ABOUT THE BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
A Fine Art Experience in One of America's Most Dramatic Landscapes.
Step into the sculpted terrain of South Dakota's Badlands National Park—where ancient sedimentary layers, sweeping prairies, and jagged formations converge under ever-changing skies. This workshop invites you to slow down, connect deeply with the land, and elevate your landscape photography through intentional composition, thoughtful timing, and guided creative exploration.
Whether you're new to the craft or an experienced photographer looking to refine your voice, this workshop offers a supportive environment to sharpen your technique, engage more meaningfully with your surroundings, and walk away with images that reflect not only what you saw—but what you felt.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
SEEING IN COMPOSITION
The Badlands are a masterclass in structure and flow. From layered ridgelines to winding gullies and tonal striations, you'll learn to read the land for visual rhythm—using lines, shapes, and textures to build balanced, compelling images that guide the viewer's eye with purpose.
ENGAGE WITH THE LANDSCAPE
Andy will work side-by-side with you in the field—not behind the lens, but beside you as a mentor. You'll receive personalized guidance on refining your compositions, mastering exposure techniques, and telling stronger visual stories with your images.
OPTIMAL LIGHTING, FLEXIBLE APPROACH
We'll focus primarily on late-day light, photographing through golden hour and into blue hour, when the Badlands are at their most sculptural and dramatic. If weather disrupts our evening plans—or if an exceptional sunrise sky is in the forecast—we may shift our schedule to take advantage of early morning conditions. These sessions offer a quiet, atmospheric view of the landscape that can be just as rewarding, especially when evening color has been elusive.
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH LOCATIONS
While a few of the park's iconic overlooks are on our itinerary, we'll spend much of our time exploring lesser-known areas—places where the raw beauty of the Badlands unfolds in solitude. These quieter landscapes offer the freedom to slow down, experiment, and connect more deeply with the land.
FROM FIELD TO FINAL IMAGE
Each day combines hands-on fieldwork with in-depth post-processing instruction. In Photoshop sessions, you'll learn how to blend exposures, enhance light, and refine tonal structure to bring out the full emotional impact of your images. By capturing with intention in the field and editing with precision at your laptop, you'll build a toolkit for producing compelling work long after the workshop ends.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
DAY 1, MONDAY, MAY __, 2027:
5:00 PM: Welcome and Introduction Session in the hotel breakfast room then depart for our first sunset shoot.
LODGING: Best Western Plains Motel, 712 Glenn Street, Wall, SD 57790. 605-279-2145
Check-in: Monday, May __, 2027
Check-out: Saturday, May __, 2027.
DAYS 2-5, TUESDAY-FRIDAY, MAY __-__, 2027:
Workshop activities will run from Tuesday through Friday, with evening field sessions planned daily. Midday hours will include indoor post-processing instruction and time to rest or explore. Morning shoots may be added if conditions call for it.
The workshop concludes after our final sunset session on Friday.
MEALS AND DINING: Wall, SD is a small gateway town with limited evening dining options and a local coffee shop that offers light breakfast fare. We recommend bringing some of your own snacks or breakfast items, especially if you have dietary preferences or need an early start. You'll have access to a small grocery store in town for basic provisions.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING (AS NEEDED): While our focus is on late light, we may occasionally take advantage of early morning conditions if weather or atmosphere calls for it. When we do, we'll arrive before sunrise to capture the quiet transformation of the Badlands under soft, subtle skies.
MIDDAY: We'll meet indoors for image review and editing instruction. Andy will guide you through post-processing techniques like exposure blending, color balancing, tonal refinement, and panoramic stitching. Bring your laptop with Photoshop installed so you can follow along and receive direct feedback on your work.
EVENING: Each afternoon we'll head out well before sunset to explore the landscape under golden light, staying through blue hour to capture the full arc of twilight. We may return to familiar locations to reinterpret them in new conditions, or explore new terrain depending on weather, group interest, and creative flow.
JOIN US: Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this workshop at Badlands National Park is designed to elevate your skills and inspire your passion for landscape photography. Don't miss this opportunity to capture one of America's most unique national parks!
Book your spot now and be part of an unforgettable photography adventure!
→ Click here to REGISTER for the Badlands Workshop
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WORKSHOP DETAILS
EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Beginner to Advanced
Our Badlands National Park Photography Workshop welcomes photographers of all skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced participants. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our tailored instruction ensures a rewarding experience for everyone.
GROUP SIZE: 8
To ensure personalized instruction and an intimate learning environment, our Badlands Workshop targets a group size of 8 participants. This small group setting allows for tailored feedback and enhances your overall experience as you explore the stunning landscapes of the park.
EFFORT LEVEL: Easy to Moderate
This workshop is classified as easy to moderate. Most locations require minimal hiking, often along roadsides, trails, or through grass. However, one of our key locations involves a 1.25-mile (each way) walk over level terrain, followed by exploration on gentle hills to find compelling compositions. While the overall physical demands are low, participants should be comfortable walking up to a few miles per day over uneven ground. The landscape is highly accessible and rewarding for photographers of all ability levels.
CONDITIONS: Prepare for Variable Weather
Participants in the Badlands National Park Photography Workshop should be prepared for varying weather conditions. Mornings can be chilly, and it's essential to dress in layers. Additionally, be ready for possible rain and thunderstorms, so bringing rain gear is highly recommended. Being prepared will ensure you can fully enjoy your photography experience in this amazing landscape.
GETTING TO THE WORKSHOP
AIR TRAVEL: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the most convenient airport for this photography workshop. It is located approximately 1 hour from Wall, SD, where our lodging is based.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: Expect paved highways and well-maintained dirt roads, which may be muddy at times. During the workshop we encourage participants to carpool to foster camaraderie and minimize our impact. The photography locations within Badlands National Park are spread out, requiring an average amount of driving each day. Be prepared for scenic drives through the park's unique landscapes.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
LENS RANGE: To make the most of the diverse compositions the Badlands offer, we recommend bringing a lens range that covers at least 16mm to 400mm (full-frame equivalent—consider crop factor if using a smaller sensor). This range allows for everything from sweeping wide-angle landscapes to tightly framed telephoto scenes. Many participants also find ultra-wide lenses (12mm or 14mm) especially useful for emphasizing foreground textures and creating dramatic perspectives.
POLARIZING FILTER: A polarizing filter can be a valuable tool during this workshop. It helps reduce glare from hazy skies and reflective rock surfaces, while enhancing color saturation and contrast—especially in the rich earth tones of the Badlands. When used thoughtfully, it can add clarity, depth, and vibrance to your images, helping them stand out with greater visual impact.
FOOTWEAR: Participants should be prepared for natural terrain hazards, including uneven ground, cacti, and the potential presence of prairie rattlesnakes. We strongly recommend sturdy, ankle-high leather hiking boots for stability and support. Due to tall grass and rugged terrain that can obscure your footing—especially during our return hikes after dark—snake gaiters are required to provide added protection to the lower legs and help prevent accidental encounters with snakes or thorny vegetation.
WATER AVAILABILITY: Please note that the tap water in Wall, SD, may not be to everyone's taste. To stay comfortably hydrated during the workshop, we recommend bringing your own bottled water or planning to purchase some locally.
