teach you to see beyond the landscape—to observe creosote forests and burrower trails, to sense the dune’s subtle textures, and to visualize data-driven ecological stories. Along the way, you’ll learn how each hour of light reshapes perception, from the first glow of sunrise to the infinite canvas of the night sky.

The Four Workshops

1. Seeing the Unseen
Foundation in desert ecology and observational skills
︎ Introduction to basic landscape photography techniques
︎ Learn to read microhabitats and reveal hidden life in the desert
1-day workshop, $250 per participant
15 November 2025

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2. Desert Perception
︎ Deepen your relationship with light and scale
︎ Techniques for shifting perspective and framing desert narratives
1-day workshop, $250 per participant
16 November 2025

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3. Twilight Mastery
︎ Specialized instruction in golden hour, blue hour, and the emotional impact of transitional light
︎ Hands-on field sessions from pre-sunset glow to deepening dusk and the opening of sunrise
2-day workshop, $500 per participant
6-7 December

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4. Chronicles of Light
︎ A comprehensive dawn-to-dusk experience
︎ Time slice technique to craft a cohesive photo essay that traces the desert’s daily life cycle
2-day workshop, $700 per participant
13-14 December

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Special rates available for Morongo Basin youth 15-18 years old enrolled in MUSD. Please email.

Who Should Attend

  • Photographers seeking to expand beyond technical skill into ecological and philosophical storytelling
  • Environmental advocates looking to translate data and field observation into compelling imagery
  • Designers and creatives eager to integrate minimal form, pattern, and the rhythms of nature into their work
  • Anyone ready to move from exploration to commitment—finishing projects, building a portfolio, and sharing their vision

What You’ll Gain

  • A portfolio of powerful landscape, twilight, and night-sky images
  • Hands-on experience with field-tested techniques for extreme-light environments
  • A deeper understanding of desert ecosystems, from plant adaptations to hidden water sources
  • Storytelling frameworks rooted in perceptual scaling and environmental data visualization
  • The confidence to launch your own projects, monetize your work, and connect with a like-minded community

Series Logistics & Registration

  • Small group sizes (minimum 4 to maximum 8 participants) for personalized guidance
  • Field locations in Wonder Valley’s dune systems, with necessary safety support
  • Professional equipment recommendations and pre-workshop resource
  • Flexible scheduling: attend individual sessions or enroll in the full four-stage progression

Begin your journey to discovering the desert’s hidden life, mastering every phase of light, and telling stories that resonate.
Enrollment fee includes field guide, technical tip sheet, group lunch, one 8x10 print of your work at end of workshop, and access to facilities for those who wish to camp on-site (kitchen & bathroom).


*Workshops do not need to be taken progressively. You can sign-up for one or all.