New Mexico Private Photography Tours in White Sands

Unique White Gypsum Sand Dune Landscapes
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.
Isolated yucca plant with mountain views
Yucca against the alpenglow New Mexico sky
Yucca amid wind blown sand patterns
Yucca surrounded by wind blown sand patterns at sunset
Variety of plants grow in the dunes
Expansive view of the White Sands landscape
HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Exclusive to you or your small group with more individual attention
✓ Tailored to your photo preferences, fitness level and appetite for adventure
✓ Expert logistics, location knowledge, technical and creative guidance
✓ Led by photography guides based in Taos and with over 15 years experience photographing Taos and Northern New Mexico
HOW TO BOOK
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
✓ 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 are available, we’ll send you a link where you make your non-refundable $250 reservation deposit. (Deposit is applied to the final cost of the trip.) 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, we ask for 50% (less the $250 deposit) of the estimate so we can start reserving lodging, third-party vendors, and other expenses related to your trip.
DAILY RATE: $700/day 1-4 people
INCLUDED IN DAILY RATE
✓ Michael & Lauri as your guides and drivers.
✓ Ground transportation from and return to Taos. (Rental vehicle fees may apply for more than 2 participants.)
✓ Pre-tour logistics including developing the itinerary and making reservations for lodging, additional transportation (such as air-taxi, boat, or helicopter rides), and other guided excursions.
✓ Michael & Lauri’s meals.
NOT INCLUDED
✓ Your Meals
✓ Lodging for your group
✓ Fuel
✓ Rental vehicle for more than 2 participants
✓ Entrance and locations fees
✓ Third-party guide and off highway transportation fees
✓ Tips & gratuities
NOTES
✓ 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.
✓ A detailed recommended camera equipment and suggested clothing list and custom itinerary will be sent to registered participants via email shortly after booking.
POLICIES
PAYMENT TERMS: A $250 non-refundable deposit (applied towards the total trip cost) is due upon confirmation of trip dates to begin the itinerary planning process. Upon itinerary approval, a deposit of 50% of the quoted trip costs is due to secure your trip dates and other reservations. Final payments are due 60 day prior to private tour start date.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations made prior to 60 days of tour's start date will receive a refund of all amounts paid to date except for the initial $250 non-refundable deposit and possibly some non-refundable deposits made to secure additional venues (such as lodging facilities or charter companies). Most venues have a refundable 60 day or more cancellation policy.
Cancellations made within 60 days of the tour's start date will receive a refund of all amounts paid to date minus the initial $250 non-refundable deposit, 25% of the quoted guide fee, and any non-refundable deposits made to secure additional venues (such as lodging facilities or charter companies).
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 although we understand rescheduling is not always possible due to both parties schedules. Please note that 5% of the non-refundable deposit will not be applied towards a future booking to cover administrative costs.
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.