Monument Valley Photo Workshop Trip report - Tom Bol Photo W0rkshops

Monument Valley Tribal Park

We started our workshop on a beautiful evening with puffy clouds drifting over the Mittens. Light streaming in under the clouds lit up foreground rocks and let us experiment with different compositions.

Using the new fence for camera stability

We hoped for clouds....and they showed up

RC and Donna in fine form

The Totem

Our mornings started early on this workshop. To be ready for sunrise we left most days before 5 am. The Totem at sunrise gave our group a workout. We moved quickly to anticipate the rising sun and capture a sunstar in the small hole in the rock formation. On the next morning we photographed the Totem in front of textured orange dunes.

Textured orange dunes leading to the Totem

The 3 fashion Princesses at John Ford Point

Sunstar at the Totem

Celestial Photography

We photographed celestial bodies in the sky during several shoots on the workshop. We departed at 3:30 am one morning to capture the Milky Way in the Sun Eye Cave. We also photographed the Morning Star at civil twilight and photographed sunstars in our landscapes.

Milky Way from the Tribal Park

Working the shadow line to capture a sunstar

Civil twilight and the Mittens

Navajo Nation

Monument Valley encompasses the Navajo Nation Tribal Park and has a rich history from ancient Anasazi ruins to modern Navajo life. Learning about the culture and creating portraits is a unique and fascinating part of this workshop.

Helen inside a traditional Hogan

Photoshoot inside a Navajo hogan

Mary and Helen on their tribal land

Mystery Valley

One of our days is spent in Mystery Valley. This lesser known part of Monument Valley allows for exploration and discovery on foot. The sweeping views, circular rock formations and massive caves kept us enthralled.

Randall and Lynn exploring a wave-like formation

Sandstone rock details

Anasazi granary in a remote part of Mystery Valley

Hunts Mesa and Forest Gump Vista

For our final photo sessions we photographed two of the most iconic formations in Monument Valley. We navigated rugged terrain in Suburbans to get to the top of Hunt's Mesa for views of the entire valley. On the final morning we lined up on the highway to capture the view made famous by the movie Forest Gump. We moved back and forth to the roadside as cars sped by, capturing views that will remind us of the majesty of Monument Valley

Lining up for the shot while moving in and out for passing cars

Monument Valley from Hunt's Mesa

Mary capturing the incredible view from Hunt's Mesa

Thanks to all the photographers who joined us this year in Monument Valley. A big thanks to Carl and Carlos Phillips - our Navajo brother guide team.

Want to join us?

Space Available: Monument Valley Workshop August 30-Sept 3, 2027

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Tom and Cree Bol, photo by Joan Carroll

CREATED BY

Cree Bol

Credits:

Cree Bol, Tom Bol and Joan Carroll