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March 22-26‚ 2026 - 2 Spots Available

Workshop Dates

$2,795
$2,795
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Learn More and Sign Up

  • Experience Level

    Beginner to Advanced 

    This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. You'll receive personalized guidance to build on your strengths and overcome weaknesses. Expect to be challenged and grow, regardless of your starting point.

  • Fitness Level

    Easy

    Involves short hikes (up to 1 mile round trip) on uneven desert terrain. Expect brief sections of basic, easy scrambling in narrow canyons, using hands for balance over small obstacles. Requires stable footing and reasonable mobility.

    More Info 

  • Creative Focus

    Field Sessions & Classroom Instruction

    Field sessions explore badlands, textures, slot canyons, and plant life. Classroom covers desert composition (grand/intimate), light, potential B&W, and the'Rethink Landscape' processing methodology in Lightroom.

  • Group Size

    Limited to 8 Guests

    We keep our group sizes small to ensure the individual attention you deserve.

  • Location

    Borrego Springs, California

    View Map 

  • Fly To

    San Diego, California (SAN)

    Check Flights 

Description

Explore California's vast Anza-Borrego State Park and develop your eye for composition amidst its rugged beauty. We guide you to craft compelling images reflecting your experience, focusing on the sculptural badlands, rock textures, intimate light within a unique slot canyon, backlit cholla, and desert flora patterns.

While timed for potential peak wildflower season, a significant bloom is unpredictable and not guaranteed. Our primary focus is learning to creatively interpret the park's diverse geology and resilient life, ensuring a rewarding experience regardless of flower conditions.

Learn David's 'Rethink Landscape' processing methodology – a novel Lightroom system using midtone contrast and targeted adjustments for natural results, empowering you to craft images aligned with your vision. Slow down, connect with the desert, and push your creative boundaries. Note: High-clearance vehicle recommended; carpooling required.

Meet Your Creative Guides

  • David Kingham

    David is an accomplished professional photographer renowned for his evocative nature imagery. His work showcases intimate landscapes, stunning nightscapes, and masterful black-and-white photography. As the founder of Exploring Exposure, David is dedicated to mentoring aspiring photographers, helping them refine their skills and develop their artistic vision.

    View David's Portfolio 

  • Jennifer Renwick

    Jennifer is a professional photographer renowned for her captivating abstract and small scene imagery. With a keen eye for detail, she uncovers the hidden stories within grand landscapes. Jennifer is passionate about helping fellow photographers discover their unique style and guiding them to express their vision through meaningful projects.

    View Jennifer's Portfolio 

Visual Inspiration

Workshop Highlights & Creative Focus:

  • Develop Desert Vision: Learn to see beyond the surface, interpreting Anza-Borrego's unique character – badlands, washes, flora details.
  • Composition Mastery: Craft compelling images from grand vistas to intimate abstracts, focusing on texture, form, and light.
  • Wildflower Potential: Timed for the best chance of desert blooms, but focused on the enduring landscape regardless.
  • Master the Rethink Workflow: Learn the 'Rethink Landscape' Lightroom methodology for authentic, nuanced desert image development.
  • Slot Canyon Access: Explore and photograph the unique interior of a permitted slot canyon.
  • Personalized Guidance: Receive tailored instruction (4:1 ratio) to overcome hurdles and achieve creative breakthroughs.

Logistics:

  • Lodging: Group block secured at a Borrego Springs hotel ($200/night+tax). Classroom sessions held here. Book directly using info provided upon registration.
  • Transportation: Participants responsible for transport to/from Borrego Springs. Carpooling is required during the workshop (max 3 vehicles). Instructors coordinate this (2 spots available in instructor vehicle). High-clearance vehicle (SUV ideal) strongly recommended for accessing some locations. Please inform us of your vehicle type.

Itinerary

Preparation: Upon registration, a comprehensive itinerary will be sent to you, ensuring all the details are at your fingertips to help you plan your travel arrangements seamlessly.

Day 1: Arrival, Orientation & Seeing the Desert Landscape

  • Meet at 5:00 PM at the hotel (Borrego Springs) for introductions and workshop orientation.
  • Attend the Evening Session presentation on interpreting Anza-Borrego's landscape (composition, light, subjects).
  • Join the optional group dinner nearby for informal conversation.

Days 2-4: Field Exploration, Image Development & Refining Your Vision

  • Participate in the Early Morning Field Session (Pre-sunrise - mid-morning) exploring badlands, desert gardens, potential flower areas. Focus on observation and personal composition.
  • Midday Flexibility: Usually includes a brunch/lunch break. On one day, this period features a dedicated Slot Canyon Field Session, exploring its unique light and forms.
  • Attend the Afternoon Image Review session for constructive group critique.
  • Learn the Rethink Landscape processing methodology in the Afternoon Lightroom Session, focusing on desert image techniques (contrast, texture, color, masking) with guided practice.
  • Head out for the Evening Field Session, working through sunset and blue hour light.

Day 5: Final Field Session & Workshop Conclusion

  • Engage in the final Early Morning Field Session (Pre-sunrise - mid-morning) to apply learned concepts.
  • Take a break for check-out and a meal (on own).
  • Join the concluding Midday Session for final image review, feedback, and discussion on continued creative growth.
  • Workshop concludes around 1:00 PM.

What's Included:

  • Expert Instruction & Guidance: Field guidance and classroom instruction from David Kingham & Jennifer Renwick (4:1 ratio).
  • Small Group Environment: Max 8 participants for personalized attention.
  • Image Development & Critique: Classroom sessions on "Rethink" processing and group critiques.
  • Collaborative Workshop Zine: A curated 8x8 keepsake featuring participant images, delivered post-workshop.

What's Not Included:

  • Transportation: To/from Borrego Springs, CA. Carpooling is required during the workshop (max 3 vehicles); high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended.
  • Lodging: In Borrego Springs (Group rate block available).
  • Meals: All meals are the responsibility of the participant.
  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.
  • Personal Items: Camera gear, clothing, hiking essentials, reusable water bottle, etc.

Your Commemorative Workshop Zine

As a special part of your Exploring Exposure workshop, we create a unique, tangible keepsake: a custom-designed 8x8 Zine featuring images from you and your fellow participants. It’s a beautiful way to remember the shared adventure and the landscapes explored.

More than that, the process encourages you to mindfully review your work, finalize your processing, and select your most meaningful images for inclusion. About a month after the workshop, you’ll share your selections with us. We then handle the curation, layout, and printing, sending you this beautiful collective memory to hold onto. It’s one more way we support your creative journey, even after the workshop ends.

Our Teaching Philosophy

At our workshops, we are dedicated to helping you discover and develop your unique creative style through personalized training tailored to your skill level and photographic interests. Our goal is to provide you with a rigorous learning experience, both in the field and the classroom, to elevate your photography to new heights.

Your growth and satisfaction are our top priorities. We put your interests first, focusing solely on your learning experience. Throughout the workshop, we will take photographs alongside you to demonstrate how we approach a scene, share techniques, and foster a sense of camaraderie within the group. However, we will never leave you to pursue our own photographic endeavors. Our attention will always remain on you and your progress.

We regularly check in with each participant to provide helpful feedback and advice on your work, without being overbearing. Our biggest goal is to see you succeed and learn, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

We recognize that each participant joins our workshops at different stages of their photographic development. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced photographer, we are here to guide and assist you. We firmly believe that there is always room for growth and improvement in photography, and we are committed to helping you refine your skills and find your unique creative vision.

Above all, we strive to create a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for you. Our small group sizes allow us to build strong connections with our clients, fostering a sense of community and belonging. We are driven by our love for photography and find immense joy in witnessing our participants' growth and artistic development.

Join us on this exciting journey of photographic discovery, and let us help you unlock your full creative potential.

Safety First

Your safety is our utmost priority, especially when exploring remote locations. As certified Wilderness First Responders, David and Jennifer are prepared to handle any situation, big or small. We also carry satellite communication devices to ensure we can request rescue assistance if needed in areas without cellular coverage.

Responsible

As proud members of Nature First Photography, we are committed to responsible nature photography practices. We abide by and promote the seven principles of this movement to our clients, encouraging them to join us in preserving the natural world we capture through our lenses.

Join Nature First

Legal Compliance

At Exploring Exposure, we operate with the highest level of integrity. We obtain all necessary permits, carry comprehensive liability insurance, and acquire any required certifications to ensure our workshops are conducted legally and ethically.

For this workshop Exploring Exposure operates under a Special Use Permit with the California State Parks Department. We are also an equal opportunity service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spouses/partners welcome?

We're sorry, but partners may only come on field excursions if they pay full price for a seat on the workshop.

Will I have cell service during the workshop?

In many remote areas we visit, cell service and Wi-Fi can be extremely limited or non-existent during field excursions. Expect potential periods of being offline. Service is typically available at our accommodation, but cannot be guaranteed everywhere. We carry a satellite communication device for emergency use.

Will weather cancel the workshop?

Often, dramatic weather provides the best photographic opportunities! We prioritize participant safety, but the workshop will proceed in most weather conditions. Locations or schedules might be adjusted if conditions pose a significant safety risk (e.g., hazardous roads, extreme events). We encourage embracing the elements! Please note that no refunds or rescheduling are offered based on weather circumstances.

Do the instructors photograph during workshops?

Our commitment is first and foremost to your learning and creative exploration. While you might see us create some images during our time in the field, it's always with an educational purpose in mind. We might photograph to:

  • Walk you through how we evaluate and compose a scene, sharing the excitement and challenges together.
  • Demonstrate a specific technique (like focus stacking, long exposure, or ICM).
  • Make images during our field sessions that reflect the specific locations and conditions you're experiencing. This provides highly relevant examples for demonstrating the Rethink processing workflow, directly applicable to the images you're creating on the trip.

Engaging in the creative process alongside you can be instructive and helps foster a shared experience and connection within the group. However, this never takes precedence over providing personalized attention and ensuring you have the support you need to develop your vision. Our focus remains squarely on you.

Detailed Fitness Requirements & Terrain

This workshop involves exploring varied desert terrain, primarily on short walks from our vehicles, potentially including narrow slot canyons.

  • Hiking Distances: Expect short walks, generally no more than 1 mile round trip, to explore specific features. This may include venturing into badlands formations, desert washes, areas with unique textures and plants, and potentially navigating through short sections of narrow slot canyons. Most shooting locations will be relatively close to where we park.
  • Terrain: While the distances are short, the terrain itself can be uneven and varied. You may be walking on loose sand (which can require more effort than firm ground), packed dirt, potentially stepping over rocks, and navigating uneven wash bottoms. Within slot canyons, the ground can be rocky or sandy, and the passages may become quite narrow in places, requiring careful foot placement and maneuvering. Formal trails are often absent in the specific locations we explore. Good balance and sturdy footing are beneficial.
  • Environmental Factors: Be prepared for sun exposure and potential heat, even outside of peak summer. Staying hydrated is critical.

How to Get There

Here are the steps to get from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Borrego Springs, California:

Driving Directions

  1. Exit the Airport: After picking up your luggage, exit the airport and head east on North Harbor Drive.
  2. Take I-8 East: Merge onto I-8 East and continue for about 80 miles.
  3. Take Exit 89 for S-22 East: Take exit 89 for S-22 East (also known as the Borrego Salton Seaway) towards Borrego Springs.
  4. Drive to Borrego Springs: Continue on S-22 East for approximately 50 miles. This scenic drive will take you through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and into the town of Borrego Springs.

Estimated Driving Time and Distance

  • Total Distance: Approximately 120 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Cancellation Policy

We put a lot of care into planning intimate, high-quality workshop experiences. Because our group sizes are small and significant logistical planning begins well in advance, we must adhere to a firm cancellation policy. We strongly encourage you to purchase trip insurance to protect your investment should unforeseen circumstances arise.

  • Initial Payment: An initial payment is required to secure your spot in the workshop.
  • Cancellation More Than 90 Days Out: If you need to cancel your registration more than 90 days before the workshop start date, we will refund your initial payment, minus a $100 administration fee.
  • Cancellation Between 60 and 90 Days Out: If you cancel fewer than 90 days but more than 60 days before the workshop start date, your initial payment becomes non-refundable. However, should we successfully fill your spot from a waiting list or new registration, we will refund your initial payment, minus a 5% payment processing fee.
  • Automatic Final Balance Payment: The remaining balance for the workshop will be automatically charged to the card used for the initial payment 60 days prior to the workshop start date. We will send a courtesy reminder email a few days before this charge occurs. It is your responsibility to ensure your payment information is up-to-date. If you need to use a different card for the final payment, please contact us well before the 60-day deadline.
  • Cancellation Within 60 Days (After Automatic Final Payment): If you cancel fewer than 60 days before the workshop start date, after the final balance has been automatically charged, all payments made (initial payment and final balance) are non-refundable. This is why we strongly recommend trip insurance. However, should we successfully fill your spot from a waiting list or new registration, we will refund your total payments, minus a 5% payment processing fee. We will make a reasonable effort to fill the spot but cannot guarantee it, especially close to the start date.
  • Process & Policy Understanding: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or US mail. Please understand that this policy applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, including medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances. There are no exceptions.
  • Trip Insurance is Highly Recommended: Again, to safeguard against unexpected events (personal/family emergencies, illness, travel delays, etc.) that might prevent you from attending, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This can help cover your workshop fees and travel expenses should you need to cancel within the non-refundable period. These are just suggestions, and we have no affiliation with them, but you might consider providers like TravelGuard, World Nomads, or Allianz Travel. Please research plans carefully to ensure they meet your needs.
  • Workshop Cancellation by Exploring Exposure: We reserve the right to cancel a workshop if the minimum participant enrollment is not met or due to other unforeseen circumstances (e.g., leader illness, park closures). If we must cancel a workshop, you will be notified as soon as possible and offered the choice of transferring your registration and payments to a future workshop or receiving a full refund of all payments made directly to Exploring Exposure. Exploring Exposure is not liable for any other expenses you may have incurred, such as airfare, lodging, or rental cars. Trip insurance can often cover these associated costs in case of workshop cancellation by us, providing another reason for its purchase.

Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out, we are happy to help!

Customer Reviews

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Prathi Reddy
Explore, Learn, Create and Grow with Jennifer & David in Anza

This was my second workshop with David and Jennifer, and once again, it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Both workshops provided a wonderful balance of learning and creativity in a supportive and nurturing environment.

David and Jennifer are true educators. With their kind and thoughtful approach, they offer insightful guidance that helps you refine your own vision rather than imposing theirs. I truly appreciate the extra effort they put into both field and classroom sessions to ensure every participant gains valuable skills and confidence.

Jennifer’s expertise in ICM techniques introduced me to new and creative ways of capturing images, while David’s post-processing techniques—along with his brand-new presets—have completely transformed and simplified my editing workflow. Thank you, David!

Beyond their technical knowledge, Jennifer and David are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive workshop leaders. I highly recommend their workshops and am already looking forward to my next one with them!

C
CJ Glynn
A New Look at Anza Borrego

David and Jennifer's Anza-Borrego photography workshop was an exceptional experience, blending technical instruction and artistic exploration in the stunning desert landscapes of Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Despite the absence of wildflowers, David and Jennifer found phenomenal shooting locations that showcased the park’s diverse beauty, from small cactus flowers to dramatic badlands and slot canyons. Their expertise transformed challenges into opportunities, ensuring that we captured compelling images.

David’s instruction on using his presets was particularly enlightening. His tailored approach streamlines the post-processing workflow and enables you to enhance textures and colors with precision. His guidance proved invaluable in bringing out the desert’s rich hues and intricate details, elevating final images.

Jennifer’s sessions on intentional camera movement (ICM) and intimate landscapes added yet another creative dimension to the workshop. Her techniques encouraged participants to experiment with motion blur for abstract compositions and focus on smaller, often overlooked details of the desert environment. Her emphasis on artistic expression inspired me to see beyond traditional landscape photography and embrace unique perspectives.

The workshop’s structure balanced field sessions at sunrise and sunset with classroom instruction during midday. David covered techniques like focus stacking and Lightroom best practices as well as provided personalized feedback during image critiques. The small group size fostered camaraderie and ensured individual attention, making the experience both intimate and impactful.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was a mesmerizing backdrop for this immersive learning journey. Its vast wilderness and dramatic rock formations provided endless inspiration. March’s mild temperatures further enhanced the experience, with only one shoot in gale force winds.

David and Jennifer's Anza-Borrego photography workshop was a blend of technical skill-building, artistic exploration, and community connection.

T
Ted Koelsch
Anza Borrego through New Eyes

Though I have been going to Anza Borrego Desert State Park for over 20 years, the time I spent there with David and Jennifer helped me slow down and see Borrego in a new and deeper way. Their expert knowledge of light , setting and moment allowed me to capture meaningful and personal images that reflect the beauty of what at first glance appears a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Image review and processing sessions lead by David and Jennifer provided not only the tools but also insight on how to truly make our images our own.
If you can go on only one Workshop - go with David and Jennifer and you won't be disappointed.

j
jacob makhinson

I participated in the Anza-Borrego workshop this month led by David and Jennifer. It was a very enjoyable workshop and my expectations were exceeded. Both leaders were very welcoming and took good care of every workshop participant. The attention to detail was outstanding and every activity ran very smoothly. Both David and Jennifer have done a great deal of preparation in scouting the best sights providing the group with the best photographic experience possible. David's professional guidance helped me to take my landscape photography to the next level. I benefited greatly from David's picture critique session, an innovative workflow discussion and Lightroom and Photoshop sessions. Both hosts are very passionate about their work, nature, and environment and are dedicated to providing the best learning experience to their clients. Thank you, David and Jennifer, for the wonderful experience! Looking forward to the next workshop with David and Jennifer.

A
Alice

This was my first workshop with David and Jennifer, and I had a great time. Both were very helpful and available for questions and advise. They know the area well and we visited many different locations throughout Anza Borrego State Park and Borrego Springs. I look forward to my next adventure with them and will recommend them to my friends.

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