- March 30, 2020 - April 2, 2020
12:00 pm
Joshua Tree has an almost mythical status among the national parks. It straddles 2 deserts and contains some of the most unworldly landscapes and plants in the US. From freezing cold to scorching hot, from bone dry to drenching rain, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts are stark and beautiful.
Explore the beauty of this unforgiving natural wonderland. During this workshop and camp out we will hike, and explore, finding beautiful landscapes, macro shots and wildlife. Joshua Tree offers spectacular night skies thanks to it’s elevation, dry air and remote location and we will take full advantage of those night skies during this workshop.
Workshop Program
Each day, Andrew will lead participants on a set of hikes and photo walks. Generally there will be a sunrise hike and a sunset hike, reserving the midday for recuperation, photo editing, teaching and socializing. Andrew will lead night photo hikes to make star photos, weather allowing. He will also be available throughout to answer 1:1 questions and provide personal teaching.
This is an active workshop! Each day we will potentially hike 2 to 10 miles (broken up into several hikes). Some of the hikes will be strenuous. Others will be easy or short. There will be a briefing on the upcoming day’s hikes each night. Each participant is encouraged to go on only the hikes they feel up to. Know your limits and remember that it gets hot in the desert, even in early April!
We will have a group campfire each night (burn ban allowing). Plan on hanging out and chatting about photography or whatever is top of mind. It will be a great time to share stories from the day’s hikes and other adventures.
Pre-Workshop Facebook Live
Andrew will conduct a pre-workshop facebook live two weeks prior to the workshop to help everyone prep for the trip. He will answer questions and discuss what to expect. Participants will receive an invite via email with instructions.
Camping & Lodging
We have reserved a block of camp sites. Campsites fill up well in advance at JT during April so if you wish to camp, we recommend selecting that option when you check out. Don’t plan on driving in an getting a campsite. Hotels are available in Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree (the town). Both are about a 30 minute drive from the central area where the workshop will call home base.
Participants are responsible for their own camping equipment or hotel reservations. Participants are responsible for their own meals.
We have reserved a limited number of RV sites. If you plan on attending with an RV, please let us know ASAP so we can earmark one of those sites for you. They are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Getting There and Around
Joshua Tree National Park is an approximately 3.5 hour drive east of Los Angeles or San Diego. It is approximately a 17.5 hour drive from Austin.
Southwest Airlines frequently has inexpensive flights from Austin to San Diego or Hollywood Burbank airport (Bob Hope, BUR) in LA metro. I recommend avoiding LAX if possible since it is on the coast (further) and in the middle of the worst LA traffic.
A car is required for access to and around the park. Workshop participants are responsible for their own transportation during the workshop but are welcome (and encouraged) to carpool with each other to minimize the number of vehicles we are driving.
If you find yourself in need of incidentals, gas, food, drinks or other supplies, Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree (the town) are both about 30 minutes away and easy to reach.
What to Bring
Camera Gear:
- Camera & Lenses
- Tripod & Cable Release (for Night Photography)
- Battery Chargers
- Laptop for Downloading (optional)
- Camera Backpack with Hip Strap (optional but recommended for hiking)
- Filters (Graduated ND, Polarizer, etc – optional)
Other Stuff:
- Hiking Boots or other sturdy walking shoes.
- Hiking Pole or Walking Staff
- Sunscreen and Sun Protection (hat, sun shirt, etc)
- Lawn Chair
- Camping Supplies
- Meals (there are no concessions in the park, groceries and restaurants are available in town about 30 minutes away).
- Water – The campgrounds are “dry”. Everyone needs to bring their own water into the park.
- A strategy to take 2 liters (minimum) of water along on each hike (camelbak, water bottles, etc)
- Snacks/Trail Food
Instructor
This class is taught by Photography Instructor Andrew Fritz.
Andrew is a photography instructor teaching students of all skill levels in Austin, TX through Precision Camera and independently in San Diego, CA. He runs workshops around the United States.
He is a self taught experiential learner who is addicted to the possibilities that new (to him) gear open up. He loves to share the things he has worked out. Andrew started with a passion for landscape and night photography and quickly branched out to work in just about every form of photography. He is an ex-software developer with extensive experience in the IT realm.
Andrew is a full time wedding and commercial photographer in both Austin and San Diego. Andrew is a club founder and multi-time past president of North Austin Pfotographic Society.
Venue: Joshua Tree National Park
Venue Phone: (512) 467-7676
Venue Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
Address: