Landscapes of the American West

with Matthew Santomarco

April 9 – 11, 2027

Friday – Sunday

Package Price $1595.00

Standard Deposit $600.00

Course Description

Join landscape photographer Matthew Santomarco for an immersive workshop centered around photographing the character and spirit of the American West. Drawing inspiration from the grand romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters, this workshop focuses on creating cinematic, timeless imagery through intentional composition, masterful use of light, and understanding the visual heritage of the West.

Designed for photographers seeking to imbue their images with a deeper sense of story and place, this workshop explores how to create photographs that evoke emotion, atmosphere, and deeper connection to the landscape. Participants learn to work with dynamic light, embrace the geometry of mountains and badlands, utilize approaching weather systems, and harness natural framing techniques to transform ordinary scenes into painterly images reminiscent of the American frontier.

Matthew also offers practical strategies for working in the field, including location scouting, weather forecasting, planning around clouds and wind conditions, and developing a creative vision before ever pressing the shutter. On-location, you have the opportunity to put these techniques into practice. With Matthew’s guidance, you photograph the stunning vistas of northern New Mexico and gain insight into creating more intentional work with consistency and artistic purpose. One afternoon also offers the opportunity to explore the relationship between people and place, integrating cowboys and other Western characters into the larger landscape.

Beyond the technical side, this workshop embraces the philosophy of slowing down and reconnecting with the outdoors through photography. It is built for fellow “weekend warriors”—artists balancing everyday life while pursuing meaningful artistic expression in wild places. Conservation, Leave No Trace ethics, and protecting vulnerable landscapes will also be an important part of the discussion throughout the workshop.

Whether you are an experienced landscape photographer or just looking to deepen your creative connection to nature, this workshop aims to inspire a more thoughtful and enduring approach to photographing the American West.

Additional Information

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Amateurs, Advanced Amateurs

What You Should Know:

Any level of experience with landscape photography is welcome in this workshop.

Participants need to be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a workshop to learn how to use your gear or editing software. For digital users, participants must be able to download, select, and submit images for class.

Special Notes:

As this workshop focuses primarily on the classic principles of visual storytelling and creating images on-location, we welcome both digital and film photographers. Creative and technical lectures will apply to both. However, please note that film users will not have access to a darkroom during the workshop itself, and image reviews and post-processing demonstrations will be conducted digitally in Adobe Lightroom.

Activity Level:

To get the most from your workshop experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. Come prepared for the high elevation of Santa Fe, long days, and seasonal weather. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times, both on campus and on location. 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.

Participants should be able to engage in moderate outdoor exercise for up to an hour or more at a time including off-trail walking on uneven terrain including sand, dirt, and loose rock. Location work is likely to include early morning and/or late evening shoots.

Package Price INFO:

$1,595 includes instruction, location fees, daily beverage service, and one group dinner. Travel, accommodations, and all other meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Policies:

View Payment, Refund, Cancellation, and Transfer Policies for domestic workshops.

about

Matthew Santomarco

Matthew Santomarco is a film photographer based out of Denver, Colorado with a deep passion for the outdoors and the rugged landscapes of the American West. He specializes in capturing grand scenic vistas, abandoned homesteads, and dramatic light that evoke the timeless spirit of the frontier. His work embraces dynamic weather conditions, atmospheric skies, and warm tonal palettes to create images reminiscent of the romantic landscape paintings of the 1800s.

Through his adventures, Matthew seeks out the hidden gems scattered across the vast and untamed wilderness that defines the region. During the colder months, he turns his focus toward photographing historic working steam trains that still echo the enduring spirit and heritage of the West.

Instagram: @santomarco