Teaching photography workshops over the past eight years I’ve met so many wonderful people. People come wanting to learn about composition and what settings to choose for their camera, but most of all, they want to explore the inspiring Southwest.

These photographers fill the spectrum from one-on-one private excursions to groups of ten or more. And over the years, I have seen a trend with an increasing number of woman bringing their enthusiasm for photography and thirst for adventure.

Recently two such gals in their 50s signed up for a private workshop. Sherry and Nicole have been friends since college and both have developed a passion for photography and taking workshops. 

We headed out of Sedona the first morning at dawn. In a few hours we were photographing inside the alluring Antelope Canyon with its otherworldly light. After BBQ lunch, we visited a second slot canyon before catching sunset at awe-inspiring Horseshoe Bend from the edge of tall cliffs.

Next morning, we were off to Monument Valley for a visit to the infamous Forrest Gump movie location. Then we met a Navajo woman weaving a rug inside a traditional hogan, before driving through this red rock valley to shoot gravity-defying monoliths hidden in this sacred Navajo land.

We captured a glorious sunset, then a stunning sunrise, before the trip finalé up to majestic Hunt’s Mesa. The exciting 4×4 journey took us to the top of the world! From our perch we looked across Arizona into Utah and Colorado on the distant horizon. As the light began to glow at sunset we photographed from our grand vista down into all of Monument Valley spread out below us. Truly a landscape photographers dream.  

With the last light fading our Navajo guide Ray Begay cooked us dinner over the campfire. The twilight sky slowly revealed tiny, sparkling diamonds. The Milky Way watched over us as we wandered off to sleep.

A colorful sunrise, then a campfire breakfast, and it was time to leave the mesa top. We began our journey back to Sedona with CD cards filled and well-nourished souls. But most importantly, we carried home the sweetness that life offers, when you make it an adventure!

Data: Canon 5D Mk III, 24-105mm lens at 47mm, f/11, 1/40 sec. exposure, 800 ISO, capture time 7:38pm