General / Experience
Do I need to be a professional photographer to attend?
Yes. This is not a beginner workshop. Moab Monsters is designed for experienced and accomplished photographers who are already comfortable with their gear. You’ll encounter new and unique challenges in composition, light, and conditions — and while we’ll guide you through those, you’ll be expected to bring more than a basic level of photographic literacy.
How physically demanding is the tour? Do I need to be in great shape?
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be in reasonably good health and comfortable with moderate hiking. Some locations involve short hikes over uneven terrain, sand, or slickrock. Nothing is technical or extreme, and we move at a photographer’s pace — but you will be carrying your gear, and the days are long. If you can handle a few miles of walking with a backpack, you’ll do just fine.
What’s included in the price, and what’s not included?
Included:
- Transportation during the workshop
- All park entry fees
- Daily lunches, snacks & drinks
- Guided location logistics and timing
- A post-event editing & critique session
Not included:
- Airfare or travel to/from the meeting point
- Lodging
- Breakfasts and dinners (except where noted, like the group BBQ)
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Any optional activities not listed
👉 More details can be found here: Refunds & Policies
How many people are on each tour?
Each tour is extremely limited in the number of people included, and has the highest possible ratio of leaders to participants.
We roll with three cars, each driven by a team leader and three participants.
What’s the daily schedule like?
Long — and that’s no exaggeration. Some days we’ll be up well before dawn to catch first light, and some nights we’ll still be shooting under the stars. Occasionally, those are the same day.
We won’t be marching you like a SEAL team at BUD/S, but it is our job to make sure we squeeze every drop of experience out of our short time together. Expect early mornings, late nights, and everything in between — because the desert light waits for no one.
Do we get any classroom or editing instruction, or is this all in the field?
This is primarily a field-based experience — we’ll spend most of our time shooting in the desert. That said, we’ll kick things off with an overview session the first night at the hotel, and about a week after the event we’ll host a Zoom editing and critique session so you can revisit the experience, refine your images, and get feedback once you’re back home.
What’s the difference between this and a typical workshop?
Most workshops are designed for beginners or hobbyists who want structured lessons, lots of hand-holding, and step-by-step instruction. Moab Monsters is different.
We built this for working photographers — people who already know their craft, but need a break from client work to recharge creatively. Think of us less as teachers and more as guides. We handle the logistics, get you to the best light at the best spots, and give you space to create alongside peers who understand your world. You’ll head home not just with great images, but with new energy, new friendships, and a renewed love of photography.
Travel / Logistics
Where do I fly into, and when should I arrive?
You will need to arrive in Salt Lake City on Oct 30th. You can plan on flying out the afternoon of Nov 3...
The particulars will be provided in your welcome kit when you book.
Do I need to rent a car?
Nope- not at all. Get yourself to the hotel, and we'll take care of you from there on!
Where will we stay? Do I book my own lodging?
We provide a list of recommended hotels in both Salt Lake City and Moab. Logistically, it works best if everyone stays in the same place, and those details (with contact info) will be included in your Welcome Pack once you book.
If you choose not to stay at our recommended hotel, it is your responsibility to be at our hotel at the exact departure time each day. Please remember: we will not wait for late arrivals, and no refunds will be issued if you miss a departure.
What meals are included?
Included:
October 30: Welcome Dinner
October 31: B/L/D
November 1: B/L
November 2: B/L/D
November 3: B/L
What’s the weather like that time of year?
Expect just about anything. While snow is unlikely, it’s not impossible, and mornings can be cold enough for frost. By afternoon, though, temps can climb into the 80s or even 90s under full desert sun.
The trick is layering: think t-shirt, button-up, hoodie, and jacket that you can add or peel off as needed. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, along with sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. In short — pack for variety and be ready for surprises.
What should I pack besides camera gear?
Think comfort, safety, and desert survival. You’ll want:
- Clothing in layers (t-shirt, long sleeves, hoodie, jacket). The desert can swing from chilly mornings to hot afternoons, so layering is key. You can always peel off what you don’t need and stash extra layers in the car until you want them again.
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Headlamp or flashlight (for pre-dawn and night shoots)
- Refillable water bottle (we’ll provide extra water)
- Personal toiletries (yes, including a spare roll of toilet paper — Becky insists!)
- Snacks or comfort food if you have favorites
We’ll send you a full packing checklist in your Welcome Kit so nothing gets overlooked.
Rules & Policies
What’s your refund/cancellation policy?
All bookings are non-refundable. If you can’t attend, you may transfer your spot to another participant at no additional cost — just let us know their name and contact info in advance so we can update our records.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, which can protect you against illness, injury, travel delays, or other unexpected events.
Full details can be found here: Refunds & Policies
What happens if the weather is bad?
The show must go on — just like any other scheduled shoot. We’ll bob and weave as needed, and with Dave’s intimate knowledge of southern Utah, calling an audible often leads to shots just as good (sometimes better) than the original plan.
Desert storms can create dramatic skies and unique opportunities you’d never get on a bluebird day. And if we do get snow? Well, if you’re that lucky, we may just have to charge you extra!
Are drones allowed?
Drones are not permitted in National Parks (which includes Arches and Canyonlands), and most Utah State Parks prohibit them without a special permit. On some BLM lands, drones may be allowed — but pilots must follow FAA Part 107 rules, avoid wildlife, and respect other visitors.
We’ll let you know when and where drone use is appropriate. Always ask before you launch — safety, legality, and courtesy come first.
What if I miss a departure time?
In a word: DON'T. The sun doesn't wait and neither will we.
Our departure times are firm to keep us on schedule and in the right light. If you are not ready when the group leaves, we will depart without you. No refunds will be issued for missed departures or lost shooting time, so please be packed, loaded, and on time each day.
What if the trip is canceled by organizers
In the unlikely event that we cancel (due to force majeure, safety concerns, or not meeting the minimum number of participants), you will receive a full refund of all workshop fees paid directly to us.
We are not responsible for costs such as airfare, lodging, or other travel expenses, which is why we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
Community
Who are Dan & Dave?
We’re longtime friends, professional photographers, and your guides to Utah’s red rock country. Together, we’ve logged decades behind the lens — from commercial and architectural photography to landscape and adventure work.
Moab Monsters isn’t a beginner workshop — it’s our way of giving working photographers a chance to step out of their routines, recharge creatively, and shoot epic landscapes alongside peers. You can learn more about us here on our About page
What’s the “Monster Family”?
The Monster Family is what you become part of once you’ve joined a Moab Monsters trip. Yes, you’ll come home with stunning images, but the real treasure is the friendships forged in the desert — the people you’ve hiked with before dawn, shared gear with on the trail, and swapped stories with under the Milky Way.
It’s a bond that doesn’t end when the trip does. Past participants stay connected, cheer each other on, and often plan future adventures together. Once you’re in the Monster Family, you’re not just a workshop attendee — you’re part of a community that always has your back.
Will I make friends or be left on my own?
You won’t be left on your own. One of the best parts of Moab Monsters is the camaraderie that develops when a small group of passionate photographers spends long days together in the desert.
We shoot together, hike together, eat together, and share the highs and lows of chasing light. Most participants leave not only with incredible images but with lifelong friends. You’ll join the Monster Family — and once you’re in, you’ll always have a crew who understands what drives you.
Is there follow-up after the trip?
Yes. About a week after the event, we host a Zoom editing and critique session, giving everyone a chance to revisit their images with fresh eyes, get feedback, and share what they created.
Many participants also stay connected afterward — through shared galleries, social media, or just cheering each other on. We have a shared text community that is VERY active. On social, we have both a Facebook and InstaGram account- post and be active! Joining Moab Monsters isn’t just a one-off trip; it’s the start of being part of the Monster Family.