March 20-23, 2026
Double Occupancy: $875 per person
Single Occupancy: $955 per person
Airfare is not included.
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Join us in Moab, Utah for an inspiring creative experience combining elements of a traditional nature photography workshop with those of a Zen meditation retreat. Zen philosophy has much to teach the Western artistic mind about being present in the moment, spontaneity, balance, and the interconnection of all things. This program integrates these principles in the pursuit of creating elegant and expressive images of the natural world.
Each day will involve a set of morning and evening photoshoots in some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, including the vistas of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and the banks of the Colorado River. Throughout the weekend, participants will hone their photography skills with hands-on lessons and explore the intersection between Zen philosophy and photography through guided discussions, and outdoor practicums focused on light, composition, and creative awareness. This year’s program will be based out of the Springhill Suites in Moab.

Tour Highlights Include:
Welcome everyone! Our home base for the weekend is the Springhill Suites in Moab located right on the banks of the Colorado River, 3 miles outside Moab. Our program will begin with an initial trip meeting after check-in at 4pm, followed by our welcome dinner at a local restaurant
Hotel: SpringHill Suites opens a new window
Meal: D

We’ll meet before sunrise for our first photoshoot up Courthouse Wash. Here, we’ll have a chance to practice capturing the movement of the river as we ease into the day. After breakfast, our trip leader, Jonathan, will share his best photography tips, and basic techniques that’ll come in handy throughout the adventure. We’ll enjoy lunch on our own, then dive into our next lesson on Zen, photography, and the art of paying attention. Following that, we’ll go out to the field - to put our new skills to use with a nature walk, and a depth of field practicum. We’ll wrap up the day with a boxed dinner during our evening photoshoot in the stunning Arches National Park.
Hotel: SpringHill Suites opens a new window
Meals: B, D

Another early start to our day but totally worth it, with a hike up Grandstaff Canyon, for a sunrise photoshoot. This morning’s photoshoot will be an exercise in composition and lighting. We’ll apply some of the Zen exercises we discussed in an effort to start really seeing the forms and patterns before us. We’ll practice visualizing how the light will be rendered into the photograph, and to communicate our vision through the distinct language of the camera. After lunch, Johnathon will lead a discussion on creativity, communication and consciousness, followed by an outdoor practicum on sitting meditation. The day will culminate with a sunset photoshoot at the spectacular Confluence Overlook, with a boxed dinner in the field to wrap things up in the best way.
Hotel: SpringHill Suites opens a new window
Meals: B, D

On our final morning together, we will gather to discuss what we’ve learned and share our major takeaways of the workshop. Checkout will be at 11am and we hope you’ve loved this experience as much as we’ve loved providing it!
Meal: B

Jonathan Duncan has over twenty-five years of experience working as a professional photojournalist, specializing in stories of the natural world and the geography and culture of Buddhist Asia. He serves as the adjunct professor of Adventure Media and Photography at Westminster College, and teaches course on the Geography of Buddha, the Sacred Mountains of the World, and Creativity, Communication & Consciousness through the Osher Institute and Lifelong Learning at the University of Utah. You can view his work at www.alpinevisionmedia.net
We want you to arrive in Moab knowing what to expect. A week or two before the trip, you’ll join a Zoom session with Jonathan Duncan and your fellow travelers. We’ll talk about camera, equipment and what to pack, how to get from place to place, and give you insider tips so that you arrive in Moab ready to take pictures. This is a great way to meet your fellow travelers and get excited about the trip.
Cameras and EquipmentParticipants are encouraged to bring whatever camera equipment they have access to. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and a tripod does open up more creative possibilities, but no specific equipment is required. People have had success in the workshop simply using their smartphone. Bring whatever equipment you have, and we will explore the possibilities.
About MoabWe chose March because as the days get longer and the red rocks start to warm, we are able to shake off the cold winter and explore Moab before the crowds and the heat arrive. It is a beautiful time of year to catch the sunlight and shadows among it's many vistas.
WeatherMarch in Moab can be cool. The temperature averages 64 degrees during the day and 34 in the evening, and it may rain or snow during the trip. Plan your wardrobe around being physically active, but cool, and make sure to pack so you are ready to layer.
Activity levels and restrictions
In order to fully explore the items on our itinerary, we will be walking and hiking every day. Most of our journey will be on local trails, but we may encounter wet conditions, ice, and steep climbs. Be sure to pack comfortable and capable hiking shoes! This is an Activity Level 2 trip. This is an Activity Level 2 trip.
Learn More about our .
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes; we’ll be doing a lot of walking! We will rely on private shuttles for our transportation.
Dates
March 20-23, 2026
Size
Tour is limited to 20 participants
Cost
Double occupancy: $875 per person
Single occupancy: $955
Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.
See for payment and cancellation details.