Private Photo Tours & Workshops at the Grand Canyon

If you are a photographer looking to have a great experience photographing the Grand Canyon and to get the most out of your limited time in the park, shoot with a local professional photographer that is knowledgeable and passionate about the Grand Canyon.

Adam has been photographing the Grand Canyon since 2008, and in 2009 he was an Artist-in-Residence for the park. He spends 80+ days a year exploring the canyon, hiking the trails, and rafting the mighty Colorado River in search of new vantage points and learning its secrets.

Adam will evaluate the light and weather and combine that with his extensive knowledge and experience to plan out your photography day to ensure that you get to photograph from the best spots possible.


Private Workshops Designed for You

This workshop experience is open to photographers of any level, from beginners using their smartphones to those with years of experience using professional camera gear. These workshops are private experiences for individuals or small groups, custom-tailored to your experience and skill level.

We understand that every photographer is unique, and that's why we offer personalized photography workshops & tours. They are designed to meet your specific photography goals. Whatever your needs, we're here to help you achieve your goals and exceed your expectations.


Your Instructor

Photo tours at the Grand Canyon with Adam Schallau.

Adam Schallau is an internationally-recognized and award-winning professional photographer. His work has been used by Apple, the National Audubon Society, the National Park Service, Patagonia, and many others. He has had covers on many books & magazines, including National Geographic Traveler. In 2017 he was recognized as the 'Photographer of the Year' by the International Regional Magazine Association. In May of 2023, he will be a keynote speaker at the NANPA Nature Photography Summit in Tucson, Arizona.

Adam Schallau Photography holds a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) issued by Grand Canyon National Park, which permits Adam to conduct photography tours and workshops in the park. Adam began leading workshops and tours at the Grand Canyon in 2010, and since then, he has worked with hundreds of photographers, guiding them to great shots (read what they have to say), and he looks forward to being your photography guide and instructor.


During the Workshop

Adam will guide you to his favorite locations along the rim of the canyon, including secret spots that aren't visited by other tours. You will get to work alongside Adam and see what he sees through his viewfinder as he shares his approach to making the types of photographs that end up on the covers of magazines and books.

During the workshop, Adam will demonstrate creating images with strong foregrounds, working with leading lines, and layering elements within the landscape. You will also learn how to work with challenging lighting conditions, evaluate the camera's histogram, and make the best exposure possible. Ultimately, you can take what you learn from Adam and apply it to any location or subject.

Photo tours at the Grand Canyon making panoramic images.

Option 1 - Half-Day Sunset

The Half-Day private photography workshop & tour is a great way to maximize your limited time at the Grand Canyon. The workshop begins 4 hours before sunset and continues through the golden hour to sunset and into the blue hour. You’ll be able to see how Adam composes for both the grand vistas and intimate scenes.

 This is a great way to learn to control your camera and improve your skills while receiving personalized instruction.



  • Price: $475 for one photographer or $750 for two photographers.
  • Deposit: $150 to reserve your date. The remaining balance is due 90 days before.
  • Activity Level: Low to moderate with short walks of up to 10 minutes one way.

    Option 2 - Sunset & Sunrise

    This photography workshop & tour combines the Half-Day Sunset Photo Tour with a sunrise session the following morning, plus the opportunity to photograph the night sky over the Grand Canyon. This tour requires that you stay inside the national park or in the town of Tusayan, located 1 mile from the entrance.

    • Price: $825 for one photographer or $1250 for two photographers.
    • Deposit: $300 to reserve your dates. The remaining balance is due 90 days before.
    • Activity Level: Low to moderate with short walks of up to 10 minutes one way.

    Option 3 - North Rim

    The North Rim private photo workshop & tour is a 3-day, 2-night experience on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It includes two sunrise sessions, two sunset sessions, and night sky photography. We may even have the opportunity to photograph bison in the park’s meadows. This tour requires that you stay inside the North Rim of the national park or at Kaibab Lodge, located 5 miles from the entrance.

    • Price: $1900 for one photographer or $2800 for two photographers
    • Deposit: $900 to reserve your dates. The remaining balance is due 90 days before.
    • Activity Level: Low to moderate with short walks of up to 20 minutes one way.

    Option 4 - Multi-Day

    Adam is available for private photo workshops and tours on both the South Rim and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. A multi-day trip with overnight stays on both the South Rim and the North Rim makes for an incredible photography experience. It allows you to develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of the landscape of the Grand Canyon. Contact us for more information.

    Photograph sunset photo tour at the Grand Canyon.

    Photography Locations

    The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has nearly 30 named viewpoints or overlooks to photograph from. In addition to the designated viewpoints, there are many unnamed overlooks to photograph from. The challenge is knowing the best places for the given light and weather conditions. For these reasons, Adam will wait to select locations until the day of your photo workshop & tour so that we can adapt to changes in light and weather to put you in the best spots possible.


    Special Requests

    We love accommodating any special requests you may have, ensuring that you get what you need to achieve your goals.

    Photograph the Milky Way photo tour at the Grand Canyon.

    Night Sky Photography

    Photographing the Grand Canyon under a night sky can be a real treat. Depending on the moon phase, we may photograph the stars above the canyon or the canyon under the moonlight. A night sky session can be added to any of my private photo tour & workshop options for an additional fee.

    Grand Canyon photo tours with Adam Schallau.

    What's Included?

    In addition to photography instruction and guiding you to the best locations based on the weather and light, Adam provides historical and geological information about the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and the American Southwest so that you may develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the landscape.

    We provide lots of snacks and cold drinks during the workshop. Let us know if you have any special snack or drink requests, and we'll do our best to make sure that our fridge is stocked to meet your needs.


      What's Not Included?

      Lodging, meals, transportation, and entrance fees into Grand Canyon National Park are not provided. Hiking below the canyon rim is not included as part of my photography tours.

      Grand Canyon guided photo tour with Adam Schallau.

      Friends and Family

      Let us know if you're traveling with family or friends. Adam will create an experience that is just as fun and informative for them too! A friend or family member is welcome to tag along with each paid participant.

      Image of a rainbow at the Grand Canyon with a view of Mount Hayden from the North Rim.

      Scheduling Your Photo Workshop & Tour

      If you're interested in a private photo workshop & tour, send us a message to confirm Adam's availability for your requested date(s). Once your dates are confirmed, they can be saved with a deposit.


      Payment methods accepted on this website.