New Mexico Private Photo Tours in White Sands
Unique White Gypsum Sand Dune Landscapes at White Sands
Located in southern New Mexico and in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, White Sands became New Mexico’s newest National Park in 2019.
Known for its dramatic landscapes of unique white gypsum sand dunes, the photographic possibilities are endless here. Capture solitary yucca plants surrounded by wind swept white sand for rich texture and patterns, frame your landscape featuring endless mounds of dunes with mountain backdrops, or capture magical sunrise and sunset shots (requires a special permit which we can get with advance notice).
While a popular location, you can get unobstructed views a short distance away from many spots along the road.
WHEN: November – May (2-Day Minimum Required for this tour)
✓ Exclusive to your group. We do not mix clients from different parties on private tours.
✓ Not all people in your party have to be photographers. We regularly take non-photographer companions and family members.
✓ Start and end times vary depending on time of year and are determined upon booking.
✓ Sorry, no half-day tours available.
How do I start? The hardest part is just checking our availability. Start here! (Inquire now)
Once you’ve verified available dates, we get to work to make your tour the best it can be by preparing an itinerary and get your approval on the plan. Upon approval, a 50% deposit of the trip cost is due to secure the date(s) and we begin making the reservations. The final balance is due 90 days prior to tour start date.
The Active Photo Tour Advantage
Full service tour with a team, not just a guide. Michael and Lauri have worked together for 30 years. We combine our logistics experience with commercial photo productions as well as for our many self-supported wilderness trips, to create a one of a kind photo tour for you and will suggest itineraries that maximize the photo experience – all with your approval – based on your ideas and preferences. We arrange accommodations and provide all ground transportation, as well as book photo-driven excursions during the tour.
Michael is a natural lighting master, a former meteorologist and patient teacher who knows how and where to find the best light. Known for being a patient teacher, sharing weather and light expertise, and having extensive knowledge and experience in wilderness travel, Michael can help you capture the best of New Mexico’s White Sand Dunes. We work with all skill levels and outdoor photography interests from seasoned shooters to beginners.
Sharing over 15 years of New Mexico professional knowledge and expertise with you.
DAILY GUIDE FEE: $800/day 1-2 people; $900/day 3-4 people
INCLUDED IN DAILY GUIDE FEE:
✓ Michael & Lauri as your guides and drivers
✓ Personalized photography instruction
✓ Ground transportation from and return to Albuquerque
✓ Pre-tour logistics including developing the itinerary and making reservations for lodging, additional transportation and other guided excursions (if applicable)
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES (NOT INCLUDED IN DAILY GUIDE FEE):
✓ Your Meals (pay as you go)
✓ Lodging for your group **
✓ Fuel **
✓ Rental vehicle for more than 2 participants **
✓ Entrance and locations fees **
✓ Third-party guide and off highway transportation fees **
** These expenses will be reflected in the total estimate of the tour.
POLICIES:
PAYMENT TERMS: First payment is 50% of total tour quote and is due at the time of booking to secure your requested dates and reservations. The first payment includes a non-refundable deposit that equates to one day’s worth of our daily rate. This deposit is non-refundable for any reason and is applied to the total balance of the tour. Final payments are due 90 days prior to private tour start date.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations made prior to 90 days of tour's start date will receive a refund of all amounts paid to date except for the non-refundable deposit.
Refunds for cancellations made within 90 days of the tour's start date are not guaranteed. If we can fill the space with another booking, we will refund the amount paid to date minus the initial non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable payments made to secure additional venues (such as lodging facilities).
Cancellations made within 90 days of the tour's start date where we cannot fill the space will forfeit 100% of the payments.
In the event you are unable to make your initial date, we will work with you to reschedule without forfeiture of your non-refundable deposit and as much of the deposits made to secure the additional venues although we understand rescheduling is not always possible due to both parties schedules.
Active Photo Tours and DeYoung Photo Workshops, LLC are not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets or lodging arrangements you made in the event of you or anyone in your group had to cancel. You may want to invest in trip insurance to cover these circumstances. We highly suggest TravelGuard® or similar travel insurance policies to assist you in case of last minute plan changes and emergencies.
HOW TO BOOK
✓ Tell us your interests and dates on the BOOKING REQUEST FORM located at the bottom of this page. (Navigate to form now)
✓ We verify our availability. If we’re not available, we’ll provide alternative dates to see if they work with your schedule.
✓ With the information you provide on the booking request form and a separate questionnaire we send you, we will propose an itinerary of subjects and locations based on your preferences.
✓ Upon your approval of the itinerary, 50% of the tour quote is due so we can start reserving lodging, third-party vendors, and other expenses related to your trip. Final payment is due 90 days prior to tour start date.