PHOTOGRAPHING THE WESTERN LANDSCAPE: RAFTING THROUGH UTAH’S DESOLATION CANYON ON THE GREEN RIVER

I hope you can join me!

Dec 15, 2021

RAFTING EXPEDITION FOR CREATIVES — JULY 2022

LED BY ANDY BATT

LIMITED TO 15 PEOPLE! ONLY 11 SPOTS LEFT!

Hey all — this is a Brand New Thing™ that I’m doing — and for me, that’s crazy exciting. I’ve run rivers before (Grand Canyon was my first big river!) and I’ve run workshops before, but I’ve never combined them until now! So introducing (what hopefully is an annual trip) Photo Float 2022, a glorious 8-day rafting trip dedicated to landscape photographers.

And by that, I mean the landscape photographer in all of us. Professional or amateur. Maybe you do headshots, pictures of Chihuahuas, or are obsessed with flowers. Or maybe you’re a creative director, writer, designer — none of that matters. It’s about the opportunity to immerse yourself in creative work.

I was just telling a friend today about the gift of “river time” — an opportunity to unplug, to be in a wild place with no other goals than to head downriver, take pictures and enjoy the camaraderie.

I’m so happy to be running this trip with Apakoa Rivers, run by my friend and expert river runner, Sarah Hammond. She’s going to take great care of all of us!

BOOK NOW!

This photography trip is an exploration and an opportunity. A chance to slow down and create photographs just for you.

It’s a fully supported, all-inclusive, eight-day float down the wild and scenic Green River that puts us in the heart of the Western Landscape.

You and your fellow creatives will spend every day photographing stunning rock formations, breathtaking canyon walls, ancient petroglyphs, inspiring scenic vistas, and the curves and twists of the river itself.

There will be golden hour opportunities every day and chances to hike and explore the land on foot.

After a fantastic dinner, we will talk about the day’s work and review images, getting you ready for the next day.

“I’m a professional photographer, making my living in the advertising and marketing fields. I’m well known for my high-energy images of people and characters and for quiet, introspective portraits.
I’ve taught many classes and workshops for SVA-NYC Online, ASMP, APA, Broncolor, and others. I wrote a literal book on photography (Camera & Craft) and deeply enjoy the opportunity to pass along knowledge about photography and its craft.
I’m not a traditional landscape photographer, but I am a passionate one. I apply myself to this type of work with the same thoughtfulness and drive as my “normal” work, but out here, I slow myself down. I try to listen more, plan less and be ready to see.
I’m excited to share this incredible trip with you.”
-andy

YOUR ART & VISION

This trip is about taking the time and giving you the space to create in a supportive and inspiring environment. This is not a class; this is an experience.

We’ll all take the same trip, but we’ll all take different photographs. How you see the landscape is filtered through your own ideas and interpretations.

This time is about sharpening those senses and creating photographs that are meaningful to you, with plenty of feedback from Andy and your fellow photographers.

Andy will work with you to develop both the technical and storytelling skills needed to create beautiful images.

“I will never tell you where to set up your tripod or what to shoot. I will be there to give guidance, help solve problems and talk about your art.”

ITINERARY

PRE-LAUNCH NIGHT MEETUP: We will meet up in Green River, Utah, the night before our launch. Grab a beer, meet your fellow photographers, and chat with Andy.

LAUNCH DAY: We are flown to the launch site for a dynamic preview of the landscape and fast access to the river.

FLOAT: For eight leisurely days, you’ll float down the wild and scenic Green River, through Desolation and Grays Canyons.

LAYOVER DAYS: At two of our campsites, we’ll spend an extra night, allowing us to hike, plan more shots and enjoy the canyon to its fullest.

TAKEOUT LUNCH: on our last river day, we’ll stop just short of the takeout for one final river meal. A shuttle van will return us to the town of Green River.

LAST NIGHT DINNER AND REVIEW: after takeout (and a shower), we’ll all meet up at the John Wesley Powell museum for a walk through the history of the river, a final meal together, and a slideshow of everyone’s work.

SLIDESHOWS & CRITIQUE

Every night, in camp, we’ll collect a few key images from each of you. We’ll pull out the digital projector on our layover nights and run a group slideshow and friendly critique.

You’ll have the chance to talk about what you’re working on and get feedback from your fellow photographers.

In the evenings or mornings, Andy will offer one-on-one time-slots for reviewing your work. This is your opportunity for direct feedback about what you’re working on, getting help editing a body of work, asking technical questions, or anything else you want to talk about.

CAMPING & RAFTING GEAR

All your basic rafting and camping gear is provided for by Apakoa Rivers, from PFDs and white-water proof dry bags to tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags. All you need to bring is river-friendly clothing and shoes, a towel, a personal kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good hat!

YOUR PHOTO GEAR

Cameras: Andy recommends working with the interchangeable lens camera system you are comfortable with. A backup body is essential! Pack plenty of camera batteries (or a way to recharge them).
Glass: A good lens range is from ultra-wide (16mm) to a medium telephoto (200mm). High-quality zooms are fantastic to avoid lens changes on the river. Lens hoods are a must!
Filters: Polarizers and ND filters are also useful —consider buying a set for your largest lens ring and a step-down system to mount it to other lenses.
Support: A compact backpack-friendly tripod is a solid choice, preferably with a ball head. A high-quality swivel-style camera strap is key!
River Case: You will need a “lunchbox” size plastic waterproof hard case - this should fit your camera with a moderate telephoto for use while on the float. Andy uses the 4100 from HPRC.
Cargo Case: Your second plastic waterproof case contains the rest of your camera gear. This is accessible in camp. Andy uses a Nanuk 925.
Breakout Bag: Some sort of backpack that can be crushed and stuffed into a dry bag to use for hiking.
Memory Cards or Computer:
The sizes and pricing on memory cards should let you bring enough storage to shoot for eight days straight.
If you want to download images every night, by all means, bring a card reader, backup drive, and a laptop— plus enough extra laptop batteries to keep you going, as long as it fits in your cargo case.
Exotics: Want to bring a Star Tracker? A crazy super telephoto? Just talk to us, and we’ll figure it out.
Drones: Not permitted where we are going. “Scenic and Wild” means no drones. Please don’t bring one.

WEIGHT LIMITS

Our Air Taxi has exact weight limits, so we cannot exceed these specified amounts (subject to change).

Personal Gear: You’re limited to 20lbs of clothing and personal items.
Camera Gear: 55lbs of camera gear —this is all of your equipment combined, from cameras to cases.
Overweight Gear: If you’re able to meet up in Green River ahead of time, it may be possible for arrangements to be made for truck transport of gear to the launch site. Please reach out and talk to us about what is and what’s not possible.

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Dates: July 12th - July 21nd

Spaces: Limited to 15 11 remaining spots

Meeting Place: Green River, UT

7/12: One night in Green River, UT, before the trip for a pre-launch social meetup (hotel, food, and drink not included)
7/13 Launch: Eight nights on the river (all-inclusive)
7/20 Takeout: Spend one more night in Green River, UT (hotel not included). Join us for a post-trip dinner and image review (food included, alcohol available for purchase)
River Time: 8 days on the river, with two layover days.

Launch Day: July 13th — Also a Full Moon

Distance: 84 river miles
Rapids: Class II - III; Difficulty: Beginner
Includes: Fully supported trip with delicious meals and beverages prepared by our excellent, hard working guides. They will also set up camp every night and pack it up in the morning.
Air Taxi: We will take a scenic flight from Green River, UT, to the put-in at Sandwash Launch.

Trip Cost: $2700 per person

Does not include your transportation to, hotels in, or parking in Green River, UT
Covid Compliance: We require proof of vaccination for all our guests. All of our guides are fully vaccinated.

ADDITIONS:

Archaeological Tour of Range Creek Ranch: An opportunity for a guided tour of a unique and well-preserved ruin of the Fremont Peoples.
Visiting the John Wesley Powell Museum: An excellently curated museum dedicated to the exploration of the Green River.

Payment

50% Deposit to hold a place
10% Early Bird discount for full payment prior to February 1, 2022
Full payment due by April 1, 2022

Cancellations

Our cancellation and refund policies are as follows:

In the unlikely event that a trip is canceled by Apakoa Rivers - all funds will be refunded.

If you cancel 91 days or greater prior to the trip - all funds refunded less $50 processing charge per person OR pending availability transfer to another trip in the same season is possible.

If you cancel between 61 and 90 days prior to the trip - all funds refunded less $100 processing charge per person OR pending availability transfer to another trip in the same season is possible.

If you cancel 60 days or less prior to the trip - all funds forfeited

We begin planning and preparing our trips far in advance of launch day, incurring costs and turning others away from spots as they are reserved. It is often impossible to fill canceled spots prior to trip departure. As such, our cancellation policy applies in all instances, regardless of why or when you have to cancel your trip.

We strongly suggest trip insurance and medical evacuation insurance to protect you against unexpected expenses.