Image 1 of 1
Valley of Fire Portrait Experience | March 6, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Valley of Fire State Park
8:30 - Sunset (full Day)
The perfect finale to your WPPI week - 45 minutes from the Vegas Strip
[REGISTER NOW - Very Limited Spots Left]
This is what $499 gets you:
THE LOCATION
Valley of Fire State Park - 46,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone formations that look like Mars had a baby with Sedona. We hold one of the few photography permits issued by Nevada State Parks. Translation: We can shoot freely while others get turned away.
THE MODELS
4+ professional models. Different body types, skin tones, and styles. They know how to move, take direction, and bring energy to every frame. We're not using "volunteers" - these are working professionals.
THE INSTRUCTION
Steve Batz - 20 + years shooting portraits, really anything that involves people, Westcott Top Pro, national magazine contributor, Co-Founder of Panoptic Photography Workshops (over 5000 have attended our workshops)
Mark Behrens - 20 + years of award-winning portraits, specializing in dramatic environmental portraits, Westcott Top Pro, Co-Founder of Panoptic Photography Workshops
We are not just showing you our way. We're teaching you to see YOUR way.
THE EXPERIENCE
8:30 AM - Meet at Valley of Fire Visitors Center
9:00 AM - First location: sunrise-lit red rocks, Using light to your advantage
11:00 AM - Location 2: The Cabins, natural light is your friend, or is it?
12:30 PM - Lunch break - Bring your favorite lunch and snacks
1:30 PM - Location 3: Up high on the cliffs - time for the Think Tank Challenge
3:30 PM - Secret Location Golden hour: putting it all together
6:00 PM - Wrap
What You're Actually Learning
Not theory. Not another lecture. Hands-on techniques you'll use on Monday morning:
The 3-second composition rule that fixes awkward landscape portraits
How to meter for dramatic skies without losing your subject
Flash positioning that looks natural (not "flash-y")
Posing cues that work when clients are nervous
How to direct models you just met 5 minutes ago
Overcoming challenging light
Who This Is For
✅ Wedding photographers wanting editorial work for your portfolio
✅ Portrait photographers ready to shoot outside the studio
✅ Anyone at WPPI who's tired of conferences and ready to CREATE
✅ Intermediate to advanced shooters (you should know your camera)
❌ Not for photographers wanting to learn camera basics
❌ Not a "spray and pray" session - we're intentional with every setup
The Small Print (That Actually Matters)
Group Size: 15 photographers maximum (only a few spots left)
What to Bring: Camera, 24-70mm + 70-200mm or your favorite portrait lenses recommended, Lights, stands comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen
Included: Permit fees, model fees, and professional instruction. The best day of your year.
Weather: Nevada desert in March = perfect. 60-70°F, low chance of rain
Skill Level: Intermediate (you should be comfortable in manual mode)
Why People Keep Coming Back
"Finally, a workshop that actually let me SHOOT instead of just watching someone else shoot." - David S.
"The techniques I learned here changed how I approach every outdoor session." - Karen S.
"Worth every penny. I Learned more today than I have in my lifetime of attending workshops," - Kim T.
FAQ
Q: I'm coming solo. Will I feel awkward?
A: 90% of our attendees come solo. You'll make friends fast.
Q: Can I bring a second shooter/assistant?
A: Not for this workshop. Our permit caps us at 15 shooters, and we want to maximize everyone's time with the models.
Q: What if I can't make it?
A: Reservations are not refundable, but you can request that your ticket be transferred to another person.
Q: Will this be too basic/advanced for me?
A: If you shoot in manual mode and understand basic lighting, you're ready. We adapt to the group's skill level.
Q: What about bad weather?
A: March in the desert is our secret weapon - sunny and perfect. In the .01% chance of severe weather
Friday, March 6, 2026
Valley of Fire State Park
8:30 - Sunset (full Day)
The perfect finale to your WPPI week - 45 minutes from the Vegas Strip
[REGISTER NOW - Very Limited Spots Left]
This is what $499 gets you:
THE LOCATION
Valley of Fire State Park - 46,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone formations that look like Mars had a baby with Sedona. We hold one of the few photography permits issued by Nevada State Parks. Translation: We can shoot freely while others get turned away.
THE MODELS
4+ professional models. Different body types, skin tones, and styles. They know how to move, take direction, and bring energy to every frame. We're not using "volunteers" - these are working professionals.
THE INSTRUCTION
Steve Batz - 20 + years shooting portraits, really anything that involves people, Westcott Top Pro, national magazine contributor, Co-Founder of Panoptic Photography Workshops (over 5000 have attended our workshops)
Mark Behrens - 20 + years of award-winning portraits, specializing in dramatic environmental portraits, Westcott Top Pro, Co-Founder of Panoptic Photography Workshops
We are not just showing you our way. We're teaching you to see YOUR way.
THE EXPERIENCE
8:30 AM - Meet at Valley of Fire Visitors Center
9:00 AM - First location: sunrise-lit red rocks, Using light to your advantage
11:00 AM - Location 2: The Cabins, natural light is your friend, or is it?
12:30 PM - Lunch break - Bring your favorite lunch and snacks
1:30 PM - Location 3: Up high on the cliffs - time for the Think Tank Challenge
3:30 PM - Secret Location Golden hour: putting it all together
6:00 PM - Wrap
What You're Actually Learning
Not theory. Not another lecture. Hands-on techniques you'll use on Monday morning:
The 3-second composition rule that fixes awkward landscape portraits
How to meter for dramatic skies without losing your subject
Flash positioning that looks natural (not "flash-y")
Posing cues that work when clients are nervous
How to direct models you just met 5 minutes ago
Overcoming challenging light
Who This Is For
✅ Wedding photographers wanting editorial work for your portfolio
✅ Portrait photographers ready to shoot outside the studio
✅ Anyone at WPPI who's tired of conferences and ready to CREATE
✅ Intermediate to advanced shooters (you should know your camera)
❌ Not for photographers wanting to learn camera basics
❌ Not a "spray and pray" session - we're intentional with every setup
The Small Print (That Actually Matters)
Group Size: 15 photographers maximum (only a few spots left)
What to Bring: Camera, 24-70mm + 70-200mm or your favorite portrait lenses recommended, Lights, stands comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen
Included: Permit fees, model fees, and professional instruction. The best day of your year.
Weather: Nevada desert in March = perfect. 60-70°F, low chance of rain
Skill Level: Intermediate (you should be comfortable in manual mode)
Why People Keep Coming Back
"Finally, a workshop that actually let me SHOOT instead of just watching someone else shoot." - David S.
"The techniques I learned here changed how I approach every outdoor session." - Karen S.
"Worth every penny. I Learned more today than I have in my lifetime of attending workshops," - Kim T.
FAQ
Q: I'm coming solo. Will I feel awkward?
A: 90% of our attendees come solo. You'll make friends fast.
Q: Can I bring a second shooter/assistant?
A: Not for this workshop. Our permit caps us at 15 shooters, and we want to maximize everyone's time with the models.
Q: What if I can't make it?
A: Reservations are not refundable, but you can request that your ticket be transferred to another person.
Q: Will this be too basic/advanced for me?
A: If you shoot in manual mode and understand basic lighting, you're ready. We adapt to the group's skill level.
Q: What about bad weather?
A: March in the desert is our secret weapon - sunny and perfect. In the .01% chance of severe weather