Into the Wide Open
A 6-Day iPhone-only Photography Field Experience in Big Bend, West Texas
Join a friendly iPhone photography workshop in West Texas & the Big Bend Region, (Upcoming Dates Soon). Learn practical skills while sharing a unique experience. Limited spots available for a truly personal workshop.
This is an experience, not a class
This is a six-day, field-based photography experience designed to help you slow down, see more clearly, and make meaningful photographs with your iPhone—while immersed in one of the most powerful landscapes in the US.
The fastest way to learn is to shoot
This workshop is built around one simple idea: the best way to improve your iPhone photography is to use it—often, intentionally, and without fear of getting it wrong.
- You’ll be guided while shooting.
- You’ll learn in real light, in real situations.
- And you’ll build confidence through experience, not theory.
This workshop values freedom, responsiveness, and trust in the process.
About the Workshop
This is a six-day, hands-on workshop designed around shooting, slowing down, and learning to see. We work in real light, in real places, with guidance that helps you build confidence using the iPhone you already carry every day.
How you Learn
By Shooting
You’ll be making photographs every day. No long lectures—learning happens in the act of shooting.
The Rhythm
Together and Apart
We shoot as a group and also give space for independent exploration. Both are essential to the process.
The Focus
Seeing, Not Settings
We focus on light, composition, and intention—not complicated gear or technical overload.
You’ll learn how to:
- More confidence using your iPhone
- A calmer, more intentional way of photographing
- Stronger images rooted in real moments
- A clearer sense of your own way of seeing
This experience is about slowing down, paying attention, and learning to trust what you see.
Pricing
It’s about learning to see what’s already there.
This experience is intentionally small.
It’s designed for people who want to slow down,
shoot with intention,
and come home with photographs that actually mean something to them.
What You’ll Cover Separately
All other travel-related expenses are not included and are the responsibility of each participant. These include, but are not limited to:
- Food, meals, and drinks
- Lodging and hotel parking
- Transportation and fuel
- Park entrance fees and permits
Single participant
A small-group iPhone photography experience
What’s included
- All in-field photography instruction
- Daily group shooting sessions
- Ongoing guidance and conversation
- Private post-trip image review
What You’ll Cover Separately
All other travel-related expenses are not included and are the responsibility of each participant. These include, but are not limited to:
- Food, meals, and drinks
- Lodging and hotel parking
- Transportation and fuel
- Park entrance fees and permits
Schedule
To make things easy—and to keep the group generally clustered—we will be staying in the same towns each night. I’m providing recommended hotels below based on location, comfort, and proximity to our shooting areas. You are free to book elsewhere if you prefer.
Day 1
Monahans, Texas
Day 1
Monahans, Texas
A gentle start to the journey. Open landscapes, quiet roads, and simple forms help you slow down, get oriented, and begin seeing photographically without pressure.
Recommended hotel
Best Western
Day 2
Marfa, Texas
Day 2
Marfa, Texas
A place where space, light, and minimalism invite careful observation. Marfa encourages simplicity, patience, and attention to subtle details that reward those who slow down.
Recommended hotel
Thunderbird Marfa
Day 3
Scenic Highway 170, Terlingua, Texas
Day 3
Scenic Highway 170, Terlingua, Texas
A slow, winding drive where the landscape unfolds naturally. This stretch invites you to notice transitions, light, and moments that reveal themselves only when you take your time.
Recommended hotel
Big Bend Station
Day 4
Terlingua, Texas
Day 4
Terlingua, Texas
A quiet desert town shaped by texture, weather, and time. Terlingua encourages careful observation, subtle composition, and finding strong subjects in simple, everyday scenes.
Recommended hotel
Big Bend Station
Day 5
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Day 5
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Wide open spaces, dramatic light, and a sense of scale that changes how you see. Big Bend offers long moments to slow down, simplify, and respond to the landscape with intention.
Recommended hotel
Big Bend Station
Day 6
Return
Day 6
Return
A day to travel back, reflect, and let the experience settle—carrying new ways of seeing home with you.
Lodging & Booking Notes
Lodging is not included and will be booked individually. Hotel availability in this region can be limited, so early booking is strongly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few common questions to help you feel prepared and at ease.
About the Experience
What level of technical knowledge do I need to attend?
Not much at all. If you know how to use your iPhone camera at a basic level, you’ll be fine. Everything is taught in plain English, in the field, while shooting.
I’m not used to intentional or slow photography. Will I fit in?
Yes. It may feel unfamiliar at first, and that’s part of the experience. This workshop is designed to help you slow down naturally, with guidance and support throughout the week.
Is this workshop more about technique or creativity?
Both—but with a strong emphasis on creativity, seeing, and confidence. Technical guidance is woven into real shooting situations rather than taught in abstract lessons.
What if this feels a little outside my comfort zone?
That’s usually a good sign. Growth often starts there—and you won’t be navigating it alone. This is a supportive, low-pressure environment.
iPhone-Only Focus
Why is this an iPhone-only workshop?
This experience is designed specifically around iPhone photography. Working with the same tool keeps everyone aligned and allows us to focus on seeing, composition, and decision-making rather than equipment.
Will iPhone video be covered as well?
Yes. iPhone video comes up naturally in the field, and we’ll explore it when the moment calls for it—without turning the workshop into a video course.
Do I need to bring accessories or extra gear?
You don’t need fancy gear to participate or succeed. This workshop is intentionally light on equipment and focused on seeing, moving, and responding—not managing tools.
Your iPhone is the most important thing to bring. If you already shoot comfortably with it, you already have what you need.
Essentials:
- The primary iPhone you plan to shoot with
- A secondary or backup iPhone (strongly recommended if you have one)
- Protective case
- Two portable power banks for field charging
- Charging cables and a wall charger for evenings
- Wrist strap and/or neck or body strap
- Comfortable walking shoes (important)
- Sunglasses and sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- A small daypack or sling to carry essentials
Optional extras (nice to have, not required):
- Mini tripod with iPhone adapter
- Small LED light
- Hand grip or stabilizing handle
- Lens cloth (dust and sand are part of the environment)
- Notes app or small notebook for reflections
- Car phone mount (helpful during longer drives)
You do not need laptops, dedicated cameras, drones, or large tripods.
If you already enjoy shooting with your iPhone, you’re ready.
Group, Travel & Daily Rhythm
Will we be together as a group the entire time?
No—and that’s intentional. We shoot together every day, but there’s also space for independent exploration. The rhythm of separation and reconnection is a key part of how the workshop works.
What if I miss a group meetup or fall behind?
That’s okay. This isn’t a rigid schedule, and no one is keeping score. Clear meeting points are set each day, and you can always rejoin the group at the next location.
Can I travel or shoot with others if I want to?
Absolutely. You’re free to shoot solo, in pairs, or in small groups. If you’d like to buddy up for driving, we can coordinate that during the pre-trip meeting.
Logistics, Comfort & Safety
Is Big Bend physically demanding or remote?
No extreme hiking is required. We’ll be walking and standing at a comfortable pace. While Big Bend is remote, we’ll be traveling established routes with clear meeting points and daily check-ins.
What are the weather conditions like?
Weather in West Texas can change quickly. Days may be warm, mornings and evenings cooler, and wind is common. You don’t need special preparation—just flexibility and awareness.
Will there be a chance to meet before the workshop begins?
Yes. About one week before departure, we’ll meet in person to go over logistics, expectations, and questions. It’s designed to help everyone feel relaxed and prepared before we hit the road.
What if I don’t know anyone else attending?
That’s very common. This workshop tends to attract thoughtful, curious people, and connection usually happens naturally through shared experience.
Payment & Registration
How do I pay for the workshop?
Payment is completed directly through the website using a secure checkout process. Once your payment is confirmed, your spot in the workshop is officially reserved.
Is my spot guaranteed once I complete the payment?
Yes. Because the workshop is limited to a small number of participants, your spot is secured as soon as your payment is successfully processed.
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes. You may cancel your registration within 3 days of purchase for a full refund. After that period, your spot is considered confirmed and non-refundable due to the limited group size.
Why is there a limited cancellation window?
This workshop is intentionally small and carefully planned. The cancellation window allows flexibility while also respecting the logistics and commitments involved in creating a meaningful, small-group experience.
Can I transfer my spot to someone else?
If you’re unable to attend, please reach out as soon as possible. In some cases, transferring your spot to another person may be possible, depending on timing and availability.
Are there any additional or hidden fees?
No. The workshop fee covers all photography instruction and the post-trip image review.
Travel-related expenses such as lodging, food, transportation, and park fees are not included and are handled individually.
Will I receive a confirmation after signing up?
Yes. After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps and additional details. We’ll also be in touch closer to the workshop date to help you prepare.
Still have questions?
If you’re feeling curious but not quite ready to decide, that’s completely okay.
If you’d like more clarity, need help deciding if this experience is right for you, or simply want to talk things through, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help.
Get in touch
Use the form below to ask anything that’s on your mind.
There’s no pressure—just a conversation.
Prefer to talk in person?
I’ll be hosting an informal meet-up for anyone who wants to connect, ask questions, and get a better feel for the workshop before deciding.
Informal Workshop Q&A Meet-Up
- February 10
- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
No presentation.
No sales pitch.
Just an open conversation.