Tucson and Saguaro National Park Trip report for Tom bol photo workshops

Photographing Saguaros

Our Tucson Workshop started at first light at Gates Pass right outside of Tucson. We spread out in the saguaro cactus forest and looked for compelling compositions with backlit spines.

Seeking out images at Gates Pass
Streaming light on backlit saguaros
Shooting extra wide in Saguaro West

Desert Birds

Our group traveled south to the Pond at Elephanthead to photograph desert birds from a blind. With temperatures in the high 90s the bird activity was very high. The Gambels' Quail and Lucy's Warblers were two of our favorite photo subjects at the pond.

Curve-bill Trasher on a saguaro cactus
Lark Sparrows captured with Nikon Pre-release
Lucy's Warbler on blooming Ocotillo

The Old West

Tucson is the perfect location to recreate the feel of the Old West. Our group photographed cowboys at Old Tucson, a collection of old movie sets. We visited the San Xavier Mission at first light to capture southwest architecture with rosy hues. And yes, the jail cell continues to be a favorite with our photographers!

Dawn light on the bell tower at San Xavier Mission
Scott was dying to shoot at Old Tucson

Desert Blossoms

We found blooming cactus in almost every location we visited. The bright red Ocotillo were blooming all over the desert. The creamy white flowers of the saguaro cactus had just started to bloom. April is a great month in Tucson for flower lovers.

Prickly Pear blossoms in the shade
Kim spending time on the ground with a Teddy Bear Cholla
Blossoming Ocotillo in morning light

Creative Landscapes

One of the themes for this workshop was taking a creative approach to landscape photography. We used lenses from 14-400mm to capture the cactus scenes at Saguaro National Park. We sought out interesting shapes and features in the cactus for our photos.

Cactus arm photographed at 14 mm
All smiles in the cactus forest
Morning light at Saguaro East photographed with a 400mm lens

A big thank you to all the photographers who joined us in Tucson, including Butch and Neal (not in picture)!

A fond farewell from the Peace Sign Saguaro

Want to join us on a Photography Workshop? Check out our Upcoming Openings page

www.tombolphotoworkshops.com

CREATED BY
Cree Bol

Credits:

Tom Bol and Cree Bol