Utah Fall Color Art Retreat
September 23rd-26th, 2027
Led by Jess Santos
There's something pretty incredible about fall in Utah. The mountains come alive with golden aspens and fiery red maples. It's one of my favorite times to get out with a camera and there's no shortage of inspiration.
For this retreat, we'll explore the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, but we're going to approach things a little differently than your typical landscape photography workshop. Instead of just chasing beautiful locations, we'll take inspiration from the great landscape painters and learn to see the world through an artist's eyes.
We'll look in depth at how color, light and composition work together, how to create interesting stories in a landscape and how to turn those ideas into photographs that feel like your own.
Workshop Details
Location: Wasatch & Uinta Mountains with lodging in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah
Dates: September 23rd-26th, 2027
Group Size: Limited to 4 students
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate, no more than 2 miles through rocky or uneven terrain
Flexibility: Schedule adapts to the best light and weather. If storms roll in, we continue with critique, editing, and classroom learning.
What This Journey Looks Like
Our days will revolve around sunrise and sunset, with time between shoots to learn, discuss ideas and work through the creative process.
We'll spend time exploring color theory, composition and the elements of art, then head into the field to put those ideas into practice. You'll learn to recognize patterns, use light to guide the viewer's eye and find compositions that might not be obvious at first glance.
Some of our favorite images might come from a sweeping mountain vista, while others could be a handful of colorful leaves, an interesting bend in an aspen trunk or layers of color along a distant hillside.
The goal isn't to come home with hundreds of photographs. It's to come home with images you've thought about, worked through and are genuinely excited to share.
Why This Retreat is Different
This retreat is about process over postcard. Instead of running from spot to spot, we slow down to study color, form and light the way painters did. Small group size ensures mentorship and individual feedback, giving you the space to grow as both photographer and artist.
We’ll also include a post-retreat editing tutorial, pre-recorded for your convenience, to bring the entire process together from concept to final image, based on the specific techniques you will need to complete your final images.
Ideal For
Photographers who feel stuck and want to rediscover creativity
Artists who want to integrate classical ideas into modern photography
Those curious about color harmony, story, rhythm and visual language
All levels of experience, with a focus on growth over gear
Ready to Create Powerful Images with Meaning?
This retreat is more than a trip into the mountains, we aim to approach photography as an artist’s craft. If you’re ready to connect with the autumn palette of Utah and create work that feels timeless and true to your vision, we’d love to have you join us.
Enrollment is limited to ensure an intimate, mentorship-focused experience.
Reserve your place today and begin your artistic journey.