Road Scholar : Home
Southwest Landscape Photography With an Arizona Highways Photographer!

Program Number: 1046RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/19/2013 - 5/24/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Price starting at: $996.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Photography Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Vegetarian    

Experience a rare opportunity to study with an Arizona Highways magazine photographer. Armed with your digital or traditional camera, share professional techniques through in-the-field, hands-on photo adventures and class critiques. Enjoy nature walks and other opportunities to capture memories of Arizona as you "develop" your skills and "shoot" it out with some of the best in the West.




Highlights

• Enjoy a day trip to the red-rock country of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
• Shoot sunsets at the Superstition Mountain Range and other nature settings in the lush Sonoran Desert.
• Visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix to frame the natural habitat of wildlife, birds, wildflowers and cacti.



Activity Particulars

Walking and standing as far and as long as participant is comfortable. Photograph close to the bus or venture out.



Emphasis on digital photography. Traditional photographers welcome, but film processing not possible; only digital photos will be critiqued. Tri-pod recommended.




Date Specific Information

5-19-2013

This program will travel to Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon and will spend one night in Williams, Arizona at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-29-2013, 10-20-2013

This program will travel to the Grand Canyon by way of Flagstaff and spend one night in Williams, Arizona near the Grand Canyon. The next day will be spent in Sedona before returning to Phoenix.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Northern Arizona University.




Phoenix

Phoenix is a thriving metropolis surrounded by majestic mountains. Along with the visual beauty of the land, the city has a rich heritage of Native American and Hispanic cultures. Native American and western expansion influences are seen in the art and architecture of Phoenix, and an abundance of museums and art galleries showcase the culture.
Accommodations
Modern hotel with swimming pool, free parking.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Lynn Sankey
With over 18 years of experience as a professional photographer, Lynn Sankey specializes in landscape and high school senior portrait photography. She is experienced in both digital and darkroom photography, and has owned her own photography businesses for several years. Lynn is an active volunteer for the Arizona Highways Photo Workshops. She frequently has the opportunity to photograph the Navajo and Hopi Lands and people, remote Arizona treasures, and wildlife and seasonal landscapes of many U.S. National Parks. Her work has been published in the Arizona Highways Magazine and calendars. Recently, three of Lynn’s images were selected to represent Arizona in the 2012 Arizona Centennial Project which will permanently display images on shade structures in downtown Phoenix. Lynn enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, and often documents their adventures through her photography.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Embassy Suites
  Phoenix 2 nights
   Grand Canyon Inn
  South Rim of the Grand Canyon 1 night
   Embassy Suites
  Phoenix 2 nights
 Embassy Suites
Type: Hotel
  Description: Services include complimentary parking, weekday USA Today, on-site National/Alamo car rental desk, gift shop, room service and guest valet/laundry services. Also complimentary 24-hour BusinessLink business center with wireless high-speed internet access computer, printing and copying services. Including complimentary Managers Reception from 5:30 to 7:30. Buffet style breakfast made to order.
  Contact info: 2577 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, AZ 85023 USA
phone: 602-375-1777
web: www.phoenixnorth.embassysuites.com
  Room amenities: Enjoy the convenience of two flat screen television, two telephone lines, refigerator, coffeemaker, microwave, iron with ironing board, hair dryer, and well-lit work area. Complimentary High-speed Wi-Fi (in lobby only).access available including PrinterOn, allowing you to print from your laptop. Broadband connection in your room.
  Facility amenities: Kick back under the desert sky before taking a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub. Work-out in the fully-equipped fitness center or just soothe tired muscles in the whirlpool while sipping a drink from the Cabana pool bar. Savor delicious Cajun specialties at LaFitte’s restaurant, the perfect place to catch up with friends and colleagues.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: AAA/AARP rate Be sure to request the AAA/AARP rate for additional nights.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: AAA/AARP rate Be sure to request the AAA/AARP rate for additional nights.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 Grand Canyon Inn
Type: Inn
  Description: www.grand-canyon-inn.com ♦ Heated swimming pool ♦ Handicap accessible rooms
  Contact info: 317 South State Rd
Valle, AZ 86046 USA
phone: 928-635-9203
web: www.grand-canyon-inn.com
  Room amenities: The Grand Canyon Inn is the perfect place to stay, dine, and shop during your Grand Canyon vacation. We offer 101 rooms in our motel complex. Almost all of our rooms have two queen-sized beds. The rooms are decorated in attractive Southwestern themes and offer many amenities such as in-room coffee service, hair dryers, and irons. All rooms are pet-free, have 32" flat-screen televisions, DirecTV digital satellite TV service, and direct dial phones. WiFi service is complimentary, and available in most rooms (please inquire). Individually-controlled heat and air conditioning is provided in all rooms for your comfort regardless of the time of year of your visit.
  Facility amenities: In the late 1970s the family built the current Grand Canyon Inn in Valle, Arizona, and in 1977 built the first phase of the Grand Canyon Inn and restaurant as it exists today. In 1981 the motel expanded across the street with the A & B wing with 33 rooms. Expansions continued with two new wings and 40 more rooms as well as a swimming pool added in the mid-1990s. Today the Grand Canyon Inn has 101 rooms.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Road Scholar Registration in the Main lobby at 4:30pm. Dinner begins at 6:00pm followed by orientation. Hotel check-in anytime after 3:00pm. You will be staying at Embassy Suites that night.
  End of Program:
Check out after Wrap-Up (by 11:00am). You will be staying at Embassy Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Phoenix
  Nearest city or town:  Phoenix
  Nearest highway: I-17 and I-10
  Nearest airport:  Sky Harbor Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Phoenix
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super Shuttle
phone: 800-331-3565

   

Ask for Road Scholar rate. Super Shuttle Discount Code: E3BBF
 

Sky Harbor

 

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
AAA/Yellow Cab
phone: 480-888-8888

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call for quote
Prices are subject to change.
 
Driving Directions
  From Sky Harbor International Airport to Embassy Suites Phoenix - North I-10 West to I-17 North. Exit # 211 Greenway Road. The Hotel is on the southeast corner of Greenway Road.
  From the North to Embassy Suites I-17 South. Exit #211 Greenway Road. The Hotel is on the southeast corner of Greenway Road.
  From the South to Embassy Suites I-10 West to I-17 North. Exit # 211 Greenway Road. The Hotel is on the southeast corner of Greenway Road.
  From the West to Embassy Suites I-10 East to I-17 North. Exit # 211 Greenway Road. The Hotel is on the southeast corner of Greenway Road.
Equipment Requirements: Bring your own camera. 35 mm SLR or digital SLR recommended but not required. Wide angle (20-35 mm) lense, macro lens or close-up filter useful. Short to medium (80-200 mm) telephoto lense also useful. Tripod and cable release are invaluable. Program emphasis is on all phases of digital photography, but film and SLR users are also welcome to attend program and receive instruction from Arizona Highways Photographer. However, we will not be able to process SLR or print film for critique during the week; only digital photos will be critiqued during week.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-In and Program Registration/Orientation
(Sunday, May 19)
   
 Afternoon: Please arrive at the hotel to register at 4:30pm. Check into your room at the front desk and then register with Road Scholar staff in the Main lobby. You will then have until 6:00 PM to settle into your room.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel. Please arrive at the time indicated on your itinerary.
 Evening: After dinner we will have orientation. This will provide you with information about the hotel, program itinerary, instructors, venues and on site staff. This is also a good opportunity to ask questions!
   
Accommodations: Embassy Suites
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Photography Class/Desert Photoshoot Sonoran Desert Photo Excursion and Photo Critique
(Monday, May 20)
   
 Breakfast: Come down by the time indicated on the itinerary, just be sure to allow enough time to arrive promptly for the morning activity!
 Morning: Anyone with one of today's cameras can take a picture; not everyone can be called a photographer. Many of today's cameras are so "smart" that a person can literally point and shoot with the results being very acceptable more often than not. The question regarding equipment is, do you run it or does it run you? Which route to take? Your path or the beaten path? Discover your own unique path to stunning photography under the guided tutelage of an Arizona Highways Photographer. Unlock the secrets of professional photographers and learn to capture the "soul" of a place as opposed to merely its physical appearance. View the world with the eye of a photographer and uncover the beauty and picturesque moments and scenes surrounding you during this photography class.
 Lunch: Lunch will either be a delicious meal at the hotel or a savory dish at a favorite local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Field trip to 1300 acre ranch in lush Sonoran desert. Experience the magic of the desert in the true spirit of the west. Enjoy endless saguaros and fascinating wildlife.
 Dinner: Enjoy a cowboy cookout in a rustic old-west setting.
 Evening: Return to hotel upon conclusion of photo shoot and cowboy cookout.
   
Accommodations: Embassy Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Grand Canyon
(Tuesday, May 21)
   
 Breakfast: Come down by the time indicated on the itinerary 7:00 am, just be sure to allow enough time to check out and enjoy breakfast.
 Morning: Check out of Embassy Suites. Board bus and make your way through the breathtaking scenic Arizona landscape. Take a break in Flagstaff, and travel on to the Grand Canyon.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Historic Cameron Trading Post & Lodge, East of the Grand Canyon.
 Afternoon: Photo opportunities will arise as you travel along the rim. Also enjoy capturing once in a lifetime shots of the sunset.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
 Evening: Check in to the Grand Canyon Inn.
   
Accommodations: Grand Canyon Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sedona
(Wednesday, May 22)
   
 Breakfast: Check out of your room. . All breakfasts are made to order. Come down by the time indicated on the itinerary. Depart for Sedona by way of Scenic Highway 89 A
 Morning: Enjoy an all day field trip to Sedona Red Rock Country. Located in Arizona's high desert under the towering southwestern rim of the vast Colorado Plateau, the city of Sedona is blessed with four mild seasons marked by abundant sunshine and clean air. The rust-red color of the landscape, the burble of Oak Creek and the red mountains are an exquisite assault on the 5 senses. There is little wonder why the awe-inspiring views surrounding Sedona stir reverent feelings in its visitors. As the sun tracks across Sedona's turquoise-blue skies, the ageless mountains, spires, boulders, trees and occasional intermittent waterfalls that surround Sedona will display more colors than any ambitious rainbow, and provide endless opportunities for magnificent photos.
 Lunch: Lunch will be on the way back.
 Dinner: Enjoy exploring the local cuisine with a dinner-on-your own in Red Rock Country.
 Evening: Sunset shots in Sedona around 7:40p.m. Board for Phoenix by 8:00pm and check back in to the Embassy Suites by 10:00pm
   
Accommodations: Embassy Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Desert Botanical Gardens
(Thursday, May 23)
   
 Breakfast: Come down by the time indicated on the itinerary, just be sure to allow enough time to arrive promptly for the morning activity!
 Morning: Photo shoot at the Desert Botanical Gardens. One of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums, this one-of-a-kind museum showcases 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, the Garden offers interesting and inspiring experiences to more than 250,000 visitors each year. The stunning exhibits provide endless photo opportunities.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own at the Desert Botanical Gardens.
 Afternoon: Photo critique.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Embassy Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Check-out
(Friday, May 24)
   
 Breakfast: Come down by the time indicated on the itinerary, just be sure to allow enough time to arrive promptly for the morning activity!
 Morning: Photo workshop critique and review
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768