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.
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.
Full disclosure, I am a repeat client having done past workshops with David and Jennifer. There is a very good reason for that; they are simply the BEST. Everything is done with intention and consideration. Consideration concerning their clients, consideration concerning locations , and consideration concerning locations vis a vis real time weather conditions. No flying by the seat of one's pants. The locations have been scouted in advance, so when weather conditions rapidly change, they know which location would be best for that day's weather. This workshop was unique because we went to locations that are not often visited by workshops. They were harder to get to, and in two cases for sure, required a Jeep for safe travel. We went everywhere in a Jeep. Sure a few spots might have been accessible by rental car, but why risk getting stuck and ruining the workshop for all. Their teaching style is kind and helpful. It is never about what they insist you should photograph, but rather helping you to better accomplish what you envision. Ask yourself if you just want to take images that everyone else takes, or if you would rather be in a space where you can be yourself and take the images that speak to you. If it's that later, then David and Jennifer will exceed your expectations. The first workshop I took with them, I barely knew how to operate my camera, and yet I left with a feeling that I could get better and really enjoy this hobby. It doesn't matter what level photographer you are, you can be you and always be supported.
Both Jennifer and David are excellent photographers and teachers including post processing. In addition, their in-depth knowledge of the locations Makes for a well rounded workshop. They are the best!
