WHITE POCKET & GRAND CANYON PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 2027

This exciting workshop is scheduled near the end of the monsoon season when warm temperatures collide with tropical moisture in much of the Southwest. We will look for pooled water and reflections to enhance our results. The workshops coincides with the waning crescent moon, so when clear skies are present we will be capturing the Milky Way as a backdrop to the exceptional rock formations in White Pocket and at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. If we are lucky we will also capture lightning strikes above the Grand Canyon or in the distant Grand Staircase.

We will emphasize simplified compositions with proper light  Lightning photography and night photography techniques will be taught during the workshop. Post processing from RAW to Wall will be taught during mid-day sessions. The use of various Weather apps will be taught for the prediction and timing of storm locations.

White Pocket is a candy land for landscape photographers. There are hundreds of potential long range and intimate images. Our licensed outfitter (Dreamland Tours) will get us safely to White Pocket. If there is ever a best time to find water reflections this is it! The outfitter will drive us, set up camp and cook our meals, so we have a maximum amount of time for daytime and nighttime image creation. We may visit nearby South Coyote Buttes one evening.

The North Rim is recovering from the Dragon Bravo which burned four over two months in 2025. Fortunately for us, the roads will be open and the views are still magnificent. Photographing lightning or the Milky Way or both over the Grand Canyon is a exhiliarating experience.

Fitness Level - Moderate

We may walk one to three miles a day, usually in short distances at any one time depending on the group. At White Pocket there are a couple hundred yards of sand to navigate, then uneven slick rock surfaces that require some balance. Trekking poles with rubber tips are acceptable. There are railings in most locations at the Grand Canyon. Crossing beyond railings is not required.

Elevation

The elevation at White Pocket is 5600 feet. The North Rim is anywhere from 8000-8800' in elevation. 

Weather

It can be quite warm at White Pocket during the middle of the day while we are resting. The average August high daytime temperature about 88° F and nighttime 62° F at White Pocket. It will be 10-15˚ cooler at the North Rim. During monsoon rain storms the temperature can quickly drop by 25˚.

General Equipment Recommendations

Waterproof rain jacket (should shed water)
Several possible under layers - long sleeved shirt, sweaters, sweatshirt
Umbrella
Sunscreen
Bug repellent (not much of an issue at GC; flies may be annoying during midday at WP)
Trekking poles if you have physical limitations
Comfortable hiking or walking shoes - sticky soles recommended

Photography Gear

SLR, DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Tripod (able to extend to 5' or higher recommended)
Wired remote release
Lightning trigger (Bolt Hunter, Lightning Bug+ or Lightning Trigger by Stepping Stones preferred)
Circular Polarizer
ND Filters (3 or 4, 6, 10) if possible 
Batteries and charger
Laptop Computer with Lightroom & Photoshop (preferred) or On1 or Capture 1 or DxO PhotoLab and Affinity Photo
Cables for computer and phone

Optional: Star Tracker 

At checkout you will be asked if you have read and agree to our Workshop Policies and Liability Release. To sign up, either pay the deposit or the full amount.

 A portion of our fees support the Grand Canyon Conservancy
Rob Strain and Wanderlux Photography will be CUA Permitted for Grand Canyon workshop activities