The Northern Lights, or Aurora borealis, is one of the most magical and awe-inspiring subjects of the night sky. The excitement of photographing the flickering curtains of lights dancing across the sky cannot be compared to any other type of shoot, day or night. The vivid colors of greens, yellows, blues, purples, and reds moving through the sky are seen in the far northern latitudes, and during this workshop, we will be in the interior of Alaska, the location of choice for shooting Aurora because of the high percentage of clear days through the year.

Beth Ruggiero-York, instructor and author of Fun in the Dark: A Guide to Successful Night Photography, has visited Alaska many times and will give participants practical, hands-on assistance in the best techniques for photographing the Northern Lights. Participants will also learn essential techniques for night shooting and composing.

Beginning in Fairbanks we will get our bearings for shooting the Aurora in sub-zero temperatures and learn the best techniques for capturing this magical display of lights in her opening presentation. After getting acclimated, the group will travel to Chena Hot Springs resort for three days of fun in the snow and capturing the Northern Lights at one of the best locations in the world. The resort has several winter activities available to fill any free time you have when you are not catching up on sleep after being up very late or into the early morning to shoot the Aurora. One night we will take snow coaches to the top of a mountain to take in the Aurora.

After three days and nights at Chena Hot Springs we will return to Fairbanks to photograph the Northern Lights above the Alaskan pipeline.

Check off this bucket list trip and take home amazing images of the Aurora Borealis!

Workshop Includes:

-Six nights lodging based on single occupancy*

-Roundtrip transportation from Fairbanks

-Water, snacks and a group dinner

-Entrance fees and tours

-Photographic instruction

-Pre-workshop webinar

-Post-workshop critique

*Companions traveling together who wish to have double occupancy, a discount will be provided.

This is an Arizona Highways PhotoScapes workshop 

Price: $4,195

Click here for more information and registration

Looking for the ultimate Hawaii photo adventure? Look no further! This 7-day, 6-night Big Island workshop is a photo-filled wonderland of landscapes, waterscapes, and nightscapes. But it doesn’t stop there. We will also take a special helicopter tour to photograph lava flows, a whale watching tour to photograph the humpbacks migrating, and a photoshoot with world-renowned lava photographer Mr. Bruce Omori at one of the active island craters. On this incredible journey, we will travel the island photographing island birds and magnificent beaches where you will learn long exposure photography for creative beach/water/surf/wave images, green turtles coming to the beach, waterfalls using both short and long exposures, botanical treasures of Hawaii with and without flash, amazing sunrises and sunsets, and, of course, fantastic night photography. During this epic Hawaiian adventure, we will stay three nights on the Hilo side of the island before transferring to the Kona side for three more nights. So if you are looking for the epic Hawaiian experience, this is for you.

Workshop Includes:

-Photographic instruction

-Transportation from Hilo to Kona

-6 Nights Single Occupancy Lodging*

-Water, snacks, and a farewell dinner

-All applicable entrance, park, permit, and tour fees

-Pre-workshop webinar -Post-workshop critique

**A deduction for double occupancy is available for companions traveling together.

This is an Arizona Highways PhotoScapes workshop

Price: $5,695

Click here for more information and registration

A travel photography retreat with Beth and Ron York

Capture 'essence of place' in the Dordogne region of southern France while we  stay in Marouatte Castle and explore the charming medieval towns, castles, gardens, and surrounding countryside. Our castle home during this week-long workshop is set on 270 beautiful acres that offer endless photo opportunities.

Our week will comprise day trips to the surrounding towns, castles, monasteries, caves, markets and countryside,  photographing around the castle and its grounds, including night photography of the castle, instruction, and fabulous meals at the castle and in the towns we visit.

You will fly into Paris and take the bullet train to the local train station, where you will be met by castle staff.

Workshop dates:  October 23-30, 2023

Pricing: $3,900 per photographer / $1,500/person deposit upon signing up / balance due July 22, 2023

A non-photographer partner sharing your room: $3,400 (meals included but not local transportation; local car rentals are available).

Payment is by personal check mailed to: 

Ruggiero Images LLC, 15948 E. Jericho Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Credit card payments are accepted through PayPal (to ruggieroimages@gmail.com). Please note that a fee of 2.9% will be added for credit card payments in the US. For payments originating outside the US, a fee of 4.4% will be added.

For more information and to sign up, email Beth at ruggieroimages@gmail.com or call Beth at (508) 241-4412  or Ron at (602) 810-8110

Itinerary and more details