Petra Treasury at sunrise: capture the siq opening in golden light
Jordan Photography Tour: Join a professional photographer for a 5-day workshop across Jordan's most photogenic locations.
Continue planning with our Jordan tours, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
Join professional photographer Khalid Nasser for a 5-day intensive photography workshop across Jordan’s most visually stunning locations. Shoot Petra’s Treasury at first light, capture the Milky Way over Wadi Rum’s sandstone formations, and frame the Dead Sea’s surreal shoreline at sunrise. Each day includes shooting sessions at optimal lighting conditions, classroom-style editing workshops, and one-on-one feedback sessions. This is a small-group experience (maximum 6 participants) ensuring personalized instruction. All skill levels welcome: from smartphone shooters to seasoned professionals.
This is not a sightseeing tour with photo stops. It is a structured photography workshop led by a professional photographer with 15+ years of experience shooting in Jordan. Each location is visited at optimal lighting conditions (golden hour, blue hour, astro windows). You receive real-time feedback on composition, exposure, and post-processing. The small group size (maximum 6) ensures personalized attention. Unlike standard tours that arrive at Petra at midday (worst light), this tour schedules the Treasury at sunrise and the Monastery at sunset.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Petra Treasury at sunrise: capture the siq opening in golden light
Petra by Night: photograph 1,800 candles illuminating the Treasury facade
Wadi Rum Milky Way photography with professional astro coaching
Sunrise camel caravan silhouettes in the red desert
Dead Sea infinity pool and floating portraits at dawn
Daily editing workshops: Lightroom and Photoshop techniques
One-on-one portfolio review with constructive feedback
Small group: maximum 6 photographers for personalized attention
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Transfer to the workshop hotel in Jabal Amman.
Khalid reviews your gear and recommends settings for the week ahead.
Khalid demonstrates long-exposure techniques for capturing the city lights against the twilight sky.
Group discussion of the day's shots.
Optional night photography walk on Rainbow Street for street photography practice.
Breakfast boxes provided.
Enter as the gates open for the "Petra Early Bird" program.
Khalid teaches canyon photography: managing high contrast, leading lines, and scale reference.
The rose-red stone glows orange and gold. Shoot for 45 minutes as the light changes.
Download and backup morning shots.
Khalid demonstrates his signature workflow for enhancing sandstone colors without over-saturation.
The 800-step climb is worth it: the Monastery facade faces west, catching perfect late-afternoon light.
Shoot the facade in warm sidelight, then move to the viewpoint cafe for the classic wide shot with tea cups in the foreground.
Group critique session: each photographer shares their best shot of the day.
Pack and check out.
Desert landscape photography from the van windows en route.
Transfer to 4x4 jeeps with camera gear secured in dust-proof cases.
Khalid teaches HDR techniques and using polarizing filters.
Escape midday heat. Editing session in the communal tent using laptops.
Sand dune photography: patterns, textures, and scale.
Khalid arranges a camel train against the setting sun for dramatic silhouettes.
The sandstone mountains change color from orange to deep purple.
Long exposures for star trail previews.
Khalid teaches Milky Way camera settings: ISO 3200-6400, f/2.8, 15-20 second exposures.
The galactic core is directly overhead. Khalid assists each participant individually with focus and composition.
Retire to tent or continue shooting independently.
Set up for sunrise photography at a Bedouin camp location with mountain backdrop.
The first light creates long shadows across the desert floor. Shoot in golden hour for 30 minutes.
Pack camera gear with dust protection.
Check-in and lunch.
Download and backup shots from Wadi Rum.
The Dead Sea reflects the changing colors of the sky.
Group editing session: focus on Milky Way post-processing techniques.
The lowest point on Earth at dawn offers unique atmospheric conditions.
Each participant presents their top 10 shots from the week. Khalid provides constructive feedback and selects the "Shot of the Week."
Group photo with Khalid.
Transfers to Amman (45 minutes), Queen Alia Airport (1 hour), or Madaba (30 minutes).
Your driver assists with luggage. Workshop concludes.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
Start Point: Pickup from Queen Alia International Airport (arrivals hall) or any Amman hotel on Day 1 at 14:00. If you arrive on an earlier flight, the driver can store your luggage and you can explore Amman independently until the workshop begins. For travelers already in Jordan, pickup is from your hotel.
End Point: Drop-off at Queen Alia Airport, any Amman hotel, or Madaba on Day 5 at approximately 12:00. For evening flights, you can extend your Dead Sea resort stay at additional cost. For connecting tours, Jordan Journey coordinates seamless handover to your next guide.
Meeting Point: For airport pickups, your driver meets you at the arrivals hall exit with a Jordan Journey name board. For hotel pickups, the driver meets you at reception and calls 10 minutes prior.
Total: JJ-EXP-030 • 5 Days • 4 Nights
Pace: Moderate. The Petra Treasury viewpoint hike is 20 minutes uphill on rocky steps (moderate). The Monastery hike is 800 steps uphill (strenuous, 45 minutes). The Wadi Rum jeep safari involves getting in and out of the vehicle frequently on uneven ground. The Dead Sea requires no physical effort. Participants must be able to carry their camera gear (backpack with 10-15 pounds of equipment) for distances up to 2 miles per day. Total walking per day: 3-5 miles.
Guide: Your workshop leader is Khalid Nasser, a professional photographer with 15+ years of experience shooting across Jordan. His work has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveller, and Jordan Tourism Board campaigns. Khalid specializes in landscape, astrophotography, and cultural portraiture. He speaks Arabic and fluent English. He is a certified photography instructor and has led over 200 workshop groups in Jordan.
Driver: A dedicated Jordan Journey driver accompanies the group for all road transfers. The driver is experienced in transporting photography groups and understands the need for careful handling of camera equipment. The van includes charging ports and a cooler with water.
Vehicle: Air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van (maximum 6 photographers plus gear). The van has dedicated camera gear storage compartments, charging ports, and a small table for laptop editing during transfers. In Wadi Rum, open-air 4×4 Land Cruisers are used.
Night 1 (Amman): boutique hotel in Jabal Al-Weibdeh with Citadel views, en-suite rooms with WiFi. Night 2-3 (Petra): 3-star hotel walking distance from Petra entrance (Standard) or 4-star hotel with pool (Premium). Night 4 (Wadi Rum): Bedouin camp, private tent with standard bedding (Standard) or enhanced bubble tent (Premium). Night 5 (Dead Sea): 4-star resort (Standard) or 5-star resort (Premium) with Dead Sea beach access. All rooms are private with en-suite bathrooms.
All meals are included: breakfast (buffet or continental), lunch (restaurant or picnic box), and dinner (restaurant or camp meal). Vegetarian options available at all locations. The workshop schedule prioritizes photography timing: some meals are served as picnic boxes to maximize shooting time.
Physical Rating: Moderate. The Petra Treasury viewpoint hike is 20 minutes uphill on rocky steps (moderate). The Monastery hike is 800 steps uphill (strenuous, 45 minutes). The Wadi Rum jeep safari involves getting in and out of the vehicle frequently on uneven ground. The Dead Sea requires no physical effort. Participants must be able to carry their camera gear (backpack with 10-15 pounds of equipment) for distances up to 2 miles per day. Total walking per day: 3-5 miles.
Age Requirements: Minimum age: 18 years. This workshop is designed for adult photographers. The pace, early mornings, and technical instruction are not suitable for children. There is no maximum age limit, but the Monastery hike requires reasonable fitness.
Group Size: Maximum 6 photographers per departure (Khalid’s personal limit for effective instruction). Minimum 2 photographers to run the workshop. Solo travelers can join shared departures or pay a single supplement for a private workshop. Non-photographer companions are welcome at 60% of the price.
Standard Workshop: shared instruction, 3-star Petra hotel, standard Bedouin camp, 4-star Dead Sea resort. Premium Workshop: semi-private instruction (max 3 photographers), 4-star Petra hotel, enhanced Bedouin camp with bubble tent option, 5-star Dead Sea resort, additional sunset camel caravan session with dedicated camel handler, and priority positioning at Petra sunrise (first 10 visitors through the gate). Single supplement: $295 for solo travelers in shared workshop. A non-photographer companion can join at 60% of the workshop price (no instruction, all logistics included). Children under 16 are not permitted: the pace and scheduling are designed for adult photographers.
March-May and September-November offer ideal conditions: daytime 70-85°F, nighttime 50-60°F. Summer (June-August) is hot: 90-105°F daytime but clear skies guarantee Milky Way visibility. Winter (December-February) can be cold at night (35-45°F) and occasional rain may affect the schedule. The workshop runs in all weather: Khalid teaches rain and overcast photography techniques as backup plans.
Optimal Window: The Milky Way core is visible February through October (best March-September with longest visibility). New moon periods offer the darkest skies: check lunar phases when booking. The Petra by Night program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday only. Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers at Petra and green desert vegetation. Autumn (September-November) has the clearest atmospheric conditions. Book 30-60 days in advance: this workshop sells out quickly during peak seasons.
A 50% deposit confirms your booking. Balance due 30 days before departure. Cancellations more than 60 days before receive full refund minus $25 processing fee. Cancellations 30-60 days before receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days are non-refundable but transferable. No-shows charged in full. If Jordan Journey cancels due to minimum group size not met (rare), full refund including deposit is provided.
This is not a sightseeing tour with photo stops. It is a structured photography workshop led by a professional photographer with 15+ years of experience shooting in Jordan. Each location is visited at optimal lighting conditions (golden hour, blue hour, astro windows). You receive real-time feedback on composition, exposure, and post-processing. The small group size (maximum 6) ensures personalized attention. Unlike standard tours that arrive at Petra at midday (worst light), this tour schedules the Treasury at sunrise and the Monastery at sunset.
This tour practices Leave No Trace photography: no moving rocks, no disturbing wildlife, no off-trail walking in sensitive areas. The workshop includes a session on ethical travel photography, including consent protocols when photographing local people. A $20 donation from each booking supports the Petra Archaeological Park preservation fund. All transport uses fuel-efficient vehicles with carbon offset through Jordan’s National Reforestation Program.
Physical Rating: Moderate. The Petra Treasury viewpoint hike is 20 minutes uphill on rocky steps (moderate). The Monastery hike is 800 steps uphill (strenuous, 45 minutes). The Wadi Rum jeep safari involves getting in and out of the vehicle frequently on uneven ground. The Dead Sea requires no physical effort. Participants must be able to carry their camera gear (backpack with 10-15 pounds of equipment) for distances up to 2 miles per day. Total walking per day: 3-5 miles.
Age Requirements: Minimum age: 18 years. This workshop is designed for adult photographers. The pace, early mornings, and technical instruction are not suitable for children. There is no maximum age limit, but the Monastery hike requires reasonable fitness.
Group Size: Maximum 6 photographers per departure (Khalid’s personal limit for effective instruction). Minimum 2 photographers to run the workshop. Solo travelers can join shared departures or pay a single supplement for a private workshop. Non-photographer companions are welcome at 60% of the price.
Safety Protocols: All activities are led by licensed professionals. The Petra Monastery hike has a first aid-trained guide at the rear. Wadi Rum jeeps carry satellite phones. The Dead Sea resort has lifeguards and medical staff. Photography equipment insurance is strongly recommended: Jordan Journey is not liable for camera damage from dust, water, or drops. Khalid provides guidance on protecting equipment in harsh environments.
Emergency Contact: Jordan Journey 24/7 emergency hotline: +962-XXX-XXXX. Each vehicle carries a satellite phone. Nearest hospitals: Petra Clinic (5 minutes from hotel), Aqaba Islamic Hospital (1 hour from Wadi Rum), Dead Sea Hospital (10 minutes from resort). Air evacuation available for serious emergencies.
Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory, including coverage for camera equipment ($5,000+ recommended), emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellation. Jordan Journey does not provide equipment insurance. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities and photography equipment in desert conditions.
Expert FAQs
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Any DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode capability is sufficient. Full-frame sensors perform better in low light (Milky Way shots), but crop-sensor cameras work fine with the right settings. A smartphone alone is not recommended: you will miss 80% of the workshop content. If you own multiple lenses, bring them all. If you only have a kit lens, you can still participate fully in the daytime and blue-hour sessions.
No. Khalid has taught absolute beginners and professional photographers in the same group. Instruction is personalized: he assesses your level on Day 1 and adapts his feedback accordingly. Beginners learn camera fundamentals and composition. Advanced photographers receive location-specific advice and advanced post-processing techniques.
Drone use in Jordan requires a permit from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC), which must be applied for at least 30 days in advance. Jordan Journey can assist with the application for a $75 processing fee. Drones are prohibited in Petra (enforced: fines up to $1,400) and near military installations. They are permitted in Wadi Rum (with permit) and the Dead Sea resort area. If you plan to bring a drone, contact us immediately after booking.
The workshop runs in all weather conditions. Khalid teaches rain photography, overcast portraiture, and creative indoor shooting as backup plans. If a specific location is inaccessible due to weather (flash floods in Petra's siq, for example), an alternative location of equal photographic value is substituted. No refunds are given for weather-related schedule adjustments: this is a photography workshop, not a sightseeing tour, and challenging conditions often produce the best photos.
Most participants shoot 500-1,000 photos per day. Bring sufficient memory card capacity: a 128GB card is recommended, or multiple 64GB cards. The editing workshops teach you to select your best 20-30 shots per day for processing. Bring a laptop with Lightroom installed to participate fully in the editing sessions.
The schedule is photography-focused, but there is downtime for rest, socializing, and independent exploration. The Petra hotel has a pool and spa. The Dead Sea resort offers treatments (not included). If you want a more balanced tour with equal time for sightseeing and relaxation, consider JJ-DUR-023 instead.
Yes, non-photographer companions are welcome at 60% of the workshop price. They receive all logistics (transport, accommodation, meals) but do not participate in the instructional sessions. They can join the group at shooting locations or relax at the hotel. Private couple photoshoots can be arranged as an add-on ($150 for a 1-hour session at Petra or Wadi Rum).
Khalid is a working professional photographer, not a tour guide with a camera. His images have been published in major travel publications. He knows the exact camera settings, focal lengths, and timing for every location because he has shot them hundreds of times. His teaching style is hands-on and encouraging: he spends time with each participant individually. The small group size (maximum 6) ensures you are never lost in a crowd.
