Mesa Arch, Arch National Park, Moab, Utah Turet Arch, Arch National Park, Moab, Utah St-Cirq-Lapopie, France
Grand Canyon Yavapai Point Arches NP Milky Way, Moab UT Padre Bay, Lake Powell, Arizona
False Kiva, Canyonlands NP
Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona
 
Delicate Arch Milky Way
 
Stud Horse, Page
 
Cathedral Rock, Sedona
 
Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona
 
Canyonlands Milky Way
 
Courthouse Towers, Arches NP
 
Sea of Cortez, Mexico Milky Way
 
Grand Canyon Sunrise

 

 

Welcome to FirstLight Photo Tours - Customized Private Photography Workshop

We offer private landscape and night photography workshops to many iconic and exceptional locations in Arizona, Utah, Southwest United States, Europe, and Mexico.  Our photography workshops are designed for  individuals or small groups of friends or family, who want to learn the art of photography and the secrets of post processing. We can work with all photography skill levels and will tailor the workshop around the clients' needs and interests.
We have a two day minimum for all workshops, and a typical workshop will consist of an orientation meeting covering camera basics and settings, two morning/sunrise and two evening/sunset field instructions and photo shoots, digital workflow instructions and post processing sessions following morning photo shoots.

See more pictures, please visit petershinyeda.com

Testimonials:

I first met Pete during a Milky Way workshop in Arches National Park. I was immediately impressed by his skill as a teacher. This was true both in the field and in our Photoshop processing sessions. He loves to teach, and easily adjusts his teaching to the skill level of the student. Based on that first encounter I talked with Pete about other workshops. I wanted experience shooting birds. Pete talked about his vacation home on the Sea of Cortez. What an incredible time we had. Pete picked me up at the Phoenix airport. We drove to his gorgeous house on the coast in a secure community. We shot osprey twice daily, worked on processing the images, and shot the Milky Way on the beach each night. We ate like kings, with food Pete brought and prepared. He would not let me wash a dish. I felt like I was in a world class bed and breakfast hotel. Pete is an easy companion, and we had great conversations about anything and everything. He is generous with his time and attention. He is a great planner and organizer and has boundless energy. He loves to shoot, and he gets excited when you get that great image. I brought home numerous “keepers.” I have been on many workshops over the years, and this was the best one yet. And I came away with a new friend. Bob Hawkins, OH

Peter is highly knowledgeable and a great teacher. I contacted Peter on short notice to learn to capture the northern lights on an incoming trip. I had no experience shooting at night and he was able to teach me the theory and provide me with actual practice on site. He also recommended a lens and explained how to use it. I was able to capture the northern lights and I highly recommend him. He truly cares about explaining and is refreshing to see someone who cares that much and is able to provide such knowledge and ideas. Gwen Lopez, AZ

Peter has a unique way of organizing his workshops.  If you put together a group, he will tailor the workshop as to duration, locale and the type of photography that the attendees want.  I was the one who organized the group and we wanted Southwest landscape photography, both day and night in whatever locale Peter felt was the most “target rich”.  He chose Moab, Utah and Arches National Park and that was fine with us.
Peter has deep technical and aesthetic knowledge of photography but the real stand out feature of the workshop is the terrific effort he put into leading it.  We were shooting sunrise, sunset and night.  We had critiques during the day.  The full, sleep deprived, agenda was optional for us but Peter was ready to go, 20 hours a day. 
He also cared powerfully that each attendee would get whatever help was needed and we all went home with wonderful images.  This stood out most vividly at Mesa Arch.  The classic shot is through the arch just as the sun clears the far mountains.  We got there about an hour before sunrise so we could set our tripods.  There were plenty of other photographers but we were able to coexist.  As the moment approached, Peter was practically leaping from person to person making sure we had all the adjustments right.  We did.

For me, I found not only a great teacher but a great friend.  I’m really looking forward to the next workshop I can organize with Peter - Bob Cook, TX

My first investment in a photography workshop was Peter Shinyeda's "Moab, Night Photography Workshop" held September 26-28, 2016. I have one word to describe the experience -- Outstanding!
Peter expertly addressed questions from his hardy troop of students, whose skills (depending on whether we were discussing cameras, lenses, lighting, hardware or software) ranged from introductory to advanced. His energy seemed boundless, and his knowledge of the locations he chose for us to shoot invaluable. We experienced everything from nearly solitary exposures of the Milky Way to being in the "front line" of a massive number of people trying to capture the "iconic" Mesa-Arch-at-sunrise photo everyone wants. Peter has been selfless with his time as well as his expertise, which is substantial. He's provided advice prior to the workshop and post-workshop has encouraged us to email him any additional questions we may have -- this is something I've done more than once, and his responses are prompt and always helpful.
In short, I highly recommend Peter's workshops -- the experience was invaluable - Pam Showater, TX

We have just completed three day private Moab Night Photography Workshop with PeterShinyeda of First Light Photo Tours and we are more than satisfied, we are awe-struck!  Great planning, organization, fantastic locations, great field and post processing instructions, his willingness to go above and beyond makes his workshop the choice for us.  His knowledge and experience is given but more importantly, he know how to teach it to you. We whole-heartedly recommend that First Light Photo Tours and Peter Shinyeda for anyone who want to expand their photographic skills.- David and Eliane Wilson, TX

I recently completed a 3 day one-on-one shoot with Peter and it was truly remarkable. This was my first time meeting and shooting with Peter. He is a gracious host. I have been on several photo workshops both solo and group but without a doubt this has been my best experience to date. Despite the extremely poor weather in the Grand Canyon we made the best of it. He is knowledgeable and an excellent instructor. He always made sure I was in the best spot and I got my shots. This certainly has not been my experience with other sessions I have attended. We had a chance to work extensively with post processing and I left with several new tools under my belt. He answered all my questions and I truly felt he wanted me to learn. I am a better photographer because of this experience. I cannot recommend Peter highly enough. – Dennis Cassidy, FL

I went on a three day photography lesson in Page, Arizona, near Lake Powell. Three of us where instructed by Peter Shinyeda of First Light Photo Tours. Learned a lot, especially on Bracketing(BKT), which is taking a picture at different exposures then combining them in post into one picture(HDR). Had a blast and would recommend Peter and First Light Photo Tours to anyone who loves, or just wants to take a photography lesson....Andrew Silvey, CO (see Andrew Silvey workshop pictures by visiting: http://www.andrewsilvey.com/page-photoshoot.html)

My wife Jean and I have been on numerous photo tours/workshops over the years. We feel our priavte tour with Peter Shinyeda at the Lake Powell/Page area was one of the best we’ve ever been on. Peter is an outstanding photographer with a keen eye on what are the key aspects that turn an ordinary photograph into outstanding one. His attentiveness to his clients combined with his desire to insure his clients’ get the photos they are after are unparalleled. At the end of our tour we were very pleased with our photos and the overall experience. Additionally, we feel we made a new friend.....Bob Birdsall, Birdsall Nature Photography (see our Newsletter for this trip by visiting: http://www.birdsphoto.com/Northern_Arizona.htm)

It was such a pleasure to have you as our guide/instructor/mentor! I cannot even put into words how much I learned during our few days together. Now it’s time to practice, practice and practice to ingrain those steps into my brain. Thank you for the great locations and all the special treatment we received! ...Eleanor Gray, CA

What can I say about spending 5 days in the beautiful American southwest?  It truly was wonderful and unforgettable.  From amazing Lake Powell to the Glen Canyon Dam to all the great locations around Page (Lower Antelope Canyon, the "toadstools",  Horseshoe Bend, Little Cut and more) it really was one great place after another.  Thanks so much for your patience and willingness to share your vast knowledge of photography, the landscape and, especially, post-processing.  I've had other trip leaders who wouldn't divulge so-called "proprietary" post-processing techniques.  You were quite willing to share everything you thought I could absorb and use.  My only complaint is that it didn't last longer.  Which means, I'll be back for more trips.  Thanks again for all your encouragement and advice.  It's much appreciated! ....Audrey  Schlote, RI

I just returned home from a location shoot in Page Arizona.  This was my second location shoot with Peter, and we were both pleased with the progress I am making.  Working with Peter is like being an apprentice at the hands of a master craftsman.  Peter’s passion coupled with his technical knowledge and mentoring skills, has made both shoots truly amazing life experiences.  Thanks again for all your help...Greg Waldron, UT

Your Sedona workshop was my first and you set the bar pretty high.  There is something to be said for knowing the “right" amount of instruction while still offering the student the freedom for her/his own creativity.  I learned a lot both in the field and about getting the most from my gear.  Thank you again and we hope to see you for another workshop soon!...Laurel Strohmeyer, AZ

I am still on my workshop 'high'....I cannot thank you enough giving me such a wonderful workshop and going way above and beyond ....Helen Cole, OR

"Peter is an exceptional photographer with keen instincts on location shooting. He is extremely organized and detailed professional. It was a pleasure shooting with him in Sedona Arizona in our last workshop and he not only supplied excellent location ideas but sage advise on workflow and always looking for the best light for his photographic compositions, Peter never shies away from an adventure into the wild." ...Ken Latman.

As a novice in digital photography, I recently attended the Sedona workshop. It was a great learning experience due to the technical expertise of Peter and his dedication to providing the most information possible to those attending. You will not be disappointed!....Don Tynan, NV

Workshops:

Each workshop is personalized and custom-tailored for the individual client.   Example of our workshops are listed below but are not limited to these locations.  Please contact us for any special need you might have so that we can personalized a unique workshop that will meet your need.

How does it work? Email us (pete@petershinyeda.com) or call 1-480 620 1672 with your dates of interest, destination, and your objectives for the workshop.  We will coordinate scheduling and will confirm by email.  A deposit of $200.00 per person will reserve your reservation.

How much does it cost? Workshop fees* are based on the number of workshop participants and do not include lodging, meals, or transportation to workshop locations. Please keep in mind we have two day minimum for all workshops.

Participants                              Price/Participant                     
One                                               $900/day
Two                                               $600/day
Three                                            $500/day
Four or more                               $400/day 

  * Lake Powell and Sea of Cortez Workshops include lodging and meals.  Please refer to the individual workshop page for pricing and additional  details on these workshops.