South Dakota’s Badlands National Park looks almost alien—jagged ridges, colorful sediment layers, and labyrinthine formations rising suddenly from the prairie. In December, the Badlands shift into a season of quiet transition. Low-angled winter sunlight creates all-day golden tones, long shadows, and soft pastels that make this one of the most rewarding times of year for landscape photography.

During this Badlands Photography Workshop, we’ll spend five days photographing the park from sunrise to sunset. We’ll make landscape images that highlight the rugged formations, sweeping views, and endless skies. Because December is quiet with few people visiting, we may also have opportunities to photograph bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and mule deer—especially when we can integrate them naturally into the wider scene.

Dates: Dec 1-5, 2027

Price: $1299 ($600 nonrefundable deposit due on registration. Final payment is due 90 days before the workshop)

Location: Badlands National Park, Wall, South Dakota

Bryan Hansel Photography is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service and operates under a Commercial Use Authorization from the National Park Service.

What You Will Learn

This Badlands National Park photography workshop emphasizes experiential learning in the field. You’ll practice:

• Exposure techniques for dynamic, high-contrast landscapes
• Compositional strategies that work with the Badlands’ lines, layers, and ridges
• Reading light and responding to changing winter conditions
• Interpreting scenes for both grand landscapes and wildlife-within-the-landscape images
• Planning and timing for sunrise, sunset, and (optionally) night photography
• Marco or close up photography to capture the many textures of the Badlands

Small group size ensures plenty of one-on-one instruction throughout the workshop.

Itinerary

This Badlands National Park photography workshop combines fieldwork, optional classroom time, and a final image review. Because December conditions change quickly, the schedule may adjust to maximize photographic opportunities.

Sunrise: ~7:00am
Sunset: ~4:15pm

Wednesday

The workshop officially begins at 10AM with a drive through the park for an introduction to the terrain. You can join me for an optional sunrise before the official meet up. During the day, we’ll stop frequently for wildlife and landscape photography and shoot until sunset. Please pack a lunch.

You will need a national park pass for each car.

Thursday – Saturday

Full days in the field, photographing from sunrise to sunset with breaks for breakfast in Wall. Wall Drug offers the best breakfast, so many participants choose to eat there over the hotel’s continental breakfast. Packed a lunch to eat in the park. During the day, we will photograph wildlife, visit a ghost town, photograph details, and Badlands formations.

Many participants choose to eat dinner together in town, but it’s optional.

Sunday

We meet before sunrise for a final morning shoot. After a couple of hours in the field and one last round of golden light, the workshop concludes.

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Potential Night Photography

If the sky is clear and conditions are favorable, we may head out after dark to photograph Badlands formations under the night sky—one of the quietest and most striking experiences the park offers.

Additional Information

Workshop type: This is a destination photography workshop. The goal of destination workshops is to emphasize experiential learning by spending more time in the field. Learn more about workshop types.

Maximum number of participants: 10

Skill Level: This workshop welcomes photographers of every experience level from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned shooters. While all are welcome, the instruction is geared toward photographers using digital cameras.

Physical Requirements: Plan for up to 3 miles of walking per day on moderate terrain, with some days reaching 5 total miles. Most routes are easy to moderate, though a few optional sections may feel more challenging depending on comfort level. Participants are always free to stay near the vehicles and photograph from nearby viewpoints if they prefer. If you’re wondering whether this workshop is a good fit for you physically, give me a call and we can talk it through.

What’s Included:

• Small-group instruction and plenty of one-on-one time
• Classroom sessions in a dedicated meeting space
• A fun, supportive learning environment

What’s Not Included:

• Transportation to and during the workshop (carpooling is encouraged)
• Lodging
• Meals and beverages
• Required park passes or permits

Lodging partner: Our lodging partner is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Wall, SD. After you sign up, you’ll receive details about booking a room from our reserved block. Room reservations are handled separately from workshop registration.

Workshop Dates: Dec 1-5, 2027

Check-in date: November 30

Check-out date: December 5

Getting there: Badlands National Park and the town of Wall are about 55 miles east of Rapid City along Interstate 90. Minneapolis is roughly a 7.5 hour drive. Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport.

Weather: In December, expect average highs around 40°F and lows around 21°F. Conditions can shift quickly, so be prepared for a mix of crisp days and cool mornings.

Equipment & Preparation: Once you register, you’ll receive a participant packet with a suggested gear list, recommended clothing, and tips to help you prepare for the workshop.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.