THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Photograph the geology, wildlife and changing light of the American West, from the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone to Antelope Canyon. Visits, reservations and photography arrangements follow those confirmed for your departure.
Yosemite and Death Valley
Travel from San Francisco for extended photography in Yosemite and Death Valley, exploring cliffs, valleys and salt flats.
Canyons and sandstone arches
Photograph the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone
Photograph Grand Teton peaks and reflections, then explore Yellowstone’s geothermal areas, canyons and waterfalls with flexible photography time.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape, documentary, mobile and drone photography. He has provided photography lectures and training for the municipal library, the Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, the news agency of South China Normal University, the Senior Photographers Association, China Southern Power Grid, the Bao'an land bureau, UnionPay International, Standard Chartered, Ping An Bank, Bank of China, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Jiangsu, the coastal administration, the Capital Institute, SF Express and local community offices. Photography journeys He has led photography groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Destinations in China include Longji, Weizhou Island, Yuanyang, Puzhehei, Bashang, Xuexiang, Beijing, Niubei Mountain, Guangwu Mountain, Huangshan, Wuyuan, Poyang Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Nyingchi, the Yellow River in Shaanxi, the Qiantang River, Hainan, Xiaodongjiang, Zhangjiajie, Zhongwei, Xiapu, Daocheng–Shangri-La and Ejina Banner. Selected awards and exhibitions 15th National Art Photography Competition; 2nd Shenzhen Photography Annual Exhibition; 10th PSAChina International Photography event; 2015 Toronto International TIPF Annual Excellence Award; multiple acceptances in the Austrian circuit, 2017–2019; exhibition at the 7th Dali International Photography Festival, 2018; silver award in the first Beautiful China Aerial Photography competition; second prize in the People category of the China division of the 2019 National Geographic Global Photography Contest.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01May 22 · America/Los_Angelesdeparture city–San Francisco
After arrival in San Francisco, transfer for city photography and Golden Gate Bridge views in the evening, followed by dinner. Rest at the hotel according to arrival time.
Accommodation:San Francisco
DAY 02May 23 · America/Los_AngelesSan Francisco–Yosemite
Itinerary After breakfast, travel to Yosemite National Park, a celebrated once-in-a-lifetime destination and the landscape where Ansel Adams created many of his photographs. Around lunchtime, visit the Ansel Adams gallery to revisit his black-and-white Yosemite landscapes and their remarkable interplay of light and composition. In the afternoon, photograph classic park views according to the weather and light, then choose a location for sunset and evening colors.
Accommodation:Yosemite
DAY 03May 24 · America/Los_AngelesFull day photographing Yosemite
Itinerary Spend the day photographing Yosemite with the photography leader.
Accommodation:Yosemite
DAY 04May 25 · America/Los_AngelesYosemite–Death Valley
Itinerary Rise early to photograph Yosemite in the dawn light. After sunrise, travel to Death Valley National Park. In the evening, photograph sunset over the salt flats at Badwater Basin, followed by the expansive night sky.
Accommodation:inside Death Valley National Park
DAY 05May 26 · America/Los_AngelesFull day photographing Death Valley
Itinerary Spend the day photographing Death Valley with the photography leader.
Accommodation:inside Death Valley National Park
DAY 06May 27 · America/Los_AngelesDeath Valley–Las Vegas
Itinerary Photograph Death Valley's colorful geological formations in the dawn light once more, then travel to Las Vegas for free time.
Accommodation:Las Vegas
DAY 07May 28 · America/Los_AngelesLas Vegas–Grand Canyon
Itinerary Travel via Route 66 to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Photograph stretches of Route 66 and its small towns along the way, then enter the Grand Canyon to photograph several classic viewpoints and sunset over the canyon.
Accommodation:Grand Canyon
DAY 08May 29 · America/Los_AngelesGrand Canyon–Antelope Canyon
Itinerary Return to the park early to photograph sunlight illuminating the canyon. Then travel to Page and photograph Antelope Canyon on Navajo land. In the evening, photograph another famous local landmark, Horseshoe Bend.
Accommodation:Page
DAY 09May 30 · America/Los_AngelesAntelope Canyon–Monument Valley
Itinerary Travel to Monument Valley on Navajo land to photograph the valley and Highway 163, familiar from many Hollywood films. In the evening, capture broad views of Monument Valley in the sunset glow.
Accommodation:a nearby town
DAY 10May 31 · America/Los_AngelesMonument Valley–Arches National Park
Itinerary Photograph sunrise in Monument Valley, then travel to Arches National Park for afternoon and evening photography. Locations will be selected according to participants' fitness and conditions so everyone has rewarding opportunities. Photograph the red rocks at sunset.
Accommodation:Moab
DAY 11Jun 1 · America/Los_AngelesCanyonlands–Dead Horse Point State Park
Itinerary Visit Canyonlands National Park early to photograph Mesa Arch, a classic canyon scene of the American Southwest. The first sunlight makes the underside of the sandstone arch glow red like molten lava, creating a celebrated western sunrise view. Through the arch, open country, deeply cut ravines, rock fissures and snowy mountains form an exceptional vista. Rest at camp around midday, then photograph Dead Horse Point State Park in the evening.
Accommodation:Moab
DAY 12Jun 2 · America/Los_AngelesArch photography around Moab
Use Moab as a base for arch photography with the instructor. Viewpoints depend on light and access.
Accommodation:Moab
DAY 13Jun 3 · America/Los_AngelesArches National Park–Salt Lake City
Itinerary After photographing sunrise at the North and South Windows, drive along the highway to Salt Lake City and visit the Mormon temple area. Then visit the Utah State Capitol and photograph sunset from a hilltop.
Accommodation:Salt Lake City
DAY 14Jun 4 · America/Los_AngelesSalt Lake City–Grand Teton National Park
Itinerary Travel to Grand Teton National Park early in the morning.
Accommodation:Jackson
DAY 15Jun 5 · America/Los_AngelesGrand Teton–Yellowstone National Park
Itinerary At dawn, photograph sunrise and reflections of Grand Teton's snow-covered mountains from a carefully selected viewpoint. Continue to the renowned Yellowstone National Park. Today's main session is sunset at Grand Prismatic Spring in the geyser basin.
Accommodation:West Yellowstone
DAY 16Jun 6 · America/Los_AngelesYellowstone National Park
Itinerary Yellowstone rewards close exploration. This morning, enter again through the West Entrance to explore and photograph the central canyon and waterfall area and the northern geological formations.
Accommodation:West Yellowstone
DAY 17Jun 7 · America/Los_AngelesYellowstone–Idaho Falls
Itinerary Today is a flexible day for additional photography. The photography guide will choose Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park according to actual conditions. After the session, travel to Idaho.
Accommodation:Idaho
DAY 18Jun 8 · America/Los_AngelesIdaho Falls–salt lake area–West Wendover
Itinerary Travel to Salt Lake City in the morning, then photograph the salt flats described as America's mirror of the sky.
Accommodation:West Wendover
DAY 19Jun 9 · America/Los_AngelesWest Wendover–Salt Lake City Airport–departure
Airport transfer brings this varied photography journey across the American West to a close, from rural towns to cities and from the coast to national parks inland. [Reference flights] June 9: Salt Lake City–San Francisco, DL920, 08:00–09:09 June 9: San Francisco–Hong Kong, CX879, 12:55–18:55 (+1 day)
Accommodation:overnight flight
DAY 20Jun 10 · America/Los_AngelesArrive in China
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang
- Up to 8 travelers
- IncludedPhotography guidance from the local instructor;
View trip staffing details
Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang Up to 8 travelers Included · Photography guidance from the local instructor; Excluded · Driver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator. Excluded · Additional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation.
Transport
- IncludedA 15-seat high-roof touring vehicle with vehicle and third-party insurance; the model and on-board internet require confirmation.
- ExcludedTravel to and from the United States;
- ExcludedAdditional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation.
Travel details and reference schedules
The following flights are references, not confirmed group bookings. Confirm departure and transfers before booking. [Reference services] The instructor will take the following services: Outbound: May 22, Hong Kong–San Francisco, CX870 / 13:25 / 11:15 Return: June 9, Salt Lake City–San Francisco, DL920 / 08:00 / 09:09 June 9, San Francisco–Hong Kong, CX879 / 12:55 / 18:55 +1 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website.
Photography
- Yosemite and Death Valley
- Canyons and sandstone arches
- Grand Teton and Yellowstone
Photography details
Yosemite and Death Valley Travel from San Francisco for extended photography in Yosemite and Death Valley, exploring cliffs, valleys and salt flats. Canyons and sandstone arches Photograph the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. Grand Teton and Yellowstone Photograph Grand Teton peaks and reflections, then explore Yellowstone’s geothermal areas, canyons and waterfalls with flexible photography time. Yosemite and Death Valley Canyons and sandstone arches Grand Teton and Yellowstone Included · A 15-seat high-roof touring vehicle with vehicle and third-party insurance; the model and on-board internet require confirmation. Included · Photography guidance from the local instructor; Included · Photography course fees for the accompanying instructor throughout; Excluded · Meals during free time and items marked as self-funded, plus all personal expenses. Examples include Las Vegas shows, Antelope Canyon photography, luggage handling and laundry;
Accommodation
- 19 nights
- Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator.
- IncludedStandard twin rooms in four-star hotels in the United States or the best locally available hotels listed in the itinerary, except within scenic areas;
Accommodation details
Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Day 1: San Francisco Day 2: Yosemite Day 3: Yosemite Day 4: inside Death Valley National Park Day 5: inside Death Valley National Park Day 6: Las Vegas Day 7: Grand Canyon Day 8: Page Day 9: a nearby town Day 10: Moab Day 11: Moab Day 12: Moab Day 13: Salt Lake City Day 14: Jackson Day 15: West Yellowstone Day 16: West Yellowstone Day 17: Idaho Day 18: West Wendover Day 19: overnight flight Day 1 · 2027-05-22 San Francisco Day 2 · 2027-05-23 Yosemite Day 3 · 2027-05-24 Yosemite Day 4 · 2027-05-25 inside Death Valley National Park Day 5 · 2027-05-26 inside Death Valley National Park Day 6 · 2027-05-27 Las Vegas Day 7 · 2027-05-28 Grand Canyon Day 8 · 2027-05-29 Page Day 9 · 2027-05-30 a nearby town Day 10 · 2027-05-31 Moab Day 11 · 2027-06-01 Moab Day 12 · 2027-06-02 Moab Day 13 · 2027-06-03 Salt Lake City Day 14 · 2027-06-04 Jackson Day 15 · 2027-06-05 West Yellowstone Day 16 · 2027-06-06 West Yellowstone Day 17 · 2027-06-07 Idaho Day 18 · 2027-06-08 West Wendover Day 19 · 2027-06-09 overnight flight 19 nights Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Included · Standard twin rooms in four-star hotels in the United States or the best locally available hotels listed in the itinerary, except within scenic areas; Excluded · Meals are shared expenses, including breakfasts not taken at the hotels; Excluded · Single supplement;
Meals
- IncludedBreakfast at the hotels;
- IncludedDaily mineral water for each participant, with no waste permitted.
- ExcludedMeals are shared expenses, including breakfasts not taken at the hotels;
Meal details
Included · Breakfast at the hotels; Included · Daily mineral water for each participant, with no waste permitted. Excluded · Meals are shared expenses, including breakfasts not taken at the hotels; Excluded · Meals during free time and items marked as self-funded, plus all personal expenses. Examples include Las Vegas shows, Antelope Canyon photography, luggage handling and laundry;
Visa
- To be confirmed by the operator
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Standard twin rooms in four-star hotels in the United States or the best locally available hotels listed in the itinerary, except within scenic areas;
Breakfast at the hotels;
Initial entrance tickets to listed attractions;
A 15-seat high-roof touring vehicle with vehicle and third-party insurance; the model and on-board internet require confirmation.
Photography guidance from the local instructor;
Photography course fees for the accompanying instructor throughout;
Daily mineral water for each participant, with no waste permitted.
Not included
Travel to and from the United States;
Meals are shared expenses, including breakfasts not taken at the hotels;
Single supplement;
Driver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
Expenses arising from itinerary changes caused by flight delays, cancellations or force majeure may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred;
Meals during free time and items marked as self-funded, plus all personal expenses. Examples include Las Vegas shows, Antelope Canyon photography, luggage handling and laundry;
Additional transport and overtime services outside the itinerary. The planned service day is 10 hours; overtime arrangements and charges require confirmation.
In force majeure circumstances, such as natural disasters, war or strikes, or exceptional events including flight delays or cancellations and consular visa delays, the organizing team reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional expenses, including extended visas abroad, accommodation, meals, transport and national airfare adjustments, may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred. We will nevertheless try within our ability to minimise participants' losses;
Other additional expenses not listed under inclusions;
Invoice-related taxes are additional; confirm the applicable amount with the operator.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] The total is based on two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use America/Los_Angeles. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.