Home > Travel Workshops > 2025 Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
March 9 - Mar 13, 2027
Joshua Tree, California
Join the BPW as we photograph and explore Joshua Tree National Park. In this 5 day, 4 night photography adventure you’ll photograph: sweeping sunset vistas, sunrise in a sprawling cactus garden, and stars filled skies behind the silhouette of Joshua trees.
With the guidance of professional instructors and the company of other adventurous photographers, you’ll leave with both incredible photographs and lifelong memories.
Table of Contents:
Overview
This is a 4-night, 5-day workshop. The group will meet the morning of Feb 25th in Palm Springs and then depart for Joshua Tree that same morning. The group will spend the next 5 days exploring in and around Joshua Tree National Park, learning about landscape and astrophotography. Our final day will be Mar 1st, when we’ll have a group slideshow and farewell breakfast.
About the Park
Joshua Tree National Park is an inspiring desert landscape in Southern California. Established as a national monument on August 10, 1936, it later became a national park on October 31, 1994.
The park covers an area of approximately 790,636 acres (1,235 square miles) of protected desert wilderness making it one of the largest national parks in the United States.
Its vast size means that there are endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, from hiking and rock climbing to stargazing and wildlife watching.
Photographers will find the park an inspiring destination, with its stunning rock formations, vibrant sunsets, and distinct Joshua trees dotting the landscape. With its serene atmosphere and breathtaking beauty, Joshua Tree National Park is a place which leaves you in awe and makes you appreciate the natural wonders of our world.
Topics & Locations:
This awe-inspiring landscape is speckled with incredible vistas and photo opportunities. Below you’ll find a list of topics we’ll cover and an abbreviated list of locations we plan to visit.
What You’ll Learn:
Best camera settings + lens choice for landscape photography
How to improve and create dynamic compositions
Black & White landscape photography
Astrophotography basics (including star-trails)
Individual guidance on your goals and questions
Locations include:
Skull Rock
Cholla Cactus Garden
Arch Rock
Keys View
Hidden Valley
and more!
Tuition: $2,200
What’s Included
+ 5 days of photography instruction
You will receive both group instruction and ample one-on-one guidance throughout the trip. Our experienced instructors will assist in your specific camera gear needs while providing you suggestions on composition, settings, and more.
+ Transportation during class
During the workshop our group will ride in style with our 12-person shuttle van. Parking, national, and state park fees are also included for shuttle users.
+Transportation between Palm Springs & Joshua Tree:
For those flying into Palm Springs; the BPW will offer a complimentary shuttle ride to Joshua Tree, and back to Palm Springs at the conclusion of the workshop. Shuttle information will be shared upon registration.
+ Tickets and entrance fees
We’ll be exploring some incredible locations within and around the National Park. All fees will be handled by your instructors.
+Snacks!
As we enjoy photography filled days, snacks will be essential to keep energy up! Throughout the trip we’ll provide quality foods such as nuts, fruit, granola, and water.
+ Digital Workshop Guide
We’re providing participants a helpful guide to preparing for your trip, which will include an itinerary, a breakdown of suggested gear, and other helpful checklists.
+ A preliminary 45-minute workshop (virtual):
E-meet your fellow photographers and instructors while you learn what to expect in the field. We’ll review safety measures, location, and the logistics for the workshop. This preliminary session is a recorded livestream.
What’s Not Included
+ Lodging and airfare
Students are responsible for their own lodging and airfare costs. The BPW has secured a group rate at a centrally located hotel just outside of the park. Participants will be provided booking information for the hotel upon registration. Students are also welcome to locate their own accommodations if preferred.
+ Meals, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities
Meals are not included but will always be scheduled. Our staff will offer an array of nearby and enjoyable suggestions. We also plan to offer group meet-ups for those interested in socializing for dinner.
+ Camera, laptop, and personal equipment:
In our downloadable pamphlet, we will list recommended items to bring to the workshop and a link for camera rentals. Although the BPW will have personal protective equipment (PPE) available for use, students are also responsible for bringing their own.
Class Prerequisites
This workshop is ideal for all skill levels. New photographers will enjoy the slow pace and be guided on how to create amazing images, while experienced photographers will enjoy scheduled stops for picture perfect lighting, and have time to explore advanced topics with instructors in a 1:1 fashion.
To get the most out of the trip, we encourage students to be knowledgable in the following areas. (We also offer in-person and online workshops to cover all relevant material.)
Familiarity with manual exposure settings on your camera (shutter speed, aperture, ISO)
Physical Requirements: Moderate
Joshua Tree's landscape is beautiful, but it does involve some walking over hilly, uneven ground. Here's what to expect:
Trails are a mix of gravel and packed sand, with some gentle step ups onto flat rocks along the way.
Each day includes a few short hikes, typically ranging from a half mile to a mile and a half. We move at an easy pace with plenty of breaks.
Much of our time is spent near parking areas, so you're rarely far from the van if you need to rest or grab water.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. If you have any questions about whether the pace is a good fit for you, just reach out. We're happy to talk it through before you book.
Recommended Gear
After registration students will receive an informational packet with detailed equipment suggestions. Below you’ll find a basic list of required/suggested items.
Digital SLR, or mirrorless camera.
Sturdy tripod.
Wide angle lens (~10-20mm).
Telephoto zoom lens (~70-200mm).
2-3 camera batteries.
2 memory cards.
Medium weight + waterproof jacket / sturdy shoes.
About the Instructors
Chris Sanchez: Founder of the BPW, Chris has spent over 12 years making photographs around the world for work and for fun. A lover of all things food-related and astrophotography, Chris has more snacks in his bag than lenses, but still gets great photos. If you need a snack... you know who to ask.
Pete MacLellan: Former BPW student turned instructor, Pete has road tripped and photographed all over the US. The contrarian Nikon to Chris' Canon, you'll often hear him stating that you can, in fact, take good pictures from a moving car. When you need a hot tea on those chilly astro nights, find Pete setup somewhere nearby with his picnic blanket and camping stove.
Lodging & Travel
Soon after registration you'll receive information to help you plan for your adventure, including meeting details, hotel booking info, and more.
Basic Info:
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the nearest and most convenient airport for the workshop, located about 45 minutes from Joshua Tree. This will be our initial meeting location.
A group shuttle is provided to and from Palm Springs at the start and conclusion of the workshop. Additional details are available upon registration.
The BPW has secured a room block at a centrally located Fairfield Inn & Suites in Twentynine Palms, CA, which includes WiFi and a complimentary breakfast. The group rate is $185/night. Although not required, participants are encouraged to stay at the group hotel, as it will serve as our daily meeting spot and host our editing sessions.
Students are responsible for all lodging costs but will receive the group discount rate. The hotel is centrally located close to shops, restaurants, and more. Full lodging and booking information will be shared after registration.
*Please note that the Boston Photography Workshops is not responsible for student hotel reservations outside of the group hotel or travel disruptions related to other hotel accommodations/service providers.
Registration and Policies
Registration, Key Dates, and Payment Information
Deposit Today: $400 USD / Full Tuition: $2,200 USD
Deposits, Cancellations & Refunds
A $400 deposit (per participant) is required at registration to reserve your spot. Full payment is due no later than 60 days before the workshop start date.
Payment plans are available for the remaining balance, allowing you to spread payments out over several months at no additional cost. Full details are available during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations
More than 90 days before the start date: Full refund of all fees paid, including your deposit, minus a $100 administrative fee.
90–61 days before the start date: Your deposit is non-refundable. Any additional payments made beyond the deposit are eligible for a 50% refund.
60 days or fewer before the start date: No refunds are available. Your registration and deposit can be applied toward a future workshop within 4 years.
If final payment is not received by the 60-day deadline, we'll send two email reminders requesting payment. If payment still isn't received, we'll treat this as a cancellation, and your spot will be forfeited and offered to a waitlisted student.
If a workshop is full, you're welcome to join our waitlist. Should a spot open up, we'll reach out by email in the order waitlist requests were received.
>> For complete information, please read our full Terms and Conditions <<
Have a question? Email Us!
FAQs
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Yes of course. We welcome all students and would gladly have you on board. Please note that any visa or passport fees are your responsibility. COVID-19 travel restrictions may apply.
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Joshua Tree's landscape is beautiful, but it does involve some walking over hilly, uneven ground. Here's what to expect:
Trails are a mix of gravel and packed sand, with some gentle step ups onto flat rocks along the way.
Each day includes a few short hikes, typically ranging from a half mile to a mile and a half. We move at an easy pace with plenty of breaks.
Much of our time is spent near parking areas, so you're rarely far from the van if you need to rest or grab water.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. If you have any questions about whether the pace is a good fit for you, just reach out. We're happy to talk it through before you book.
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Tuition covers one participant for the workshop. Accompanying persons are welcome but are unable to participate in, or travel to class outings. Please contact us for more information.
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The BPW shuttle will pick up participants at the Palm Springs Airport the morning of Day 1 of the workshop, at the shuttle van pick up area. Exact details including time, will be provided in the info packet, shared after registration.
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After enrolling in the workshop students will receive a group discount code and direct line to the reservation desk at the hotel. Further details are provided in the downloadable packet upon registration.
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Of course! We will be corresponding with your cohort to confirm their travel details as we get closer to our class date. Please note that students who choose to rent a car are responsible for the respective rates, insurance, and applicable park entrance fees.