Death Valley is one of the most spectacular areas in the world and the largest national park in the continental U.S. covering more than 3.5 million acres. It offers some of the most diverse and unusually beautiful landscapes imaginable. It actually boasts an elevation at one point that is 281 feet below sea level! 

   Light Fantastic returns to Death Valley for our 17th year. We never tire of returning to Death Valley as it looks different each year and sometimes each day. We have clients who have repeated the tour as many as 7 times.

Although we re-visit some of the same spots every year it is always a new experience. The dunes are constantly changing (even overnight) and the skies can explode with color at sunrise and sunset. The salt formations and vegetation are always unique as well.

We will shoot spectacular sand dunes at sunrise and sunset as they light up and cast shadows of dramatic graphic shapes and patterns that are surrounded by majestic snow capped mountains. 

For the December tour, the skies in the desert are drama filled with fabulous clouds, flaming sunrises and sunsets, and softer light so the window for good photography is much longer and the days are much shorter. There are fewer people visiting the park and less footprints on the sand dunes as well.

We will visit Zabriskie Point with its world famous rock formations, and the saltwater pools at Badwater with reflections of the Panamint Range and Funeral Mountains. We will shoot the intricate salt patterns on the cracked surface of the Valley floor and the colorful pastel rock deposits at Artist's Palette. The mineral oxidations provide a beautiful array of reds, browns, oranges, pinks, purples and greens.

From the vista at Dante's View, we will see the abstract salt patterns far below on the Valley floor at the lowest elevation point. And, amongst this barren land, we will visit an authentic miner's ghost town and the extraordinary Scotty's Castle. This Spanish style mansion, built in the 1920's is full of interesting architecture, angles and photo opportunities. Come join us for a truly unique desert experience!

December weather averages 65 during the day with an average night minimum of 39 degrees.

Death Valley is about a 7-9 hour easy drive from the San Francisco Bay area and about 4-5 hours from the Los Angeles area by car. If traveling by air you fly into Las Vegas and can rent a car. It is about 160 miles or 2 1/2 - 3 hours from Las Vegas, depending on traffic leaving Las Vegas. Check with us for car pooling possibilities.

Click here to read a remarkable story about Death Valley:
"A Wildlife Encounter of the Oscar Kind"

Click here to view photos taken by previous Death Valley attendees on our Client Photo Gallery

"Thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip and for your patient and tireless instruction to novices like me. Not only am I a better photographer for the experience thanks largely to Gale's superior instruction, but I have some wonderful memories hanging on my wall." Death Valley 02, V. Lewis, NJ

"My experience was one of the most enjoyable times in my life. The desert is a wonderful place and the companionship was priceless. I wish to offer my sincere thanks for all your hard prep work and great instruction. I know I am much better for the experience, both as a photographer and as a person. It is experiences like this that help make us what we are."Death Valley '05, S. Albrecht, CA

"I will never forget the Death Valley Photo Tour. I will always remember the wonderful people I met, especially you and your great sense of humor, the early mornings, and everyone's beautiful photographs, which were very inspiring. I have come away with more appreciation of a great picture, greater technical skill as a photographer myself, and wonderful memories which I shall treasure forever." Death Valley '05, S. Kuykendall, CA

"I loved the casual and non-competitive atmosphere. I also liked your role as tutor & tour guide rather than that of a professor teaching a workshop. This was exactly my speed." Death Valley, '08, M. Blanchette, NH

"I got a much higher percentage of keepers on this trip than any other similar trip that I've taken. The venue was superb." Death Valley '08, R. Baron, NJ

"Words cannot express how much I enjoyed the tour. The heart and quality of instruction that you brought to the tour made it a more than perfect vacation. I am still basking in the experience. Death Valey, '09, G. Silver, CA

"You are very good at what you do and you work very hard to make your tours a delightful experience for everyone." Death Valley '09, T. Scussel, CA

"Gale, you excel at creating the right ambiance for learning, camaraderie, and synergy. 2010, C. Morton, FL

"You touch people and leave a lasting creative impression." 2010, T. Scussel, Ca