Photo Workshop: Santa Fe

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, Inn and Spa at Loretto, and photograph the rich colors of New Mexico’s capital city and its dramatic scenery. Delve into the thriving artist district of Canyon Road, go on assignment amid the striped sandstone mesas and buttes near Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch, and catch the early light on Santa Fe. Then spend an afternoon in a recreated Old West town to capture scenes that recall the days of the Wild West.

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is 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. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, the schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Santa Fe

Arrive in Santa Fe and check into the pueblo-style Inn and Spa at Loretto*, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Gather for a reception and dinner with your instructors.
Optional Accommodations: Inn and Spa at Loretto
(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.
Optional Accommodations: Inn and Spa at Loretto
(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.
Optional Accommodations: Inn and Spa at Loretto
(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.
Optional Accommodations: Inn and Spa at Loretto
(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.
Optional Accommodations: Inn and Spa at Loretto
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Santa Fe

Start with an early photographic assignment to capture the morning light as it rises over Santa Fe. Return to the classroom 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.
Optional Accommodations: Inn and Spa at Loretto
(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.
(B)