MONSOONS AT THE NORTH RIM AND WHITE POCKET 2027
A typical workshop schedule is shown below.
SUMMARY
This exciting workshop is scheduled near the end of the monsoon season when warm temperatures combine with tropical moisture across much of the Southwest. As a result, there will likely be pooled water in several areas. The workshop also coincides with the waning new moon, meaning that, when the skies are clear, we will have the chance to capture the Milky Way against the stunning rock formations at White Pocket and along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
If we're fortunate, we may also photograph lightning strikes above the Grand Canyon or in the distant Grand Staircase. We will focus on simplifying composition and achieving proper lighting at White Pocket and other locations. Lightning photography and night photography techniques will be taught during the workshop. Additionally, we will hold midday sessions on post-processing images from RAW to a finished product. Participants will also learn how to use various weather apps for predicting and timing storm locations.
We have two primary locations: White Pocket and the North Rim.
White Pocket is a paradise for landscape photographers, offering hundreds of opportunities for both long-range and intimate images. We will use a licensed outfitter, Dreamland Tours, to ensure we safely reach White Pocket. This is the perfect time to capture stunning water reflections! With our outfitter handling camp setup and cooking, you'll have maximum time available for both daytime and nighttime photography with our experienced guides. If the group is small, we also plan to visit the nearby South Coyote Buttes.
The North Rim is in the process of recovering from the Dragon Bravo fire, which burned for over two months in 2025. Fortunately, the roads will be open, and the views remain magnificent. Capturing photographs of lightning, the Milky Way, or both over the Grand Canyon is an exhilarating experience.
Additionally, we will explore a few other fantastic photography locations in the area.
DAY 1 -August 25
We meet up in Kanab for hotel check in and early dinner as we get acquainted. We will then go to a sunset and or night sky location.
DAY 2 - August 26
If you need to sleep in to recover from travel, you may do so. The others of us will find a sunrise location that may involve a bit of hiking. After an early lunch we head for White Pocket with our outfitter. At White Pocket we will first scout some of the most iconic compositions so we are prepared for whatever magical light as evening arrives. If skies are clear we will stay out for a Milky Way shoot.
DAY 3 - August 27
The morning will include a sunrise shoot followed by an instructional session. Our afternoon will be along Desert Drive as we locate the best viewpoints for dramatic sky action.
DAY 4 - August 28
This will be an active day that is likely to produce stunning results. We get up for blue hour at White Pocket. We follow that up with a sunrise shoot. Back at camp we have a cowboy breakfast before being driven back to Kanab for lunch. Then, we will drive two hours to the North Rim a late afternoon/evening shoot with the goal of capturing lightning bolts over the canyon.
DAY 5 - August 29
We will head to Cape Royal for a glorious sunrise. After a hearty breakfast back at the lodge we will have time for a rest and post-processing session prior to heading out to the most promising vistas for dramatic light and sky action in the afternoon and evening.
DAY 6 - August 30
Our final morning we will photograph at the most promising location based on our weather apps. We then drive back to Kanab for lunch where we will discuss our successes. If anyone needs to "hit the road" and has transportation we may choose to stop at Jacob Lodge Inn instead, if you need to hit the road.
More sample images are available here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Outfiitter, including transportation, guide license, camp setup and food at White Pocket.
All participants will receive complimentary copies of Rob Strain's guides to the North and South Rims and the Lightning Photography Guide.
NOT INCLUDED
Transportation to and from Kanab, UT
Transportation between canyons will be shared. Two additional drivers are requested.
Alcoholic beverages and special dietary needs, although we will try to accommodate the latter.
OUR EATING SCHEDULE
Whenever possible we have two full meals each day and plenty snacks available in between. For example, coffee, fruit, bars and muffins are usually available before we head out in the morning. An ample breakfast is typically around 9 or 10 am. A full lunch or dinner is around 3-4 pm, but this depends on the skies which will take priority. Late dinners are possible, but most of the suitable restaurants close down shortly after sunset. There will always be ample snacks in the evening and during post processing sessions.