White Sands & Bosque del Apache Workshop
— March 3rd to 7th, 2023 —

An exclusive five day field workshop to Southern New Mexico with Alain and Natalie Briot
Opened to 12 participants maximum

Workshops FAQ

Announcing an exciting Southern New Mexico workshop to White Sands & Bosque del Apache
Alain Briot, famous large format landscape photographer and Natalie Briot, Painter and Certified Art Teacher “team up” to offer you a unique and feature-packed workshop. Alain and Natalie, who have lived in the Southwest since 1986, are taking you to the places they know intimately, the places they have explored inside and out for many yea. You will bring back photographs you will treasure for years to come, and improve your photography skills in record time.

About Alain and Natalie Briot
I specialize in creating large format, fine art landscape photographs and I have been photographing since 1980 in Europe and since 1983 in the United States. I am also a trained instructor, with over 6 years of experience teaching photography and communication courses at the graduate and undergraduate level at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. I also have years of experience teaching photography workshops and 20 years of experience photographing the Southwest.

Natalie is a certified Art Teacher. She has been teaching since 1992, first in Houghton, Michigan, then in Chinle, in the heart of NavajoLand, starting in 1995, and currently in our workshop program. Natalie loves teaching and specializes in helping her students fulfill their vision through visual exercises. Natalie is extremely patient and attentive to her students’ needs.

We will take you to each of the locations shown in the photographs on this page so you can bring back your own photographs from these amazing places! Here are some of the locations we will be visiting:
– Bosque del Apache, the prime location for wild bird photography in the Southwestern United States
– White Sand National Monuments, one of the most amazing natural locations in the Southwest
– Three rivers petroglyphs site. One of the largest Native American Site anywhere
– Malpais National Monument. A fantastic land of shapes and natural lava rock formations

Yucca in Lava Flow, Valley of Fires

The four unique and exciting aspects of this workshop:

1 – You will be working under the guidance of not one but two instructors: Alain, professional large format photographer and Natalie, painter and Certified Art Teacher.
You will be working with two professional instructors who both have intimate knowledge of each location where we will be taking you. Having two instructors for a small group is a huge benefit. It means that you will literally get one-on-one attention. This will result in much faster skill improvements than if you were working either on your own or as part of a large group.

Natalie and I also have a widely different teaching style. I focus upon taking photographs, finding the best light and the best composition possible and then framing the scene, calculating the exposure and so on. Natalie, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed and less driven approach, focusing on helping you build visual skills one at a time and completing your Photographic Skills Enhancement Exercises in a constructive manner. As I said before (and I cannot say it enough) Natalie is very patient and very dedicated.

Working with both of us, and being exposed to our two teaching approaches, will be a pleasurable and effective experience for you. While I will focus on technical photographic aspects as well as on composition and finding the best photograph, Natalie will focus on helping you with your exercises, with answering questions and with providing additional information on a variety of topics.

2 – We will take you to some lesser known locations which we discovered after years of exploration.
We found many little known, or completely unknown locations during the many years we have lived in the Southwest, and we have made a selection of locations that do not require extensive hiking. Of course, knowing me and my work you know that I will choose locations that offer the most exciting photographic opportunities! And of course, visiting these locations is dependent on the weather and on road conditions. While we rarely have to do so, we may on occasion have to adapt our itinerary on the basis on these unpredictable variables.

Moonrise at White Sands

3 – You will be practicing Photographic Skills Enhancement Exercises daily
In my 11-part article series on Aesthetics in Photography I introduce my Photographic Skills Enhancement Exercises. This concept is based on approaching photography as an activity in which both theoretical and practical visual training is necessary. Natalie and I have implemented this approach by designing specific exercises designed to allow you to practice your photographic skills. You will be conducting these exercises during the workshop. You will also receive handouts describing these exercises, as well as a syllabus and a detailed itinerary for the entire workshop.  

Photographic instruction is an essential aspect of this workshop. We do not just take you to the places described above. We also teach you how to photograph these locations through fun field-lectures, exercises and 1 on 1 guidance and tutorial. We believe that you are coming to this workshop to both enjoy yourself and study photography in order to develop and refine these skills. We want you to return home having achieved these goals.

While my articles describe these exercises and provide you with the theory behind them, my workshops are designed to go much farther by providing an environment where you can apply the skills you learned in my articles under the guidance of Natalie and I. Natalie is very personable, very patient and very attentive to everyone needs. I know you will love working with her.

Of course, you can get as little or as much instruction and input as you want. If you prefer to focus on your own work you will have all the time needed to create your images. Just let us know and we will work with you to provide a learning environment tailored to your needs.

4 – You will enjoy a visit led by instructors intimately familiar with this area
This is a definite advantage for you and the guarantee of an enjoyable visit. I have photographed White Sands since 1986, and have made several visits to Bosque del Apache, Three Rivers and all the other locations we will be visiting during this workshop. My work is sold in stores and my photographs this area has been widely published.  

This intimate knowledge means that we will be able to provide you with a unique insight on this area and with expect guidance in regards to your photography based on our years of experience.  

5 – Do not let this unique opportunity pass you by!
As you can imagine seats in this unique workshop are going to be in high demand so to be fair with everyone reservations will be made on a first come first served basis.

Don’t delay. If this workshop is for you, if you have been thinking about building up your portfolio, becoming more serious about your photography, or simply want to visit locations which offer exciting photographic possibilities don’t hesitate: sign up now.

Blue Ponds, Bosque del Apache

6 – Your Itinerary
The itinerary for this workshop was designed with two goals in mind: convenient travel arrangements and exciting photographic opportunities. We will start a this workshop in Socorro where Natalie and I will welcome you. Here is the detailed account of your itinerary:

Friday, March 3rd, 2023
We will be meet you in Socorro, New Mexico on Friday afternoon. You will receive directions to Socorro, and our exact meeting time and place approximately two weeks before the workshop. Socorro is the town closest to Bosque del Apache. 

We will photograph in Bosque del Apache on Friday afternoon and at sunset.

We will stay in Socorro on Friday night.

Saturday, March 4th, 2023
On Saturday, we will start by photographing in Bosque del Apache at sunrise and all morning. 

After lunch we will travel from Socorro to Alamogordo. We will visit the Valley of Fires, where an out of this world landscape featuring lava flows awaits us for some unique photography. We will also visit and photograph the Three Rivers Petroglyph site. Three Rivers features several thousand petroglyphs, each more beautiful than the other, providing for hours of fascinating photography.  

Depending on our schedule and on group choice, we may photograph sunset at Three Rivers or at White Sands National Monument.

Lodging on Saturday night will be in Alamogordo.

Sunday, March 5th, 2023
On Sunday, we will explore White Sands National Monument in depth. We will also conduct print reviews, give lectures and print presentations.

Lodging on Sunday night will be in Alamogordo.

Branches on sand ripples

Monday, March 6th, 2023
We will spend the day exploring White Sands National Monument. We will conduct a print review in the afternoon and photograph sunset at White Sands. White Sands is one of the most beautiful natural locations anywhere. The white sand glistens in the sun, and takes on pink colors are sunrise and sunset, making for an out-of-this-world scenery. Yuccas and other plants provide a visual contrast found nowhere else. We will lead you to some of the best locations in this immense field of dunes.  

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023
We will rise early again to photograph sunrise in White Sands National Monument, focusing on a location we will have chosen the day before. After breakfast we will part ways to give you plenty of time to start heading back towards your home destination.

Sand Dunes Abstract

7 – Important things to keep in mind:– Bring clothing suited for a variety of temperatures, from cold mornings to warm afternoons. Also be prepared for potential rain and for active weather. To quote David Muench: “bad weather equals good photographs.”

– Food, lodging and transportation are not included. Some of you may want to camp, some stay in a hotel, some may want to eat with the group while other may prefer to be on their own. This arrangement provides for maximum flexibility while keeping the cost of this workshop to a minimum. It will gives you maximum freedom in planning your meals and give you time by yourself if you choose.

– We will email you directions to Socorro as well as a list of hotels in Socorro and Alamogordo when you register. You will then receive an email with the Friday evening meeting place and a detailed workshop schedule approximately 2 weeks before the workshop.

– We will be photographing from 2000 to 5000 feet elevation on average. Normally the only problem you can expect is a slight shortness of breath. However the higher elevation is something to keep in mind if you live at sea level or you are prone to encountering physical difficulties at higher elevations.

– A passenger car is suitable for this workshop since we will not drive on 4 wheel drive roads during the workshop. However, if you rent a car, we recommend you rent an SUV as it is more suited to this kind of activity.

-We have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, friends, significant others and non-photographers need to be registered as full-time participants to join any aspect of this workshop. This includes meetings, print reviews, lectures, meals and all other aspects of this workshop. No exceptions. For further details read our Workshop FAQ.

– We do not carry cell phones. We will use walkie-talkies to communicate with each other during the workshop, when we are on location and when we are driving. If you become separated from the group we will call you on your walkie-talkie to find out where you are (provided you are within a 2 or 3 mile range). For these reasons we ask that you bring a walkie-talkie, such as a Motorola Talkabout or equivalent, to the workshop. Please set your walkie-talkie to channel 4-5.

Morning Flight, Bosque del Apache

8 – Cost:
The cost of this once in a lifetime workshop is only $1695.

There are three ways to reserve your seat in this workshop:

1 – The simplest is to use the link to the page with the paypal button:

2 – Call us toll free at 800-949-7983 (or 928-252-2466 )
3 – Download, fill and return the emailable Workshop Registration Form 
4 – Email us at alain@beautiful-landscape.com

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. A receipt will be mailed to you the day after your registration has been processed. You can charge the registration fee in one installment or in 3 equal installments placed to your card a month apart starting when you register. Just let us know your preference when you sign up.

Registrations are on a first come, first served basis. We recommend you act now because our workshops sell out quickly.

If you have any questions before registering, click here to send us an email inquiry. We are pleased to assist you with any questions. You can also call Alain or Natalie Briot at 800-949-7983 or 928-252-2466.

9 – Instructor Availability
We will be helping you and photographing with you from sunrise to sunset with a break for breakfast and lunch during the entire duration of the workshop.

10 – Cancellation policy
All monies are non-refundable. If you cancel participation in this workshop your registration fees may be transferred towards registration in another Beaux Arts Photography workshop under certain conditions. Transfer of fees to another workshop is not automatic and is decided solely by Beaux Arts Photography as a courtesy. We reserve the right to decide whether to transfer your fees to another workshop or not. Not finding the weather agreable, forgetting your equipment, being unwilling to follow the rules and regulations established by parks and monuments are not valid reasons to receive a refund or transfer to another workshop. You must register for another workshop within one year from the starting date of the workshop you originally registered for. Participants transferring from another workshop will be registered for this other workshop in excess of the regular number of participants. We can only accept two transfers per workshop. If you decide to attend a higher priced workshop, or if the workshop fee has increased, the difference in cost between the two workshops will be charged to your credit card when you notify us that you want to sign up for this other workshop. A ten percent transfer fee will be applied at the time of transfer. In order to get a transfer credit you can only cancel one workshop, Summit or seminar per calendar year. Your registration is guaranteed only when we have payment in full. We reserve the right to change this policy at any time. Workshop fees can only be transferred to another workshop and cannot be used towards purchase of a product such as mats, portfolio cases, CD or DVD tutorials, prints, portfolios, or other. Workshop fees cannot be transferred towards purchase of the Mastery Workshop DVDs. We cannot transfer consulting fees towards workshop registration. If this workshop is cancelled by us you will receive a full refund. If this workshop is postponed you can be transferred to the rescheduled workshop or you can receive a credit applicable to a workshop of the same group size. Participants transfered from a previous workshop do not qualify for a refund in case of cancellation but can transfer again to another workshop. By registering for this workshop you agree to this policy.

Covid-19 update to our workshop cancellation policy
The Corona Virus epidemic is affecting everyone’s life. In regards to photography workshops it is causing temporary closures in National Parks, Tribal Parks, State Parks and other natural areas making them inaccessible to photography and to workshop activities. It is also causing hotels, restaurants and city closures making them equally inaccessible to workshop activities. Workshop participants are also unable to travel because of airline flight cancellations and shutdowns, city or state travel bans and other restrictions of various nature. 

For these reasons we may be unable to offer this workshop at the dates it was originally scheduled. If this is the case the workshop will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date when the restrictions listed above have been lifted or adjusted in such a way as to make travel, photography and workshop activities possible. If the workshop is postponed your registration will be transferred to the same workshop next year or to another one of our workshops offered at a later date. Because this postponement is not due to events under our control, and because we are not cancelling this workshop, we cannot offer a refund. Our regular transfer policy (above) continues to apply to the other aspects of workshop transfers.

11 – Covid 19 Workshop Protection policy
In order to protect participants and instructors from the Corona Virus we will follow Parks and US Government Covid 19 protection policies. Instructors and participants will be wearing masks during workshop activities. All workshop activities will be conducted outdoors. Participants are asked to bring their own camping chair to use during workshop class meetings as well as their own walkie-talkies. We used to loan both chairs and walkie-talkies however it is safer for everyone to use their own during the workshop to prevent possible contamination. We will also follow safe social distancing during the workshop with participants and instructors staying six feet apart. We used to eat meals as a group however for this workshop meals will be taken individually. The use of hand sanitizer is recommended. Additional protective measures will be discussed during workshop orientation.

Petroglyph Face & Mountains

12 – Liability Limitation
Beaux Arts Photography, Beautiful-Landscape.com, Alain Briot, Natalie Briot, guides, and cooperating agents aim to provide every participant a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience. We act solely as agents for you regarding accommodations, special activities, and travel, by any means, and assume no liability for any act, error, omission, injury, loss, delay, mishap, or damage to persons or property arising from any cause during the course of the workshop or in transit thereto. We can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in the services to be provided. We reserve the right to change our arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the workshop due to exceptional circumstances. In the event that we deem it necessary to cancel the workshop we will provide a full refund which the participant(s) acknowledges as full and final settlement. In the event of a workshop cancellation airline tickets, car rentals and hotel reservations associated with participation in this workshop will not be refunded. We recommend you purchase refundable airline tickets and make refundable car and hotel reservations. We also recommend you carry travel and camera equipment insurance.

As there is always an element of risk in any adventure associated with the outdoors, participants must read this form carefully. This liability release will certify that the participant is physically fit and capable of participating in outdoor photography exercises in field locations, and is fully and completely aware of any associated risks created by field locations and weather.

Meeting times, meeting places and itinerary are subject to changes dictated by the weather, the road conditions and other imponderable variables that are part of doing landscape photography. We do not carry cell phones. You are responsible for being at the meeting place at the designated time and have your photographic equipment with you.

By joining this workshop I acknowledge that I have read the above policies concerning Cancellations and Liabilities and release Beaux Arts Photography, Alain Briot, Natalie Briot, their guides, instructors and any cooperating agent from any liability. Beaux Arts Photography, Alain Briot, and Natalie Briot will assume no liability for injury, illness, or loss of personal property or expenses thereof associated with workshop participation. I also acknowledge that Alain and Natalie Briot have the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime and that workshop policies are subject to change at any time.

White Sands Sunrise, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Photographs and text Copyright © Alain Briot 2022
All rights reserved worldwide