About Death Valley Photo Tours

Death Valley Photo Tours is owned and operated by acclaimed landscape photographer and lifelong Death Valley photographer/explorer/naturalist Michael E. Gordon. We lead the world's only private Death Valley photography tours/workshops and guided hiking tours October through April of each year (Death Valley's world-famous heat prevents us from operating comfortably and safely year-round). Michael is a southern California native and resident who has been exploring, hiking, studying, photographing and loving the Death Valley territory for more than thirty-five years. His passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge of this fascinating and magical landscape will inspire your Death Valley experience and photography. 

Michael is intimately familiar with the land, its moods, its light, and its natural and human history. He is your personal guide and on-site naturalist/historian. You show up - we take care of the rest! 

We always get you to the right place at the right time. Michael’s intimate familiarity with Death Valley and its photographic and hiking opportunities means that he knows when current weather and seasonal conditions and closures may present more desirable opportunities elsewhere. His knowledge and expertise ensures that you return home with wonderful images and memories. Michael guides you through the very same visually-rich Death Valley environments where he has enjoyed repeated photographic success through the years.  

We are fully insured, First Aid/CPR trained and certified, and carry a satellite phone at all times for your safety. We operate legally under Commercial Use Authorization from the U.S. National Park Service and practice all CDC-recommended and COVID-safe strategies. A highly experienced backcountry traveler and expert off-road driver, Michael will share with you the incredible beauty and wonder of Death Valley National Park. Don't waste your time or money -- tour and photograph Death Valley with the best. Click here to learn more about Michael or have a look at our current Tour and Workshop offerings.

Broadcast in Japan in April 2015, Michael is one of four Death Valley experts featured in the NHK Great Nature (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) "Death Valley" feature-length documentary film. Stay tuned to the NHK World website for U.S. show dates.