Online registration for this program has closed. To check availability, find out about future dates, or if you would like further information, please call 505-983-1400 ext. 111. Also, get the SFW E-Newsletter for updates!
Arthur Meyerson continues his globe-trotting quest to experience the most remarkable destinations for creating memorable color images. His past locales include Cuba, Mexico, Japan, and Morocco. In March of 2023, join Arthur on his latest color exploration to photograph Jordan and its ancient cities and timeless landscapes.
Step back in time to romantic Jordan, brimming with historical treasures, a warm and welcoming people, sacred Biblical sites, and stunningly beautiful landscapes. The extraordinary wonder of the rock-cut city of Petra, the desert canyon of Wadi Rum and its Bedouin way of life, the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, and Amman—Jordan’s political, cultural, and commercial hub—form the centerpieces of this captivating photographic adventure.
The itinerary is expertly planned by Derek Baron to include traditional experiences and authentic local interaction, making it ideal for any photographer who wishes to truly explore and experience the fascinating history, culture, and landscapes of Jordan.
As our adventure unfolds day by day, Arthur leads you photographically to new heights and understandings of the medium through hands-on lessons, individual image review sessions, and daily briefings on how to approach the day’s photographic opportunities. Color is the underlying photographic theme, but portraiture, landscapes, street photography, reportage, abstract design, and architectural studies are part of our daily experiences. First and foremost, this is a photographic journey with Jordan as our dazzling playground and intimate studio.
Here is the daily itinerary: (subject to change)
Day 1: Amman, Jordan (arrival day)
Upon arrival in Amman, Jordan, you are picked up by a private driver and taken to our hotel in the heart of Jordan’s capital. Once the entire group has arrived, we get together to officially kick off the trip with an orientation meeting and a traditional Jordanian dinner.
Day 2: Amman
We ease into our first day in Jordan with a guided cultural and photography-based tour that highlights some of the most fascinating parts of Amman. On our adventure through the city, we visit mosques and citadels, stop to sample traditional Jordanian delicacies and desserts, and spend time perusing the many market stalls with their colorful displays of fresh produce, spices, and local handiwork. In the evening, we enjoy another great meal before taking in the lively atmosphere of one of Amman’s most vibrant neighborhoods at the most ideal time for light.
Day 3: Amman / Jerash / Madaba
Today we travel back in time as we explore the ruins of the former Roman city of Jerash—the largest Roman city located outside of Rome itself. As one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Jordan, we admire the stonework and craftsmanship that has withstood the erosion of time and easily imagine what life was like in this iconic city thousands of years ago. Afterwards, we head south to the town of Madaba, also known as the ‘city of mosaics.’ Home to the world’s largest mosaic—an extremely detailed 6th century map of the Middle East that was discovered under the floor of a Greek Orthodox Church—you learn about this site from inside the actual church. We then spend the night in laid-back Madaba.
Day 4: Madaba / Mt Nebo / Wadi Musa
After breakfast, we continue to Mount Nebo, the place where Moses looked out over “The Promised Land.” We stand in the very same spot he did, with sweeping views stretching far into the distance. After our visit to Mount Nebo, we head off into the countryside to visit a few of the traditional mosaic workshops where we be able to photograph the craftspeople and their creations. Later in the afternoon we finish the drive to Wadi Musa, the town that acts as the gateway to magnificent Petra. Depending on our arrival time, we enjoy a stroll through town before dinner.
Day 5: Petra
After an early breakfast, we make our way to one of the New Seven World Wonders—the Nabatean city of Petra. We have a full day to photograph one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. We visit the surreal gorges, the famous “Treasury,” royal tombs, towering temples, sacrificial locations, and for the more adventurous — the hilltop monastery. With stops for tea, lunch, and conversations with local Bedouins along the way, we take our time as we walk through the site. Later in the afternoon, you are able to spend more time exploring the ruins and then return to town and the hotel for an evening of relaxation.
Day 6: Petra
Today begins with an arranged portrait session with Bedouins who inhabit the caves around Petra. We visit their village, learn about their culture and traditions, and then have ample time to photograph their community. We also sit down for a home-cooked lunch offered by our Bedouin friends. After lunch, the rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish. A return to Petra is an option, but there are many other areas to explore.
Day 7: Wadi Rum
We leave the wonders of Petra behind this morning and welcome a new kind of destination—the beautiful and mysterious land of the Wadi Rum desert. Only a short 2 hours away, we meet our local hosts and switch into 4WD vehicles and head straight into the sands of Wadi Rum. We stop often to make images of the otherworldly landscapes, pastel-colored rock formations, and rippling sand dunes We also learn about the desert, its inhabitants, and the culture of such a remote location. Arriving at our comfortable accommodations—a beautiful desert camp—we sit down for a delicious evening meal, admire the star-filled skies, and have a chance for a sound sleep after a long day.
Day 8: Wadi Rum
Today we remain in the desert with many options. You have a chance to go on a desert hike, ride a horse across the sand dunes, ride in a hot-air balloon, or simply interact with the locals who live in the area. The staff is on-hand to assist and help you organize any activities you wish to do in this exotic destination.
Day 9: Dead Sea
After our final breakfast in the desert, we gather our belongings, switch back to our vans, and embark on a drive to the Dead Sea—only four hours away. We make stops along the way to photograph and reach our hotel by early afternoon. After checking into our rooms, you have time to head down to the beach (which is on the hotel’s property), float in the Dead Sea’s incredibly buoyant waters and cover yourself in its therapeutic and infamous mud. At 400 meters below sea level, this is the lowest point on Earth and by far one of the most intriguing places you could visit in this region of the world. It’s also the perfect place to pamper yourself as our journey through this wonderful country begins to wind down. After our day by the sea, we gather together for a farewell dinner and reflect on our memorable experiences from this journey.
Day 10: Dead Sea (departure day)
Today you are picked-up at our resort and transferred to the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman in time to catch your departing flights. The airport is approximately a 50-minute drive from the Dead Sea.
COVID-19 Update: For all in-person workshops and trips in 2023, Santa Fe Workshops highly recommends that all participants, staff, and instructors attending be up to date with Covid vaccinations (per definition of the CDC). For international trips, local laws will apply, so it is important that you confirm you will be fully vaccinated according to the countries on your trip.
This program is open to photographers at all levels who are passionate about travel and improving their image making.
Participants should be in very good health with good stamina and mobility. While the tour itself is not very strenuous, it is advised that guests are able to walk for at least 2 hours at a time over relatively flat terrain. While in places such as Jerash and Petra, there may be some uneven terrain and dirt paths that we must walk on. While in Wadi Rum, there will be desert terrain, and while most of it will be flat, there may be areas that require a slightly uphill walk.
Participants should be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a program to learn how to use your gear or editing software. This a photographic tour, not a photography workshop and there isn’t structured classroom time. There are individual image review sessions with Arthur, as well as help with photographic ideas and techniques on-location.
To get the most from this international experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. In general, arrive prepared for long days and seasonal weather including variable temperatures. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described.
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for this International Program.
Arthur Meyerson is recognized as one of America’s finest color photographers and a highly sought-after workshop instructor. He has traveled throughout the world and all seven continents photographing for advertising, corporate, and editorial clients. He is a three-time winner of Adweek’s Southwest Photographer of the Year award, as well as being named one of the 30 best advertising photographers by American Photo. In 1999, Arthur was honored by Nikon’s illustrious Legends Behind the Lens series. His photographs are exhibited internationally, appear in numerous publications, and are part of several permanent museum collections. Arthur’s highly acclaimed book, The Color of Light was published in 2012 and his latest book, The Journey was released in 2017 to much praise. In 2022, the Briscoe Center in Austin, Texas acquired his photography archive.
A popular workshop instructor, Arthur is also part of our Mentorship Program »
Get to know Arthur in our Inspiration Series video »
Website: arthurmeyerson.com
Instagram: @arthurmeyerson
