Sunscape – Desert Light: Landscape Photography in Joshua Tree with Michael E. Gordon (In-Person Learning)

About

In-Person Learning

The High Desert is a landscape of remarkable contrasts—ancient rock formations, iconic Joshua trees, vast open vistas, and light that transforms the terrain from one moment to the next. In this immersive Sunscape workshop, acclaimed landscape photographer Michael E. Gordon shares his approach to photographing one of the American West’s most compelling environments, helping participants move beyond postcard views to create expressive, personal landscape photographs.

Working in and around Joshua Tree National Park, we’ll explore how changing light, weather, texture, scale, and composition influence the emotional impact of an image. Field sessions during the golden hours, combined with classroom discussions and image critiques, will focus on visual design, the creative use of natural light, lens selection, perspective, and developing a thoughtful, intentional workflow in the field.

Participants will be encouraged to slow down, observe carefully, and respond to the landscape with curiosity and purpose. Rather than chasing familiar compositions, we’ll seek photographs that reflect a deeper connection to place—discovering beauty in subtle details, quiet moments, and the ever-changing character of the desert.

Whether you’re refining your landscape photography skills or looking to deepen your creative vision, this workshop offers an inspiring opportunity to experience Joshua Tree through the eyes of one of its most accomplished interpreters, while developing a body of work uniquely your own.

This course is strictly limited to 12 students.

PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY
A $500 deposit is required to reserve space in the workshop (you may also elect to pay the tuition in full). The balance is due three months prior to the start date. Refund requests arriving four months or greater prior the start date will result in a $50 administrative fee.  Refund requests arriving three to four months prior to the start date will result in loss of deposit or $500. Refund requests arriving two to three months prior to the start date will result in a 50% loss of the workshop fee. No refunds will be provided for requests arriving less than two months prior to the start date. All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to info@lacphoto.org.

INCLUDED WITH TUITION

• Classroom rental/location in the Joshua Tree area.
• Instructor and course assistant(s).
• Morning coffee/pastries and lunch on all five workshop days, March 18-22.
• Orientation reception/mixer and a group tour of the High Desert on Wednesday, March 17 .
• One group dinner on Friday, March 19.
• One group happy hour on Saturday, March 20.
• One group art walk – Portfolio Night at Sunscape – on Sunday, March 21.
• An Afternoon in the Desert closing reception/slideshow on Monday, March 22.

NOR INCLUDED WITH TUITION

• Airfare (if applicable).
• Lodging accommodations (if applicable).
• All transportation, including to and from workshop location in the High Desert.
• Optional add-on activities in the High Desert.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Michael E. Gordon is an award-winning fine art landscape photographer best known for his black and white impressions of California’s deserts which, said Broughton Quarterly, portrays “stunning ethereal beauty from terrain where others see only a bleak landscape.” A lifelong student of nature and wilderness, Michael’s intimate relationship with the natural world yields quiet images of depth and discovery. His work has been written about and published by LensWork; Elements; Medium Format; On Landscape; Outdoor Photographer; SHOTS; Backpacker; B+W Photography (UK); Arte Fotográfico; View Camera; Rangefinder; and many more. His awards and recognition include International Photography Awards, Prix de la Photographie, Paris, and Black & White Spider Awards.

View instructor profile here.

Details

• Five Sessions
• Date: Wednesday, March 17, 10 am – 12 pm PST (Orientation), Thursday through Sunday, March 18-21, 9 am – 4 pm PST; Monday, March 22, 9 am – 12 pm PST + An Afternoon in the High Desert, 4 pm – 6 pm
• Enrollment Limit 12 participants
• Skill/Experience Level: Knowledge of your camera is required.
• Tuition: $3,195 Non-Members; $3,095 Members; (Become a Member and save!)
• Location: High Desert in Southern California – Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree/29 Palms
• Sunscape Program: This workshop is part of LACP’s signature Sunscape programming, annual workshop getaways in Southern California.

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