PETER COSKUN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo Workshops

Private in field photo workshops:

         I currently offer one on one and small group workshops (up to four participants) to various locations around the greater Phoenix area (mostly the east valley and Superstition Mountain area). I have explored this region extensively over the last decade finding various compositions and locations rarely explored by photographers. I have spent many evenings and mornings chasing the light over these rugged mountains and cactus gardens and a good number of nights under the stars. There are few photographers who know this region as well as I do. Allow my expertise and strong connection to this region help guide you and teach you how to create compelling imagery of the Sonoran Desert.

Locations outside of the greater Phoenix area are also available upon request and availability at additional costs. I can accommodate any level of photographer from beginning to advanced and offer as much or as little instruction as you would like.

(Full group workshops coming soon!)

Just starting out and want to learn everything? Not a problem! Let me help you become a better photographer and more importantly a better artist! You can expect to learn  creative compositions, understanding light, camera Settings, artistic post processing (if added in combination with full day/night, full day, sunrise, sunset sessions) and much much more!

 Feel like you have a firm grasp on the technical aspects and just need someone to take you to the right places? Not a problem! Let me take you to some of the most photogenic landscapes to capture the magic that is the desert! No matter the season, there is always something to photograph here. With rugged mountains, lakes, canyons, and glorious cactus gardens, there is no shortage of stunning scenery to photograph. Winters can bring rare desert snowfalls creating dramatic contrasts while spring flowers can create a rainbow of color over the landscape. Summer monsoons bring dramatic thunderstorms which bring that "epic" light and incredible lightning shows over the desert. The cool temperatures of fall make for pleasant days and colorful canyons (usually mid to late November). There is never a bad time to explore this area!

 Workshops include private instruction and guiding only. Transportation, lodging, food and drink (excluding bottled water, which is always offered to participants, and sometimes pre-packaged snacks upon request) and any other necessities are the responsibility of the participant unless otherwise noted.  Due to some of the rather "remote" terrain in the desert, I highly recommend renting a high clearance vehicle if you do not already own one. In rare instances and more remote areas, I may offer transportation.

Pricing:

Full day and night sessions are $650 per participant

($550 per participant for 2-4 participants) This workshop includes a sunrise, sunset, and night photography shoot (weather and moon phase dependent). A deposit of $325 (per participant) is required to book this session and is non-refundable if there is a cancellation 30 days or less prior to the session. Remaining balance is due one full week (7 days) prior to the start of the workshop. Use contact form to inquire about availability. Add a mid day post processing session for $100! ($50 off regular pricing).

*Full day and Night group of five flat rate fee: $2,500 (Deposit of $325 required per participant). Includes lunch and processing. *

Full day sessions are $550 per participant

($450 per participant for 2-4 participants)  This workshop includes a sunrise and sunset shoot. A $275 deposit is required (per participant) to book a session which is non-refundable if there is a cancellation 30 days or less prior the session. Remaining balance is due one full week (7 days) prior to the start of the workshop. Use contact form to inquire about availability. Add a mid day post processing session for $100! ($50 off regular pricing).

*Full day group of five flat rate fee: $2,000 (Deposit of $275 required per participant). Includes lunch and processing.*

Sunrise or Sunset only sessions are $350 per participant

($300 per participant for 2-4 participants)  Sunrise sessions begin in the field one hour prior to official sunrise. Sunset sessions begin late afternoon, usually two to three hours before official sunset. Approximately four hours total for this session. A $175 deposit is required (per participant) for booking which is non-refundable if there is a cancellation 30 days or less prior to the session. Remaining balance is due one full week (7 days) prior to the start of the workshop. Use contact form to inquire about availability. Add a mid day post processing session for $100! ($50 off regular pricing).  

*Sunrise or Sunset group of five flat rate fee: $1,350 (Deposit of $175 required per participant). Includes instruction only.*

Milky Way/Stars only Sessions are $350 per participant

($300 per participant for 2-4 participants). During March and April, the low arching milky way rises over the Sonoran Desert landscape. Despite being close to a few towns, it is possible to get excellent views of these dark skies. Join me and let me show you some of the dark skies just outside the city lights! These sessions begin in the field at 1am and last until the milky way and stars are gone into the morning skies (usually 4-5 hours). May through October these sessions begin just after sunset as the milky way can usually begin to be seen not long after the sun has set. All Milky Way and Night Photography workshops are coordinated around the new moon between the last quarter and first quarter. A deposit of $175 is required (per participant) to book this workshop which is non-refundable if there is a cancellation 30 days or less prior to the start of the workshop. Remaining balance is due one full week (7 days) prior to the start of the workshop. Use the contact form to inquire about availability. Add a post processing session for $100! ($50 off regular pricing). 

*Milky Way/Star group of five flat rate fee: $1,350 (Deposit of $175 required per participant). Includes instruction only.*

Post Processing Sessions (minimum two hours, $150 per participant)

In person post processing sessions can be added to any of the above workshops at a discounted rate or by themselves if you just want to learn a few processing techniques without going out to photograph. Additional hours beyond the two hour minimum are $50 extra (per participant per hour). A laptop is required for this session and the latest version of Photoshop if possible.   

Last minute bookings are available if my schedule permits, please inquire about availability. If you are interested in multi day sessions  or locations outside of the greater Phoenix area, please use the contact form to inquire about availability and pricing. 

Tips on gear to bring when you sign up for a workshop with me!

1). Your camera and backup camera if applicable (with extra batteries and memory cards!)

2). Lenses ranging from 16mm-200mm minimum. 14mm-600mm preferred! (also a fast lens with a 2.8 aperture or faster for night photography)

3). Sturdy tripod!

4). A camera bag that can hold all of your gear including your tripod

5). Lens filters (polarizer, ND)

6). Sturdy hiking shoes/boots plus rain jacket or hoody

7). Laptop if adding post processing to your in field workshop

8). Lens cleaning cloths and wipes/ rocket blower

9). Any tools you may need to adjust your tripod, L-bracket, or any other gear

10). Reusable water bottle!

11). Sunscreen and a hat!

12). Snacks for the trail

13). A positive attitude and willingness to learn and create!

These items and tips will help you make the most of your workshop

"LEAVE IT BETTER DISCOUNT"

With the large impact of people visiting and recreating outdoors, now more than ever things such as trash and vandalism are becoming more of an issue. In order to help minimize the impact of my photography workshops and to stand by the motto "leave it better than you found it", I am offering what I am calling the "Leave It Better" discount. Participants willing to help clean up during a workshop and fill a garbage bag with trash found around workshop locations will be eligible for a 20% discount (per participant) in the form of a refund after the workshop has concluded. Garbage bags and gloves or a garbage picker will be provided for those who would like to take advantage of this discount. Want to bring your own bag and gloves? Please do! The more trash we can remove from these beautiful places we all enjoy the better it is for everyone else. Just my way of trying to help out on this issue and reward those for the effort.