Utah Badlands Aerial Expedition

April 10–16, 2027

7 Days | 6 Nights

Hosted by Destination Earth Photography Tours
Co-led by Scott Jon & Kane Engelbert

A Landscape Unlike Anywhere Else

The Utah Badlands are one of those rare places that genuinely feel like another planet.

Millions of years of erosion have sculpted an extraordinary landscape of towering buttes, winding canyons, razorback ridges and colourful sedimentary formations that stretch as far as the eye can see. From the air, these landscapes transform into an endless collection of abstract shapes, textures and colours unlike anything else I’ve photographed anywhere in the world.

I’m incredibly excited to be co-leading this adventure alongside my good friend Kane Engelbert. Kane has spent years exploring these remarkable deserts from both the ground and the air, developing an intimate knowledge of the region and continually discovering new locations that most visitors simply never experience.

Over seven incredible days we’ll venture deep into Southern Utah, exploring remote desert landscapes, chasing beautiful light and creating a portfolio of imagery from one of the world’s greatest aerial photography destinations.

Whether you’re passionate about drone photography, landscape photography or simply love exploring remarkable places, this workshop is designed to immerse you in one of the most visually spectacular regions on Earth.

Why This Workshop?

For many years my workshops have focused almost exclusively on Australia and New Zealand, exploring the incredible aerial landscapes we have right here at home.

Every now and then though, an opportunity comes along that’s simply too good not to share.

When Kane invited me to co-lead this expedition through his home landscapes in Utah, I didn’t hesitate. These Badlands are genuinely among the finest aerial photography locations I’ve ever experienced, and after spending time exploring them myself, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to return to with a small group of photographers.

Partnering with Destination Earth Photography Tours allows us to combine Kane’s exceptional local knowledge with my passion for aerial photography, creating an experience that I genuinely believe is unlike anything else available.

I’m incredibly excited to share this remarkable part of the world with you and can’t wait to explore it together. 👊

Why Utah?

I’ve photographed aerial landscapes across Australia, New Zealand and many other parts of the world, yet Utah continues to stand apart.

The scale is almost impossible to appreciate until you’re standing amongst it. Layer upon layer of ancient geology creates an endless playground for aerial photography, where every sunrise and sunset transforms the landscape into something completely different.

From sweeping desert vistas to intimate abstract compositions, Utah offers an incredible diversity of photographic opportunities. Every day reveals new colours, textures and patterns, making it one of the most rewarding places I’ve ever photographed from the air.

A Partnership Built on Experience

One of the things that makes this workshop so unique is the combination of local knowledge and aerial photography experience.

Kane contributes years of exploring Utah’s backcountry, an incredible understanding of the region and access to locations that have taken years to discover and refine.

I’ll be sharing the aerial photography techniques, creative vision and editing workflow I’ve developed over more than a decade photographing landscapes from above across Australia and around the world.

Together our goal is simple. To help you create stronger photographs while giving you an unforgettable experience exploring one of the world’s greatest desert landscapes.

With a small group, there’s plenty of opportunity for one-on-one tuition throughout the week.

What We’ll Photograph

Throughout the expedition we’ll explore an extraordinary variety of subjects including:

• Sculpted badlands and colourful sedimentary formations

• Towering mesas and buttes

• Winding canyons and desert washes

• Ancient geological formations

• Light and shadow across the landscape

• Desert textures and abstract compositions

• Sunrise and sunset aerial photography

• Optional ground photography throughout the journey

No two days are ever the same. The changing weather, light and atmosphere continually transform the landscape, creating endless photographic possibilities.

Accommodation & Travel

Throughout the workshop we’ll be based in comfortable accommodation, providing the perfect place to relax after long but rewarding days in the field.

Each day we’ll head out before sunrise or remain out through sunset to make the most of the incredible desert light. Between locations we’ll travel together through some of Southern Utah’s most spectacular scenery, accessing carefully researched photography locations that showcase the incredible diversity of the region.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights to the United States and transport to our designated meeting location prior to the workshop. Full arrival information, recommended airports and meeting details will be provided well in advance by Destination Earth Photography Tours.

Once the workshop begins, all ground transport throughout the expedition is included.

What You’ll Learn

This workshop has been designed for photographers wanting to elevate both their technical ability and creative vision.

Throughout the week we’ll cover:

• Reading landscapes from above

• Finding compelling aerial compositions

• Working with light and shadow

• Understanding colour, texture and visual flow

• Camera settings and exposure

• Drone flight planning and safety

• Creating stronger abstract imagery

• Adobe Lightroom workflow

• Photoshop finishing techniques

• Image critiques and personalised feedback

Whether your goal is creating large fine art prints or simply improving your photography, we’ll help you return home with both stronger images and a deeper understanding of aerial storytelling.

Drone & Camera Equipment

This workshop has been designed around aerial photography.

For the best experience I recommend bringing a DJI Mavic 3 Pro or DJI Mavic 4 Pro, along with multiple batteries, spare propellers, chargers, ND filters and high-speed memory cards.

A laptop with Adobe Lightroom Classic is recommended for our editing sessions throughout the week.

Ground cameras are also encouraged, with lenses ranging from wide-angle through to telephoto proving useful across a variety of locations.

Physical Requirements

This workshop is suitable for photographers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Most photography locations involve only short walks from our vehicles, however some optional locations require moderate walks over uneven desert terrain.

Participants should be comfortable carrying their photography equipment while walking and should be prepared for early mornings, late evenings and full days immersed in the landscape.

More Than Just A Workshop

You’re not simply booking a photography workshop.

You’re joining Kane and I on an adventure through one of the world’s most remarkable landscapes.

Over the course of the week we’ll share the locations we’ve come to love, the techniques we’ve developed over years of aerial photography and, hopefully, a genuine appreciation for this extraordinary corner of the American Southwest.

Just as importantly, you’ll be travelling with a small group of like-minded photographers who share the same passion for exploration, creativity and adventure.

Those friendships often become just as memorable as the photographs themselves.

What’s Included

✔ Seven-day aerial photography expedition

✔ Six nights accommodation

✔ Ground transport throughout the workshop

✔ Professional tuition from Scott Jon & Kane Engelbert

✔ Daily image reviews and editing sessions

✔ One-on-one photographic guidance

✔ Access to carefully researched photography locations

Not Included

• International and domestic flights

• Meals and personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Drone and camera equipment

• Transport to the workshop meeting location

Is This Workshop For You?

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing one of the world’s great desert landscapes from the air, this workshop is for you.

It’s designed for photographers who love exploration, enjoy working with light and are passionate about creating meaningful images rather than simply collecting locations.

Utah is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. Every valley, canyon and ridgeline reveals something new from above, and sharing that experience alongside a small group of passionate photographers is something Kane and I are genuinely excited about.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Utah desert in April 2027.

Booking Information

This workshop is proudly hosted by Destination Earth Photography Tours, with all bookings, deposits and payments managed directly through their website.

To secure your place, simply visit the Destination Earth booking page using the link below. You’ll find the complete itinerary, pricing and booking information there.

Places are already filling, so if this adventure has been on your bucket list, I’d strongly encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

If you have any questions about the workshop itself, travelling from Australia, camera gear, drone equipment or simply want to chat about whether this expedition is right for you, please don’t hesitate to send me an email. I’m always happy to help.

I genuinely can’t wait to share this incredible landscape with you and look forward to seeing you in Utah next April.

👊 Scott

Book your place through Destination Earth Photography Tours:

https://www.destinationearthphototours.com/utah-badlands-spring-drone-photography-workshop

Workshop Snapshot

Dates: April 10–16, 2027

Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights

Location: Southern Utah, USA

Photography Focus: Aerial Photography, Drone Photography & Desert Landscapes

Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced

Recommended Drone: DJI Mavic 3 Pro or DJI Mavic 4 Pro

Accommodation: Six nights comfortable accommodation

Ground Transport: Included throughout the workshop

Workshop Leaders: Scott Jon & Kane Engelbert