Badlands of South Dakota

12- 15 Sep 2025

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

During this Badlands of South Dakota Photo Workshop we will explore Badlands National Park and locations in the vicinity of the park. The workshop begins with an orientation session at the Best Western in Wall on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM and ends on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Sunset.  On most days, we will be in the field at before dawn to photograph sunrise and take advantage of the early morning light. Likewise, we will end each day’s activities at sunset when the sun is low in the sky, colors are warm, and the light accentuates the relief and texture of the land.  During the beginning and end of the day, the light is soft light and complementary, without the harsh light of mid-day.  At these times, animals are more active and easily located.  Mid-days will be reserved for rest, reflection, image editing/review, or travel between locations. Photo opportunities include both the unique scenery of the Badlands and local wildlife. 

Maximum number of participants, 6.  The low student to instructor ratio maximizes flexibility and provides each person with individual attention.  Photographers of all levels are welcome.

Geology & Wildlife 

Once the site of an ancient sea, the South Dakota Badlands have been transformed over thousands of years into the land you see today. Layers of sediment and ash were eroded away leaving behind multi-colored rocks and boulders balanced on pedestals of stone. Eroded canyons and isolated buttes stand as testament to the power of the wind and rain. At first glance, the land seems sterile, yet close examination reveals a variety of creatures. Agile bighorn scale steep canyon walls and the males fight for dominance of herds. Pronghorn and buffalo graze on prairie grasses while hawks circle overhead.  In prairie dog towns, occupants groom, nibble on grasses, and jump, yipping alarm calls suggesting there is an intruder in the colony — perhaps a badger or coyote in search of a meal.  Providing easy access to unusual geologic formations, trails, and favorite wildlife haunts, a loop road meanders through the northern portion of the park.  South of Sage Creek is Sheep Mountain Table.  At its base are unique formations where rocks are balanced on limestone pedestals.  A dirt road leads to a high, flat plateau which is isolated from the surrounding terrain by deeply cut canyons. Once on top, the views are spectacular and dirt roads lead to a variety of vantage points. 

Orientation Program & Planning

During the orientation session, participants will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and express their goals for attending the workshop.  Using a PowerPoint program, I will cover trip logistics,  the basic itinerary, ethics, safety, how to approach and photograph wildlife, and considerations for capturing dramatic  landscapes images.

I will be on-site a week prior to the program to check out current conditions and best locations for photography.  The itinerary will be flexible in response to weather, lighting, availability of animals, client safety, and the desires of the group.  Each day we will begin with pre-dawn photography including sunrise, scenery in early morning light, and wildlife in the area. How long we remain in a particular location will depend on what photo opportunities that exist at that time.  Middays will be aside for lunch,  personal errands,  image editing/review, or transportation to new photo locations. In the afternoon, we will resume photographing until twilight. I have set aside time for a group review of images taken earlier in the week.

This is my 4rd fall program offered in the South Dakota Badlands.  Plus I co-led 2 workshops in the spring as well.

Potential photo locations:

• Pinnacles Overlook
• Robert’s Prairie Dog Town
• Sage Creek Area
• Badlands Loop Road
• Cedar Pass Area
• Door, Notch, Window and Fossil Exhibit Trails
• Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
• Sage Creek Rim Road
• The historic town of Scenic
• Sheep Mountain Table (Stronghold Unit, if roads permit)

Accessibility/Difficulty

There will be a small amount of hiking on boardwalks and over rocky areas but mostly on level, well-worn paths. While photographing, we will adhere to park rules and responsible wildlife guidelines set forth by the National Park Service.

DETAILS

PRICE: $ 2450.  Includes 4 days accommodation based on double occupancy.  Single occupancy – $ 2795.

 Workshop limited to 6 participants.  

(Note: A Commercial Activity Permit is required in order to conduct workshops in the Badlands National Park of South Dakota.  The fee is a flat rate independent of  the number of participants and number of workshops.  The price of this workshop includes a fee to cover the cost of the permit).

Start date: 12 Sepember,2025 (7:00 PM)           End date: 15 Sepember, 2025, Sunset

(Minimum of 4 participants necessary at the quoted price. In the event there are only 3 participants, a small group supplement of $250 will be added to the price above for each person.)

Deposit: $300 to hold a spot in this workshop. Balance is due by 12 August, 2025.

To register, go to my website, www.ospreyphoto.com.  Retrieve the registration form (click on the box “REGISTER NOW” in the upper right of the web page.). Fill out the form and send it to me along with your payment.  Checks should be made out to Photography by Hinke-Sacilotto. Mail to: Irene Sacilotto, 542 C Riviera Dr, Joppa, MD 21085. (For payment, checks or transfer of funds via Zelle are preferred.  Visa or MasterCard payments are accepted with a 2 % fee for processing.  For security, call with your credit card info).

What is included:

• Orientation PowerPoint presentation.
• 4 nights accommodations at the Best Western Plains in Wall, SD, 712 Glenn St, Wall, SD 57790.
• Field sessions with one-on-one instruction.
• Image review during workshop.
• Instructor with nearly 40 years experience leading workshops & tours.
• Well-planned and researched itineraries.
• Photo locations selected based on my scouting time immediately prior to the start of the program.
• Small group size (limited to 6)
• The orientation meeting will be held at the Best Western Plains. 

Cancellation policy:

Notices of cancellations must be in writing:

• Cancellations 75 days prior to workshop, full refund, less $50 processing fee.
• Cancellations made between 74 and 46 days prior to workshop, forfeit deposit.
• Cancellations made 45 days from the start of the workshop are non-refundable.

Not included:

• Airfare, transportation on site, and meals.
• Badlands NP entry fees. Bring your America the Beautiful pass or senior pass if you have one to cover your entry fee. Otherwise vehicles will be charged an entrance fee.  If you ride-share, one pass will cover four passengers in one vehicle.
• Trip insurance. You are encouraged to purchase trip insurance in case of an unforeseen emergency which requires you to cancel.

Transportation To, From, and Within the Park

You are responsible for transportation to and from Wall, SD and throughout the park every day. Ride sharing is encouraged. You can reserve and pick up a rental car at the airport in Rapid City, SD if you are flying in for the workshop. Rapid City (RAP) is the nearest airport to Wall which is approximately a one hour drive east on Interstate 90.

 

WHAT TO BRING

• Bring a laptop or tablet with photo editing software and flash/thumb drive for image transfer for review.
• Be prepared to dress in layers since the temperatures can vary widely at this time of the year. Include sunscreen.
• Lenses – wide angle for scenes to telephotos.  A 300 mm should be adequate for larger animals. For small birds, a 500 or 600 mm is suggested.  (Zoom lenses covering these ranges are fine.)
• Sturdy tripod
• Rain gear for you and your equipment

For toiletries and other items you may have left at home, there is a Walmart and Target in Rapid City.  Also for field items, there is a Cabela’s/Bass Pro store in Rapid City on 3231 East Mall Drive.  It carries a wide range of clothing and other accessories that might be useful during the workshop. 

Since we will be departing early, I suggest purchasing water, items for breakfast and snacks.  We will either return to Wall for lunch or stop at the restaurant at Cedar Pass.  Wall, SD has a grocery store, gas stations, lodging, restaurants, and the famous Wall Drug and EWilotohotomporium.

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