Yosemite National Park Landscape Photography Workshops Classes

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YOSEMITE PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Learn Landscape Photography from a 38 year veteran of Yosemite National Park

“I’ve taken workshops on nearly every side there is in the photography world. I took Phil’s Yosemite workshop about 12 years ago (time flies) and it remains my favorite photography workshop to this day.”

Ashley Covington

Unit Stills Photographer, Los Angeles

Our 17th Year

Named one of “The 50 Awesome Workshops Around the World”
Photoshelter, 2014 and 2019

Our Goal: Reduce time thinking about your camera and increase time thinking about your subject matter. Get mind-boggling shots.  

Learn More
Workshops Schedule

Update!

2012 workshop alumni Keith Manning named Photographer of the Year with the Exposure One International Black and White Photography Competition!
Read all about it here: The Announcement
Prior to his award, Keith sent me this very kind message:

“I am sending you a thanks for all I learned at my Yosemite trip in 2012 and the shot of confidence you gave me in my black and white photography. It is 10 years later, I’ve since won numerous international awards for my landscapes and portraits.
Last year, a FOX TV show, Monarch, bought two landscapes and two portraits. You can see two of them on the trailer for the show. It premiere on September 11.

I recently signed a contract with a NY gallery to be represented at their Venice Biennale collateral exhibition, “International Identities “. I will have four portraits in the exhibition from September 8-14.

Thank you and wishing you all the best,

Keith”

"As Debbie and I drove away on Sunday night it was like leaving family.  Phil, when we set up for the first time at Yosemite falls, you were so patient with me as I stumbled through my menu. You listened to me and heard that I wanted to learn how to blur water. You made sure I had that small task accomplished when we were at the Merced. I could go on with twenty other similar circumstances.  I am sure blurring water is photo 101, but you made me feel like I had just accomplished the impossible.  We can’t wait until  we meet again. Thank you Phil and thank each of you for making our first photography class unforgettable."
Ross Meier
"Thanks again for the workshop! I've never had so many awesome landscapes from a single photo trip"
-Chris Stark
"I very much enjoyed the workshop and would easily recommend to friends. Your knowledge of both photography and Yosemite was outstanding, but most important was your patience, attitude and energy for teaching. Thanks again and I look forward to another trip."
Tim Weir, from Sugar Land, TX
"On a scale of 1 to 10, this was a 15!"
-Dan, from Atlanta
"I could not have asked for anything more. It was perfect."
-Edoardo, from Cortina, Italy
"...I still remember it was one of the best weeks of my life! I met some people that I thoroughly enjoyed and learned more than I could have imagined!"
-Kevin, from San DiegoWorkshop student from 2012
"Great workshop....worth crossing two continents and an ocean!"
-Karim El Baradei, from Egypt
"I would NEVER have thought to use a 400mm lens on a sunset shot till you showed me how good it could be. I can't believe it!"
Paul, from Sacramento, CA
"Even though I only got to be with you for two days, it was the best photo experience I've had to date and I learned tons."
Dennis Gauhan, from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
"Phil, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the workshop. My wife and I had a wonderful time and I came out of it with some photos that I suspect will end up on my walls."
James Landers, from So. California
"My wife Rosario and I are very grateful for your teachings, generosity and help. I’ve got a radical change in image quality that I’ve never obtained before. I will like to go again to another workshop in other season. Thank you!"
Joaquin Vila, from Veracruz, Mexico
"We learned a lot!! Yes, a lot!! - Met great people -- Simply had a GREAT time! Now, as soon we can process the 1400 photos we took..."
Betsy Regla, from Southern California
"I had a great time with a pro like you as well as all others in the group. It's not an exaggeration, but i never had such a great group gathering. I learnt a lot of techniques from you and others in the group. Being this first photo workshop, i realized one thing that this field is an ocean where your knowledge is never complete. I need to work a lot to improve my skills...a long way to go."
Shashank Kishore, from Newark, DE
"I still have vivid memories of your Yosemite photo tour. One the best experiences in my life."
Randy LeMoine, from New York City
"I wanted to reach to you and forward my appreciation and gratitude for the outstanding workshop that you conducted. Thanks again!"
Rajat Khana, from northern California
"Thanks again for a really fun photography workshop in Yosemite. I learned a lot, and was very pleased with the pictures I took. I must admit I was a bit intimidated to take the workshop because of my complete lack of photography skills! Thanks for your suggestions and guidance. I think Henrik and I will be joining you again in the spring to learn some more."
Barbara Jones, Monterey, CA
"I had such a great time at Yosemite. You were very informative and helpful and it was great just shooting the breeze with you in the cold rain at Tunnel View. The other students were also very friendly and helpful. What a diverse group of people! I would like to take another workshop with you in the future. Thank you very much for the great adventure!"
Michael Reddick, from Houston, TX
"Just wanted to thank you again for a fantastic week! I have to say, you do know Yosemite when it comes to the valley light! You knew exactly where and when to be there with respect to the prevailing light and weather conditions. I don't know how many times I uttered WOW. You are a awesome photographer and you always seemed ready to help. I did learn quite a bit and feel the week was well worth the cost."
Mike Thompson, from northern California
"It's awesome seeing your pictures and a pleasure taking your class. David and I are looking forward to taking another class in the future. It was a great experience. Wishing you the best."
Vicki and David Christopherson, from Chino, CA
"Thank you very much for a great week. Many aspects of the week were top notch: the locations, the group, and the instruction. I feel much more comfortable with the camera. I have a much better idea how to frame a shot. My next project is to learn Photoshop. Thank you for the introduction. And thank you and Cathy for a fantastic week."
Brad Rockwell
"Thanks Phil for the shots and the great job. Your local knowledge and your patience with us made it an excellent experience. Hope to have another opportunity to shoot with you in the future."
Fr. Charlie Goraieb

We're Different; Here's Why

Personalized Attention

All workshops are conducted by me.  I do not use “workshop leaders”.  I offer help and guidance to all who ask.  Some people know their equipment and only want to know where to go.  Others are new to digital photography and have many questions.  I give my attention to anyone and all.  There is no such thing as too many questions!

Beginners Welcome

If you don’t know the difference between an aperture and a hole in the ground, fear not.  There is no such thing as a dumb question.  We welcome brand new photographers. No matter your level of experience, you will come away with new knowledge about how to get the most out of your equipment and your effort.

No Itineraries

The whole reason one comes to Yosemite is to find the best opportunity to get the best shot.  And that is dictated by the weather.  You will be able to take advantage of my 37 years shooting Yosemite to know where to be, and when.  Understanding these patterns comes from long experience, enabling me to know whether we need to race to the next location or simply wait for conditions to evolve. We issue two-way radios to drivers in the car pool allowing me to communicate with students when I see changes in weather.

Experience

I’ve had 37 years experience in Yosemite backpacking, fishing, camping, hiking, photographing, etc. in all areas of the park including the backcountry, high country and front country in all seasons.

I’ve been leading workshops for 15 years in Yosemite serving over 789 students from the world over.

Workshops Schedule
"I am sending you a thanks for all I learned at my Yosemite trip in 2012 and the shot of confidence you gave me in my black and white photography. It is 10 years later, I’ve since won numerous international awards for my landscapes and portraits. Last year, a FOX TV show, Monarch, bought two landscapes and two portraits. You can see two of them on the trailer for the show. It premiere on September 11. I recently signed a contract with a NY gallery to be represented at their Venice Biennale collateral exhibition, “International Identities “. I will have four portraits in the exhibition from September 8-14. Thank you and wishing you all the best,"
Keith Manning
Keith ManningRetired