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December 6-10‚ 2026 - 4 Spots Available

Workshop Dates

$2,995
$2,995
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  • 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 to Moderate

    Involves hikes generally up to 2 miles round trip across varied desert terrain (uneven ground, gravel washes, sand, rocks), frequently requiring navigation without established trails. Requires stable footing and comfort walking on natural, sometimes loose surfaces.

    More Info 

  • Creative Focus

    Field sessions focused on seeing and composing for monochrome. Classroom instruction covers B&W pre-visualization and the'Rethink Black and White' processing methodology in Lightroom for controlling tone, contrast, and texture.

  • Group Size

    Limited to 8 Guests

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

  • Location

    Furnace Creek, California

    View Map 

  • Fly To

    Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)

    Check Flights 

Description

Explore the dramatic beauty of Death Valley through the expressive power of monochrome. This workshop focuses exclusively on black and white photography, guiding you to see beyond color and interpret the landscape through its fundamental elements: light, shadow, texture, and form.

Learn to pre-visualize in black and white while in the field, identifying scenes where the absence of color enhances mood or reveals intricate details. We'll explore diverse locations, focusing on compositions that translate powerfully into monochrome. Emphasis is on slowing down, observing light, and crafting B&W images that reflect your personal vision.

Classroom sessions complement field time, delving into B&W visualization strategies. You'll master David's 'Rethink Black and White' processing methodology – a complete Lightroom-based system providing exceptional control over tonality and contrast to craft evocative images matching your creative intent.

Join us to deepen your B&W skills, refine your monochrome eye, and learn a powerful workflow in the starkly beautiful environment of Death Valley.

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:

  • See Death Valley Anew: Explore the landscape's textures, forms, and light specifically for powerful black and white interpretation.
  • Cultivate Monochrome Vision: Learn to pre-visualize scenes in B&W in the field, focusing on composition based on tone, contrast, and structure.
  • Targeted Field Guidance: Benefit from instruction focused on B&W composition and seeing, with David's specialized expertise in monochrome.
  • Master B&W Processing: Learn the complete 'Rethink Black and White' Lightroom methodology for nuanced control over tonality, contrast, and detail.
  • Develop Your B&W Style: Gain skills applicable to any landscape, strengthening your understanding of light and composition for all your photography.
  • Personalized Support: Receive focused feedback and guidance in our small group setting (max 8) to advance your B&W work.

Logistics:

  • Lodging: We have secured a block of rooms at The Oasis at Death Valley (likely The Ranch, confirmation upon registration). Due to the remote nature of Death Valley, lodging options within the park are limited. The Oasis provides a comfortable and centrally located base essential for accessing our field locations efficiently. More specific details regarding booking the group rate will be emailed after you register.
  • Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from Death Valley (The Oasis) and during the workshop. A standard passenger vehicle is sufficient for reaching all planned locations. Carpooling is encouraged for field outings.

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 in Monochrome

  • Meet at 4:00 PM at the hotel (Furnace Creek) for introductions & workshop orientation focused on B&W.
  • Attend the evening classroom presentation: "The Art of Seeing in Black & White."
  • Join the optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

Days 2-4: Daily Rhythm - B&W Fieldwork, Processing & Review

  • Participate in the Early Morning Field Session (Pre-sunrise - mid-morning) focusing on capturing scenes with strong B&W potential.
  • Take a Midday Brunch/Lunch break.
  • Attend the Afternoon Classroom Session to learn the Rethink B&W methodology in Lightroom Classic, including guided practice.
  • Head out for the Late Afternoon Field Session, applying B&W concepts while shooting through sunset.
  • Have Dinner on your own.
  • Attend the Optional Evening Classroom Session for B&W image review, feedback, and Q&A.

Day 5: Final Field Session & Workshop Conclusion

  • Engage in the final Early Morning Field Session (Pre-sunrise - ~10:00 AM) to synthesize learning.
  • Return mid-morning for check-out and a break.
  • Join the Concluding Session (~11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) for final image critique and wrap-up.
  • Workshop concludes around 1:00 PM.

What's Included:

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

What's Not Included:

  • Transportation: To/from Death Valley and during the workshop. Carpooling encouraged for daily field locations.
  • Lodging: (Group rate block available).
  • Meals: All meals are the responsibility of the participant.
  • Death Valley National Park Entrance Fee: Or valid park pass.
  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.
  • Personal Items: Camera gear, desert-appropriate clothing (layers!), hiking essentials, reusable water bottle.

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 Commercial Use Authorization through Death Valley National Park. We are also an equal opportunity service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spouses/partners welcome?

Our workshops are designed as immersive group learning experiences. Participation in all activities, including field excursions and instructional sessions, requires full registration and payment of the workshop fee. Therefore, spouses or partners who wish to join must register as participants.

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

Physical Activity Level & Terrain: Easy to Moderate

This workshop balances easily accessible roadside locations with short hikes required to reach unique photographic opportunities within Death Valley's diverse landscapes.

  • Mix of Activities: We will utilize a combination of shooting near parking areas and undertaking short hikes to access canyons and dunes.
  • Hiking Distances: Hikes will typically be short, generally 1 to 2 miles at a time.
  • Terrain: Be prepared for varied and often uneven terrain. We will be walking directly on canyon floors, which may consist of gravel, rocks, and uneven surfaces without established trails. Hikes towards sand dune areas primarily involve walking over mostly level ground, potentially including sections of rocky terrain requiring careful navigation. The final approach, perhaps the last 1/8 mile or so, will involve walking on the dunes themselves, which can be physically tiring despite the short distance on sand.
  • Fitness Expectation: Participants should be comfortable walking 1-2 miles at a time over uneven, potentially loose or rocky terrain, including canyon floors and the approach to dunes. Good balance is essential for navigating this ground safely while carrying gear. You should also be capable of carrying your camera equipment for several hours, including during hikes. Be prepared for the unique exertion of walking on sand for the final portion of the dune approach.

How to Get There

  • We recommend flying to Las Vegas, from there it is a 2 hour drive to Furnace Creek (The Oasis at Death Valley).
  • We recommend using Google Flights to find the best option for where you are coming from.

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

Based on 7 reviews
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Joel D
Death Valley BW

I had the privilege of attending the recent Death Valley Black and White workshop. As it turns out this was one of the best workshops I have ever attended. Both David and Jennifer were professional, experienced and knowledgeable. Both proved to be excellent guides and instructors. They were very attentive when needed. As a result I gained all of knowledge both in photography and post processing. I would highly recommend them. I will certainly be looking at another workshop in the future

Hi Joel, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words about our Death Valley Black and White workshop. We're absolutely thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience and that you found it to be one of the best workshops you've attended!

We really appreciate you highlighting our professionalism, experience, and knowledge. It means the world to us that you felt we were attentive and that you gained valuable knowledge in both photography and post-processing.

We had a blast working with you too, and we're so excited at the prospect of having you join us on another workshop in the future!

J
John Wilkins
Death Valley Black and White Workshop

This truly was a unique workshop. Generally instructors do not take the extra time to talk about post processing after creating images on location and death Valley. David and Jennifer were excellent teachers. They were very patient and answered every question as though it was the first time ever being asked. On-site on the dunes, David and Jennifer always visited each photographer during the shoot to ask about questions or suggestions or recommendations for composition. Again, they were very patient and helped with the creative process. David and Jennifer never ignored participants for the sake of taking their own images.

Hey John,

Thanks so much for the glowing review of our Death Valley Black and White Workshop. We're thrilled you found it to be a unique and valuable experience.

We loved having you with us and are so glad you appreciated our approach to teaching, both in the field and during post-processing. It means the world to us that you felt we were patient and helpful, that's exactly what we strive for! We truly enjoy sharing our passion with others and seeing your creativity blossom.

We had a blast exploring Death Valley with you and hope to see you on another workshop soon!

Best,
David and Jennifer

S
Stewart Logie
Death Valley from those who really know it

David and Jennifer really know the Death Valley location for photographers. What’s more is that they scout the locations in detail immediately before the workshop. In an area where weather dramatically alters the immediate landscape, this is vitally important when you are spending your precious time there.

Unlike many workshops, the instruction gets high priority, with classroom sessions where you learn steps towards that extra special image. In the case of the black and white workshop that I took, it involved David’s workflow that was simple, innovative and gave impressive results. Also field use of your camera divulges features that you never knew your camera had.

Hi Stewart,

Thank you so much for your fantastic review of our Death Valley Black and White Workshop! We truly appreciate your kind words and are so glad you enjoyed the experience.

It means a lot to us that you highlighted our location scouting and the priority we place on instruction. We're passionate about Death Valley and helping photographers capture its unique beauty, and your feedback really validates our approach. We were thrilled to share David's workflow with you and help you discover new features on your camera!

We had a blast working with you and would love to have you join us on another workshop soon.

Thanks again,
David and Jennifer

J
Jeff Jensen
Death Valley Workshop

I applied to this workshop almost a year ahead and it was well worth the wait. The sand dunes photo op turned out to be my favorite location. Post-processing using Davids techniques was a new experience. When I returned home, I had tons of problems with the above. A week later I transferred files to a different computer then updated all programs. Now all is well and running. I can't wait to experiment with images. I appreciated the rotating individual help both David and Jennifer provided at all locations.

Hi Jeff,

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Death Valley workshop and found the sand dunes to be a highlight. It was our pleasure to provide you with individual support throughout the experience. We’re excited to see what amazing images you create with your new skills and can’t wait to work with you again in the future!

Best,
David and Jennifer

R
Richard Imes
Death Valley Black and White Workshop

This was my first Workshop with David and Jennifer. My primary goal was to gain experience in processing images in B&W. I accomplished this and much more. David and Jennifer know Death Valley like their own backyard. The locations were superb. David and Jennifer were always available to assist while I struggled with camera settings and compositions. The classroom presentations and discussions were invaluable. I look forward to attending another workshop with them in the future.

Hi Richard,

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you gained valuable experience in processing B&W images and that you enjoyed the locations we chose in Death Valley. It was a pleasure to assist you, and we're glad the classroom sessions resonated with you. We can't wait to work with you again in the future, there's always more to explore!

Best,
David and Jennifer

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