Desert Southwest Monsoon
Photography adventure
tucson, az

August 1-3, 2025 - Seats open
August 4-6, 2025 - Seats open

This workshop is great for folks who love storms and weather, but want to be able to spend more time focusing on photographing these processes. Tornado Adventures is inherently more intense due to the presence of destructive hail and violent tornadoes. Monsoon storms are a little more relaxed in nature. They tend to move slower and are less severe. We will see some awesome storms, but it will be more focused on lightning, landscapes, haboobs, storm structure, golden light and vibrant sunsets. 

It's hard to say where exactly we will be shooting for the workshop. It will most likely be the Tucson, Arizona area (ground zero for monsoon storms) but we could end up in New Mexico or West Texas, depending on how the monsoon is shaping up. The landscapes of the Desert Southwest can change very quickly, from wide open plains to mountains and valleys in just a few miles. We will have plenty of interesting foreground opportunities.  

You will be traversing the Desert Southwest on the hunt for monsoon storms with Jason Weingart. We won't stick you with an inexperienced storm guide like some of other tours out there. The Monsoon Photography Adventure is different because it's not a tour. You're not there to ride along and take snapshots. You will be learning all the ins and outs of weather photography for yourself. You will learn about forecasting these types of storms, how to safely position yourself around them, and how to document them like a professional. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Registration covers your lodging throughout the duration of the workshop.

• Transportation to and from shooting locations.

• Tons of one-on-one instruction.

• Personal portfolio review from Jason Weingart.

• Anything else you need, just ask. If it's within reason, we will do everything we can to make it happen.

• Bonus! Jason Weingart's Landscape Photography Editing Tutorial.

PICK UP AND DROP OFF LOCATION

• Hilton Garden Inn Tucson- Airport
  6575 S Country Club Rd
  Tucson, Arizona 85756

ADVENTURE SCHEDULE

• Day One - We will meet at 8am at the Hilton Garden Inn for a meet and greet and short introduction to chasing monsoon storms. If we have to travel for storms for the next day, we will then begin the trip to get into position for the next day. If storms are in the forecast for the Tucson area, we will begin to chase the first afternoon.

• Day Two - Morning Still Photography Editing Class. Afternoon/Evening Storm Chasing

• Day Three - Morning Timelapse and Video Editing Class. Afternoon/Evening Storm Chasing

WHAT TO EXPECT

The monsoon adventure is a relatively easy workshop. These storms are very predictable and drives to shooting locations are typically less than an hour. Most days we edit in the morning for a few hours, grab a lunch, and head out as storms begin to form in mid afternoon. 

The goal each day is to be in the most photogenic location as possible as the sun sets and brilliant lightning can be easily captured with exposures of several seconds. 

This adventure is held during the climatological peak of monsoon storm season. On the off chance we have a down day, we will still do a ton of shooting. Think astrophotography , golden hour, and sunrise/sunset.  

You will leave this workshop with a thorough understanding of what it takes to track down and document monsoon storms. Jason will teach you everything you need to know, from forecasting storms, to positioning yourself around them, successfully capturing your images, and how to bring the images to life with post processing software. 

We will also touch on some other genres of photography throughout the course of the trip, including astrophotography, sunsets, and more. If there happens to be a day of inactive weather, we will still make the most of our time by shooting scenic images and improving your techniques. 

Stunning storms over dramatic landscapes. This adventure is sure to add your new favorite images to your portfolio. 

Topics covered 

• Understand Southwest monsoon storms

• Learn how to forecast where monsoon storms will form

• Learn how to chase monsoon storms

• Learn how to photograph lightning and storm structure

• Learn how to properly shoot video of a storm

• Learn how to shoot still images to create a timelapse of a storm

• Learn how to properly edit your still photographs

• Learn how to properly edit your video

Recent Guest Images

"It was an incredible adventure! The pro-photographer, Jason Weingart, not only got us to the right place at the right time while keeping us out of harms way, but was also an excellent teacher. Most days we shot late into the night. There is another world that exist in total darkness unlike anything I've seen before. 
Photographing extreme weather is exhilarating, challenging and risky. Would I do it again....absolutely!" 

-VICKIE LYON - 2016 and 2017 Monsoon Photography Adventure Participant

HERE IS A LIST OF RECOMMENDED ITEMS 

• A sturdy tripod
• A DSLR or mirrorless camera
• At least 2 batteries for your camera and a charger
• A wide angle lens of at least 24mm with an aperture of f/4.0 or less. 
• Memory cards totaling at least 64 gigabytes 
• Camera bag that can be easily carried
• Laptop with Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and LRtimelapse loaded
• Cell phone with Radarscope installed
• Card Reader and/or USB cable
• An intervalometer 
• Flashlight (recommend a Maglite or similar with high luminescence)
• Jacket
• Closed toed shoes 

GOT A QUESTION? USE THIS FORM FOR A PROMPT RESPONSE FROM JASON WEINGART.

Terms and Conditions / Cancellation Policy