Monument Valley 2012

Wildlife Instructional Photography Workshop

Presented by the Burwell School of Photography

Download the workshop pdf here.

April 13th – 16th, 2012

We are very proud to be the exclusive company leading an instructional Wildlife Photography Workshop in conjunction with the Triple “D” Game Farm in Monument Valley during April 2012.

Large rock formations in the Navajo park Monument Valley

Imagine a Mountain Lion posing for your with the unbelievable Monument Valley landscape as a background. The sand dunes, buttes, grand arches and unique rock formations are internationally recognized as iconic symbols of the American West. For the first time ever, the Triple “D” Game Farm will be bringing a selection of their fantastic trained wildlife models to the Monument Valley during this special photography event.

Register early and join Outdoor Photography Canada’s contributing editor, Paul Burwell, for a full featured wildlife photography workshop.

Monument Valley

This unique venture will be held on Lorenz and Barbara Holiday’s Moonlight Springs Ranch, ten miles west of Goulding’s Lodge. Triple “D” has been granted the rare opportunity to base their operations on a traditional Navajo homestead and through our respected host and Navajo guides, Burwell School of Photography participants will have the chance to witness and experience the history, culture and challenges of the local residents.

Photography sites have been selected in various locations throughout Monument Valley to include Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Moonlight Springs Ranch. This includes back country locations which allow access only to those with a Navajo Nation guide. Some of the selected sites include spectacular stone arches, rocky outcrops using the “Mittens” or other monuments of archeological significance, and locations with cultural intrigue.

About the Three Day Wildlife Events

Tentative plans include the following species: Black Bear, Mountain Lions, Bobcat, Siberian Lynx, Coyote, Wolves, Grey Fox, Cross Fox, Red Fox, Badger and Porcupine with the possibility of a Grizzly Bear cub and a Tiger cub. Some additions or changes may be necessary prior to the workshop.

Red Fox posing on the red rocks

The objective is to offer the opportunity for participants to photograph the animals from Triple “D” in settings only common to the unique Monument Valley. Those images could never be obtained any other way.

Badger posing on top of a red rock formation

Participants will be guaranteed eight photo sessions during the three day event with an option to attend additional sessions. The group size for each event will be limited to 12 photographers.

How to Get THERE and Where to STAY

Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park and located on the border of Utah and Arizona and all filming sites are within the 16 million-acre Navajo Reservation. Participants MUST plan quickly to reserve lodging or camping locations. It is also recommended participants make arrangements to travel to, and from, the various filming locations in a high clearance vehicle, with four wheel drive preferred. Goulding’s Lodge and The View offer comfortable lodging and a restaurant and are both located at or near Monument Valley. Goulding’s also offers a full service campground. Mexican Hat, UT and Kayenta, AZ are both within 25 miles of Monument Valley, and offer only a few hotels. Tourism begins to peak in April, and lodging is extremely limited, with no other options available to our clients. We strongly suggest lodging arrangements be made early.

Major air access is also limited with commutes required from various locations to include Salt Lake City, UT, Flagstaff, AZ or Phoenix, AZ. The “Four Corners” area is a photographers dream! While en route to Monument Valley, you are near so many breathtaking and unique parks and adventures to include Arches and Canyon Lands National Parks, the Grand Canyon, and numerous other scenic and historical byways, state parks and recreation sites.

Navajo Mustang Roundup / Introduction to the Navajo Culture (Optional Session)

Two wild horses, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Monument Valley, Arizona, USA

Arrangements are being made with local Navajo families to conduct photography sessions of early morning mustang horse drives. This includes a herd of mustangs running toward the photographer accompanied by a Navajo wrangler(s) in local attire. Locations have been selected to highlight the glow of the soft early morning light against the spectacular rock formations and utilize the famous monuments as a background.

The Burwell School of Photography Mustang Roundup Event will be held April 13th 2012.

After the Mustang Roundup participants will travel with our Navajo guide to locations within the park and step back in time to photograph various Navajo exhibits to include the Hogan, or hexagon-shaped domed regarded as sanctuary for the family. Many families in the area still live without electricity or running water and embrace the traditions of the Navajo way of life to include rug making and weaving, tending of goats, sheep and other local live stock, bread making and open fire cooking or baking.

The cost is $700 to attend the Mustang Roundup and the Navajo Culture.

Participants will have the afternoon to enjoy the park or retreat to the motel to relax after four days of intense photography.

More, on the Moonlight Springs Ranch

Moonlight Springs Ranch is operated by our hosts, Lorenz and Barbara Holiday and is located approximately 10 miles from Goulding’s or 15 miles from Monument Valley Tribal Park. Lorenz grew up in the area and from childhood was raised in the traditions of the Navajo way of life. As his guests, he offers us the opportunity to learn more about his culture. The Ranch provides many spectacular sites and offers views of various monuments throughout the valley. While at Moonlight Springs, it is not uncommon to see many wild mustangs roaming free.

Guided Tour (Optional Event)

The Triple “D” has also made arrangements with two professional Navajo guides to conduct escorted vehicle tours within Monument Valley Tribal Park. Our guides know the area and its history and will take clients to some of the most sought after, and remote areas. These tours will be conducted in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon depending on weather conditions.

Petroglyph - Monument Valley

The tour guide will provide transportation and participants can expect that a portion of their tour will include the restricted areas of the park, known as the “Back Country”. The back country areas are only accessible with high clearance, four wheel drive vehicles. These tours are optional. Participants can reserve a tour the day prior to, or the day after, the wildlife photography sessions. Cost per participant is $125.00 per day.

The guided tour for participants in the Burwell School of Photography is scheduled for April 14th 2012.