Discover the Badlands
Photo Adventure
May 20-23, 2026
4Days/3Nights
Max 6 participants for this trip.
Cost: $2950
Deposit: 50%
Co-leader: Alyce Bender
Physical Demand: Easy – hiking over uneven, rocky, sandy, or sloped terrain. Some short walks after dark on uneven trails.
Highlights
Hands-on photography instruction from two award-winning, professional nature photographers: Andrew Peschong, a local guide and award-winning landscape photographer and educator, and Alyce Bender, a Tamron Ambassador.
Photography from the sky! This tour includes a doors-off helicopter flight over the park to allow for aerial images unable to be obtained through other means as drones are illegal within the park.
Explore the underrated and underappreciated North American grassland ecosystem along with the variety of wildlife this habitat encompasses – including bison, prairie dogs, and burrowing owls!
Ideal photography tour for those interested in learning more about all aspects of landscape photography, from small scenes to grand landscapes
While a tour, we will have time for image reviews during the afternoons as well.
Badlands National Park, located in the rolling plains of South Dakota, is a unique location with fascinating geological formations, abundant wildlife, and rich history providing an ideal setting for the nature photographer. It also provides dark skies for amazing star gazing and astrophotography opportunities. June brings lush grasses to the plains and the wildlife of Badlands can often be seen taking advantage of the food source before it withers under the summer heat. Frequent weather systems also bring dramatic skies to enhance the backdrops to these already stunning landscapes.
Long daylight hours provide us plenty of time to explore the park and surrounding areas for a multitude of photography opportunities. My co-leader and fellow photographer, Andrew Peschong, is a native to South Dakota and has been exploring Badlands for many years, so will not only be on hand to assist with photography related questions but also as our local guide.
***Bonus*** Included in this photography tour we will be taking in the Badlands from above! While drones are NOT permitted in the National park, we are providing participants a chance to photograph from the air. With exclusive permission to operate within the National Park boundaries, weather permitting, everyone will get a chance for a thrilling doors-off flight over this amazing landscape.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive and Meet & Greet
We will meet in Rapid City, SD with flights arriving no later than 1pm on our first day. From there, we will make the drive from Rapid City to Wall and get checked into our hotel. Centrally located, our hotel makes for easy walking for dining options as well as putting us at the gateway into Badlands National Park. After an early dinner, we will head out for our first session in the park at one of the many vistas.
Day 2 – Full Day of Exploring Badlands National Park (East Side*)
Up very early this morning, we head out to catch sunrise on the east side of the park. With the sun coming up around 5AM, you can see our departure from the hotel is going to be early. This is the morning we will also take part in our doors-off helicopter flight over the park.
We will take a bit of a rest in the early afternoon allowing participants to charge batteries, download or review images – even take a nap (totally allowed!). Around 4PM we will reconvene for an early dinner before heading out for a sunset session.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Day 3 – Full Day of Exploring Badlands National Park (West Side*)
Up early again, we head out for a sunrise vista on the west side of the park this morning. After sunrise, we will continue to follow the light and our inspiration as we visit both new and previously visited locations on this side of the park depending on the weather, light, and group goals.
After lunch, we will take a bit of a rest in the early afternoon once again which is a great time for image reviews or a walk about town to take in the world famous Wall Drug store. Around 4PM we will gather for our final dinner and sunset session.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Day 4 – Morning Session & Return Home
We leave the hotel early to catch our last sunrise over the unique Badlands landscape before returning to the hotel to pack for check-out. We will have everyone back in Rapid City by noon for late afternoon/evening flights.
Included Meal: Breakfast
The workshop concludes at noon on Day 4 when we drop participants back at the airport (RAP).
*Locations and flights are weather dependent and daily itinerary may be adjusted as needed for best results and group safety.
Includes
4 Days
Guiding and personalized photography instruction from two award-winning nature and landscape photographers
Small Group Size
Maximum of 6 participants with 2 pro photographer guides means plenty of one-on-one instruction
Afternoon Image Review
Personalized feedback as it relates to your personal goals and skill level
3 Nights Hotel Lodging
Single occupancy in a private room with ensuite bathroom
All Transportation in Local Area
We will meet participants at Rapid City Airport (RAP) and drop back off at RAP.
Doors-off Helicopter Flight
Included in the cost is a scenic flight over the parklands!
All Park permits & Entrance Fees
Excludes
Flights/Transportation
From your home to Rapid City Airport (RAP), and returning home from RAP.
Meals Not Listed Above
Instructor Gratuities
Additional Lodging
Any additional nights before or after the start/end of the photo adventure
Additional Transportation
Any local transportation outside the specified tour dates,
(such as airport transfers when coming in early or departing late)
Personal Purchases
such as alcohol, laundry, ect.
Trip/Gear Insurance
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