Utah Drone Photo Workshop
- 6 Days
From $5,350 - Interests
- Drone, Landscape
- Activity Level
- Easy
- Group Size
- 6
Photograph some of the most spectacular and unusual desert landscapes from the air
Utah is home to some of the most stunning and unusual landscapes in North America. Millions of years of erosion and upheaval have carved otherworldly scenes and surreal patterns that photographers dream about — dramatic river bends, towering buttes and mesas, sculpted badlands, intricate erosion patterns, and strikingly colored soils, all best captured from the air. Whether you’re after surreal abstract patterns or sweeping desert vistas, southeastern Utah doesn’t disappoint.
In the desert, light and shadow are what separate a good photo from a great one. We build our flying schedule around sunrise, sunset, and any other dramatic light that presents itself, since that’s when the desert’s colors are at their most vivid — from the striped, undulating badlands near Hanksville to the layered reds, oranges, and rust tones exposed in the canyon walls around Mexican Hat.
Our drone photography workshop is designed for pilots and photographers of all skill levels, with a low instructor-to-photographer ratio to ensure individual attention. If you’re just getting started, our experienced instructors will teach you to fly safely and help you capture amazing photos. If you’re already an experienced pilot, we’ll push you further with advanced techniques and flight modes.
Highlights
- Stunning drone-friendly photo locations in Bluff, Mexican Hat, and Hanksville, Utah.
- A small group with experienced drone instructors to help you gain confidence in your drone skills and get the most out of your flying camera.
- Locations extensively scouted in advance to put you in the best light for each session.
- Portable battery charging from our vehicle, so you can spend more time in the air.
What You'll Learn
- Fly your drone safely and efficiently–Learn techniques for safe takeoff and landing in a desert environment.
- Compose from the sky–Your “tripod in the sky” allows you limitless creative options. We’ll help you use altitude and camera angle to find the best scenes.
- Learn advanced drone flying modes–Video, panoramas, and hyperlapses.
- Post-processing–Learn how to bring out colors and contrast, edit videos, and find the best composition to share.
Your Guides
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James Begeman
Oct 13–18, 2026Nov 6–11, 2027 -
Mindy Huston
Oct 13–18, 2026Nov 6–11, 2027
Activity Level
Most of our drone locations are an easy walk from the vehicle. You should be able to walk up to 1/4 mile over potentially uneven, rocky terrain.
This tour has an activity level of Easy. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Durango. Transfer to Bluff
Arrive at Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) before 11:00 AM on this day. Air travel delays are possible, so please consider arriving early, possibly the day prior. We don't want you to miss out on trip activities.
We will meet you in Durango, either at the airport or at your hotel if you are arriving early and drive to Bluff, UT, where we will be staying for the next couple of nights. The drive will take approximately 3 hours.
We’ll settle into our accommodations, have dinner, and then head out for our first evening flight.
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Day 2: Bluff and Mexican Hat
This area of Utah is dominated by red-rock mesas and buttes, along with the winding San Juan River, which has cut dramatic canyons.
We’ll fly in the best light and return to our lodge for meals, rest, and a chance to charge our drone batteries so we’re ready for the next session.
Overnight in Bluff.
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Day 3: Transfer to Hanksville
After our morning drone flight, we’ll head to our next location in Hanksville, stopping to take in some of the amazing scenery along the way.
After dinner, we’ll head out for our first evening drone session.
Overnight in Hanksville.
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Day 4–5: Hanksville
Hanksville is home to surreal, alien landscapes such as the Moonscape Overlook, Bentonite Hills, Factory Butte, and the Cainville Mesas.
As before, we’ll fly in the best light, then return to town for meals, rest, and, most importantly, battery charging.
Overnight in Hanksville.
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Day 6: Departure from Salt Lake City
We’ll have one last chance to fly our drones this morning, then have breakfast and check out of our hotel.
We’ve chosen to drive a little farther to get you to the Salt Lake City airport, which offers the most flight options for your return home. Our drive from Hanksville to Salt Lake City airport will take about 4 hours.
Departure from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Book your departing flight no earlier than 4:00 PM on this day.
Accommodations
We’ll stay in comfortable individual cabins and resort hotel rooms, both of which are conveniently located near our drone locations and meals.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Dates & Prices
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Oct 13–18, 2026$5,350 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$495 USDSingle SupplementRegister1 Spot LeftGuides: James Begeman, Mindy HustonGroup Size: 6Payment Terms: Deposit: $1,500 USDBalance Due: Jun 15, 2026
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Nov 6–11, 2027$5,650 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$495 USDSingle SupplementGuides: James Begeman, Mindy HustonGroup Size: 6Payment Terms: Deposit: $1,500 USDBalance Due: Jul 9, 2027
All of our standard Terms & Conditions apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single lodging is available with payment of a single supplement fee.
- All transportation during the tour.
- Snacks and water between meals.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure.
- Our group will dine together, but the cost of most meals is not included.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
Prepare for Your Trip
Please review our photography travel resources, including know your camera and our camera gear list, to help you plan your trip. Before your trip, we’ll contact you with more detailed gear recommendations specific to your trip.