Monument Valley Photo Workshop Trip Report for Tom Bol Photo Workshops

Iconic Landscapes

Monument Valley is a place of epic landscapes right out of an Old West movie. The red sandstone formations turn brilliant red at sunset. We started our workshop with a sunset photoshoot at the Mittens Overlook.

Waiting for the sun to set
Looking for interesting foregrounds
All smiles after climbing into a sandstone alcove

Sunrise Silhouettes

We photographed the inspiring Totem Formation for morning sunrise. The sun rises behind the formation and is perfect for creating sunstars through small rock windows in the formation.

Tom helping with sunstars
Red sand dunes surround the base of the Totem
Sunstars in natural rock windows

Portraits of the Navajos

Monument Valley is located on land owned by the Navajo Nation. We learned about Navajo culture by photographing tribal members during three different sessions. We used both natural light as well as outdoor studio lights for the portraits.

Mary photographed with studio lights in front of the Mittens
Photoshoot with Candace in natural light
Carl, our Navajo guide at Hunt's Mesa

Night Photography

The Sun Eye Cave was the perfect location for our night shoot. The milky way lined up perfectly outside of the cave. The cave formation is famous for its "eye window" in the roof. Earlier in the day we photographed Anasazi petroglyphs in the cave.

The Milky Wave from the Sun Eye Cave
Photographing petroglyphs of sheep in the Sun Eye Cave

Forest Gump Point

There are movie locations all over Monument Valley. Forest Gump Point is especially popular with the social media influencer crowd. We arrived early enough to beat the crowds.

Evolution of a photographer
Taking over the middle of the road

Hunt's Mesa

Hunt's Mesa is arguably the most spectacular viewpoint at Monument Valley. The road up is a four wheel drive challenge - thankfully we left the driving to our Navajo guides! We photographed from late afternoon through evening light to take in the view.

Josh working the overlook
Colorful lichen as a foreground element
Natural arches in the rock

Thank you to all the photographers who joined us in Monument Valley in 2024!

2024 Monument Valley Photographers

Huge thanks to our awesome guides, brothers Carl and Carlos Phillips!

Looking for a workshop with landscapes and portraits this fall? We have one opening each on the following:

Route 66 Oklahoma October 18-22, 2024 and Route 66 West October 23-27, 2024

www.tombolphotoworkshops.com