Hunt’s Photo Adventure: Navajo Nation

Workshop Description

The Hunt’s Photo Adventure: Navajo Nation is a six-day immersive workshop based in Mexican Hat, Utah, designed to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Navajo Nation and surrounding regions.

This workshop is intentionally scheduled around the rare Mitten Shadow event in Monument Valley, which occurs only twice a year when the sun aligns precisely to cast a dramatic, defined shadow across the iconic Mitten formations. This natural phenomenon serves as a centerpiece of the workshop and a key photographic objective.

Using Mexican Hat as our base, we’ll access a diverse range of locations including Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Moki Dugway, and surrounding backcountry areas. The workshop is structured around the best available light, with sunrise and sunset sessions planned in key locations and a dedicated night photography experience under dark skies.

A highlight of this workshop is special access with Navajo guides, including a dedicated night sky astrophotography session on Navajo land during a new moon for the darkest skies possible, as well as a guided sunrise photography experience in Monument Valley, providing unique access and perspective in one of the most iconic landscapes in the world.

While a structured itinerary is provided, this workshop is intentionally flexible. Conditions such as weather, light, road access, and seasonal factors will guide our daily decisions in order to place the group in the best possible photographic situations.

This is a field-focused workshop designed for photographers who want to deepen their understanding of landscape photography while working in one of the most visually powerful regions in the United States.

What’s included:

• Ground transportation throughout the workshop in Utah
• Professional in-field photography instruction with Jeff Swinger (Swingman Photo)
• On-location guidance for composition, exposure, and field techniques
• Image review and feedback throughout the workshop (as requested)
• Three exclusive Navajo-guided photography experiences (sunrise, Teardrop Arch, Hunts Mesa)
• Full workshop planning, scouting, and logistical coordination
• Small group experience (maximum 5 participants per group)

What’s not included:

• Airfare to and from Salt Lake City (SLC) or other airports
• Lodging accommodations (San Juan Inn or other hotels)
• Meals, snacks, and beverages
• Personal expenses and incidentals
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Camera gear and personal photography equipment
• Optional gratuity for Navajo guide

Skill Sets: All Skill Levels Welcome
Physical Activity: This workshop involves minimal hiking, but participants should expect extended outdoor photography sessions, often in cool or breezy conditions. Footing may be uneven on rocky or sandy terrain, and travel may include long drives, bumpy roads andoff-roading in 4×4 vehicles. Weather in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona can be unpredictable; this time of year can still be hot during the day, with cooler evenings and nights

In this workshop we will cover:

Exposure
Composition
Metering
Use of Lenses
Subject Development
Creative Thinking
Shooting in Low Light
Long Exposures
Use of Filters (polarizers and ND)
Image Processing
Image Review
Image Critiquing

Lodging is not included in the cost of this Adventure. We will be staying at the San Juan Inn (435-683-2220).

Recommended gear:
Camera, memory cards, batteries
Wide angle, standard, telephoto and super-telephoto lenses (If you are looking for a lens to rent, you can rent it from us at rentals.huntsphoto.com!)
Tripod
Cable release
Polarizers and Neutral Density filters if you have them

Travel information

Due to travel logistics and the importance of a timely group departure, participants are strongly encouraged to arrive in Salt Lake City (SLC), preferably on September 7th, to ensure an on-time group pickup at 8 AM on the morning of September 8th and to help mitigate potential travel delays.

Departure flights from Salt Lake City (SLC) should be scheduled for the evening of September 14th or later, allowing ample time for the return drive from Mexican Hat and providing flexibility in case of weather or travel delays.

Hotel information
SLC Airport Hotels are very convenient for group pickup. The San Juan Inn (435.683.2220), Mexican Hat, Utah, will serve as our base for the duration of the workshop. Hunt’s Photo has reserved a block of rooms for participants. Each attendee is responsible for calling the hotel directly to reserve and pay for their room. Be sure to mention “Hunt’s Photo Group” when booking.

About Weather

Weather can range from a low of 45°  at night to a high of 70° F during the day. There will be a slight chance of rain during our workshop.

Important things to keep in mind:
•Bring clothing suited for a variety of temperatures, from cold mornings to warm afternoons. Also be prepared for potential rain and for changing weather.

Itinerary Flexibility Notice

While this itinerary provides the overall structure of the adventure, daily plans may evolve based on weather, light, road conditions, crowds, and real-time photographic opportunities. This flexibility helps us create the strongest experience possible for the group.

Payments
A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip is required upon sign-up to secure a spot. The remaining balance is due 45-days prior to the workshop. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.