The Moab Photo Workshops Blog is Back and Better Than Ever

Hello…is anyone still there? Anyone? Well, after a much needed break from photography, social media and blogging I’ve got an itch that needs to be scratched. Wait, that sounds bad. What I mean to say is that lately I’ve been kinda missing the whole writing thing and with 2019 right around the corner it seems like a good time to reinvigorate the MPW blog.

What can you expect? Truthfully, I don’t yet know. I’ve got a few ideas churning in my head, a few of which I’ll rattle off below, but I’m also very interested to hear what you, my readers, would like to see me write about. Got ideas? I know you do and I’d love to hear them! Send me an email or better yet, leave a comment on this post. Interested in writing a guest post? Get in touch; I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Here are a few of the things you can expect to see popping up here on the blog this year:

• Landscape, nature and adventure photography tips, tricks and techniques. I’m working on an article now in which I will discuss the various types of light available to outdoor photographers and how to use each one effectively. Also look for wildflower and fall color photo tips.

• A pretty comprehensive look at the various resources available to help photographers plan productive photography trips.

• eFotoGuide is awesome, but there are so many stellar locations around Moab located outside the National Parks that I’ve decided to write a blog post or two to help photographers find some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots.

• Behind the Image features, wherein I will post an image and write about the backstory of that image - how it came to be, anecdotes, etc. Less focus on the technical aspects and more focus on the emotional side.

• Gear reviews because, well, I’m a gearhead and I think people enjoy them.

• Current Moab photography conditions, especially frequent updates during wildflower and fall color seasons. I’ll also post when the snow flies or potholes are filled with rain after a sweet thunderstorm.

So, there you have it. I’m excited to be back and look forward to interacting with y’all again. Keep your eyes on this space because there’s lots of great stuff to come. Oh, and be sure to check out my all new photography website featuring several never before seen images. The site won’t officially launch until mid-January but you can grab a sneak peek right now at www.bretedge.com.

moab photography conditions-December 31, 2018

UPDATE 10:40 AM: The snow is still coming down and we have about 2” accumulation in town, likely a little more in Arches and Canyonlands. I have been told that the roads in both parks will not be plowed as a result of the shutdown, so travel at your own risk. There is some fog in the area that will make for interesting, moody images.

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Looks like on the last day of 2018 the weather Gods have decided to gift photographers with a blanket of snow here in Canyon Country. The white stuff started falling around 6:00 AM and it is predicted to continue snowing through noon today. This typically results in outstanding winter photography for a day or two, petering off to good winter photography as the snow melts and is tracked over by humans and wildlife.

The big variable right now is the federal government shut down. I don’t know when the roads in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Will be plowed, if at all. This could make for very difficult or even dangerous access at the parks. I will update this post if I learn more. However, Dead Horse Point State Park and all of the surrounding 2,000,000 acres of BLM land are still open. The same considerations should be given to travel in these areas.

Not sure where to photograph in Arches? Pick up a copy of eFotoGuide: The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Arches NP for only $15 and you’ll discover all the details on where, when and how to photograph over 20 stunning locations in the park. Your purchase helps me to maintain this website and continue to provide real-time photo conditions.

Now get out there and create some beautiful winter photos in the Moab desert!

2016 Undiscovered Moab Photo Tour: May 13-15

Last year I ran my first official Undiscovered Moab Photo Tour and it was a huge success.  So, this year I decided to offer it again.  Join me in Moab May 13-15, 2016 for two solid days of adventure and photography as we explore some of the most spectacular off-the-beaten path locations in Canyon Country.

During our time together we'll photograph varied scenery that may include arches framing snowcapped mountains, jaw-dropping canyon views, a wilderness of sandstone fins, colorful wildflowers in a sand dune below an imposing tower and a waterfall in a remote desert slot canyon.  The exact itinerary will be determined by the weather and conditions at the time of the tour but rest assured, your camera will get a workout and your memory cards will be full.

The Undiscovered Moab Photo Tour is only open to three physically fit photographers.  We'll access each location via rough four wheel drive roads and/or strenuous hikes.  Participants must be able to carry all their equipment in a backpack over difficult terrain and should have some experience in the backcountry.  Most meals will be consumed in the field and are not provided.  Self-sufficiency is a requirement for participation in this photography tour.

One of last year's Undiscovered Moab Photo Tour participants had this to say about his experience (copied from my Trip Advisor page):

"Toured the backcountry of Moab with Bret and two other photographers this past weekend. As promised we hiked through desert creeks to slot canyon waterfalls, traversed gnarly four-wheel drive roads to dramatic canyon views and discovered hidden arches while scrambling over sandstone boulders. Bret was great about helping us set up our shots and give us his professional advise to get the best shot. The weather was a challenge on Saturday, but Bret always had backup plans so we were never without options should Plan A not be viable. This was a great trip and I highly recommend a tour with Bret. He's easy going and genuinely interested in helping you improve your photography."

To learn more about or register for the Undiscovered Moab Photo Tour please click here.  You'll also find a slideshow of gorgeous images from some of the locations we may visit.