Expedition Details
With the soft angles of its adobe homes; its stunning mountain backdrop and radiant light; and its unique blend of Spanish, Native American, and Wild West flavors, Santa Fe is an ideal setting for photographers. Settle into our historic pueblo-style hotel, La Fonda on the Plaza, and photograph the rich colors of New Mexico’s capital city and its dramatic scenery. Delve into the thriving artist district of Canyon Road, capture the spectacular landscape near Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch, and go on a photo shoot in a recreated Old West town.
These workshops—each led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor—are designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. Each weekend workshop is limited to 25 students.
The following is our planned itinerary; however, the schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.
Itinerary - 7 Days
Day 1 — Santa Fe
Arrive in Santa Fe and check into the pueblo-style La Fonda Hotel, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Gather for a reception and dinner with your instructors.
La Fonda on the Plaza (D)
Day 2 — Santa Fe
This morning, learn how images for a National Geographic magazine article are conceived, photographed, and selected. After lunch, go on your first assignment, shooting photos of the sights around Santa Fe. Then attend a presentation by our photographer, who will show selected work and discuss photographic technique and philosophy.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L)
Day 3 — Santa Fe
Spend the morning editing and critiquing the photos you took yesterday. Set off for Abiquiu to photograph the spectacular landscape near Ghost Ranch, the former home of Georgia O'Keeffe. The artist drew inspiration from these sandstone mesas and buttes, banded in rich reds and yellows, and depicted them often in her paintings.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Santa Fe
This morning work with the instructors to hone your photographic technique in a one-on-one critique session followed by a presentation. Our assignment today is Canyon Road, where the terra-cotta hues of adobe vie with vivid flowering trees and vines. Tonight gather for an image presentation by one of your instructors.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L)
Day 5 — Santa Fe
After a morning edit-and-critique session, go on a photo shoot to a re-created Old West town. As you explore the saloon, the sheriff’s office, and the jail, capture scenes recalling the days of the Wild West.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Santa Fe
Start with an early photographic assignment to catch the morning light as it rises over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Return to Santa Fe for editing, critiques, and a special presentation from your instructor. This evening, gather for a reception, dinner, and the "best of the week" image presentation.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Santa Fe
After breakfast, meet for a final recap of the week with your instructors. The workshop ends at noon.
La Fonda on the Plaza (B)
For questions on this workshop, please call 1-866-797-4686.
Related Trips
National Geographic Expert
Joe McNally
Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose career has spanned 30 years and included assignments in more than 50 countries. A contributor to National Geographic magazine for more than two decades, Joe has published numerous cover stories, including "The Future of Flying" (December 2003). His assignments have taken him from the heart of India's Diwali celebrations to the deserts of the Middle East to China's Great Wall. American Photo magazine has described Joe as "perhaps the most versatile photojournalist working today" and listed him as one of their 100 Most Important People in Photography. Among his many awards, Joe has been honored as a member of Kodak-PDN Legends Online, and was named a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens. In 2010, he was voted one of the 30 most influential photographers of the decade by Photo District News.
Joe will join the following departure:
Jul 15 - 21, 2012Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
What To Expect
These workshops—each led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor—are designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. Each weekend workshop is limited to 25 students.
