About
I Know These Canyons Like My Own Backyard
Because they are. I'm Carole — a Southern Utah local and professional photographer with 20+ years behind the lens. Trail Photo Tours is how I share the places I love most.
My Story
I grew up in Southern Utah, which means I've spent most of my life surrounded by some of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth. Red rock canyons, slot canyon light, Milky Way skies so clear you feel like you could reach up and touch them — this is home to me, and I never take it for granted.
I've been a professional photographer for over 20 years. What started as a personal obsession with capturing the desert light eventually turned into a career, and then into something I wanted to share. I started Trail Photo Tours because I kept meeting visitors who had great cameras and no idea how to use them — and I knew exactly where to take them.
What makes my tours different is simple: I take people off the beaten path. While other tours are lining up at the same overlooks, we're finding compositions most visitors never see. I know the lesser-visited areas, the hidden angles, the times of day when the light does something extraordinary. That local knowledge is something you can't get from a guidebook.
How I Run My Tours
Every decision I make about how to run a tour comes back to one thing: I want my guests to leave with shots they're genuinely proud of, and a real understanding of how they got them.
Small groups, always
I cap every tour at 6 guests. That's not a marketing line — it's the only way I can give everyone real attention in the field. You're not waiting your turn or getting lost in a crowd.
Less-visited locations
I deliberately avoid the most crowded spots in favor of places that are just as beautiful but far less photographed. Your shots will look like yours, not like everyone else's from the same overlook.
Real teaching, not just guiding
I'm not here to walk you to a viewpoint and say 'shoot here.' I'll be beside you helping you read the light, dial in your settings, and make decisions in real time. Every skill level is welcome.
Adventure with intention
My tours are meant to be fun. We're out in one of the most beautiful places on earth — that should feel like an adventure, not a workshop. I want my guests to enjoy the landscape as much as they photograph it.
Come Shoot the Southwest with Me
Whether you've never touched manual mode or you've been shooting for years, there's a tour here for you. Let's get you into the field.
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