Leica Photo Adventure: Death Valley | March 2027

Join Red Dot Photo Workshops for a photographic journey through the dramatic, otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park, California. It’s a place of extremes: the lowest point in North America sits within sight of snow-dusted peaks, and the light can turn the same stretch of desert from soft pastels at dawn to deep golds and shadows by evening.

We’ll photograph the rippling Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in low, raking light, when every ridge and footprint becomes a study in shape and texture. At Zabriskie Point and in Golden Canyon, the eroded badlands glow at sunrise, and along Artist’s Drive the hillsides reveal bands of pink, green, and violet mineral color. Out on Badwater Basin, the cracked, hexagonal salt flats stretch toward the mountains, offering endless possibilities for minimalist compositions and reflections when conditions allow. From high overlooks like Dante’s View, we’ll take in the full scale of the valley, and we’ll venture to quieter corners of the park where Joshua trees stand against open skies and rugged ranges.

Death Valley is also one of the darkest places in the country, recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Weather permitting, we’ll head out after midnight to photograph the Milky Way and star-filled skies above the desert floor, with guidance on night shooting techniques.
Leica experts Colin McKinley and Peter Dooling of Red Dot Photo Workshops will be on hand throughout, offering one-on-one guidance in the field and inspiration as you capture the striking beauty and extraordinary contrasts of the desert. Whether you’re refining your landscape work or trying something new, this is a chance to slow down, see differently, and come home with images that feel as vast and quiet as the place itself.

While other cameras are certainly allowed on this trip, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear.

Why this trip is different

At Red Dot Photo Workshops, we feel that real world shooting is the best way to discover the capabilities of your camera, grow as a photographer and enjoy the Leica experience. Our Leica-focused photo workshops offer you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to master your camera, try out the latest Leica gear and spend time with other Leica enthusiasts from all over the US and the world.

In addition to landscape photography, this workshop will provide opportunities for Astrophotography. We’ll show you when and where to look for the Milky Way, useful apps to assist your planning and how to set up your camera for the best possible results.

What to Expect

This is primarily a photography trip. We will be shooting some days from before sunrise until after sunset. Some nights, we may be out in the desert until after midnight photographing the stars. At each carefully chosen location, there will be plenty of time to set up your tripod, compose your shots and get in some quality photography. On most days, we will come back to the hotel mid-day to rest up and edit images.

The weather in Death Valley and the surrounding desert areas is relatively mild in March, with average highs in the 80’s and lows in the 50’s. However, at some locations the elevation may be up to 4,000-6,000ft above sea level, where the sun can be very intense and dehydration can happen quickly. It is very important to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.