Photographers have flocked to Sedona for decades to capture the beauty of the red rocks. And come this August, photographers of all stripes can hone their craft, learn new techniques from the pros and photograph Sedona’s stunning landscapes as part of the first Sedona Photography Symposium, presented through the Sedona Camera Club. Sarah Dolliver, who founded the symposium, attended the Moab Photography Symposium in Moab, Utah. After that ceased operations in 2018, Dolliver thought Sedona would be the ideal place for a similar gathering and established Sedona’s own symposium as an offshoot of Moab’s. “There’s no other place like Sedona,” says Sarah. And we couldn’t agree more.
From Aug. 22 to 25 at the Sedona Creative Life Center, symposium attendees can look forward to main presentations, breakout sessions in classrooms and afternoon-field workshops. This year’s theme is “Mastering Visual Artistry.” Those who enroll in the workshops must register in advance and can look forward to heading out into the field with a pro to shoot some of Sedona’s most gorgeous sites. Held from 3:30 to 8 p.m., these workshops allow photographers to capture sunset during the “golden hour,” when the natural light is ideal for snapping that perfect shot. Sarah confirmed that one group is slated to head out to Crescent Moon Ranch − where they can find top views of Cathedral Rock (pictured above). One highlight? Presenter and one of Canon’s Explorers of Light, Rick Sammon. Dubbed by some as “The Godfather of Photography,” Rick has traveled to more than 100 countries to shoot landscapes, wildlife and culture. Photographers of all skill levels are invited to attend. Just bring your camera and get ready for learning and camaraderie.
“There is something about a group of photographers getting together. There is just a kinship,” says Sarah. “It’s the experience of being with other people who are passionate about what you’re passionate about. It’s instant friends.” Plans are in the works for a 2020 Sedona Photography Symposium. For more information, visit sedonaphotosym.com.
