Calling all early birds! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to photograph Anza-Borrego during one of its most active and magical times: sunrise.
What to expect:
Award-winning photographer Paulette Donnellon will share her expert tips for capturing the desert’s enigmatic wildlife, fascinating plant life, and breathtaking landscapes.
Paulette will guide you through timing your photographs for key events like the Golden Hour and Blue Hour and help you master composition and cropping techniques.
You’ll also learn essential safety tips for desert photography, while discovering how to capture the desert's beauty in a way that respects the environment.
After the field session, we'll return to the ABF office for a presentation where Paulette will recap the day’s lessons and teach you how to process your photos using various software tools.
Who should attend:
Photographers of all levels
Anyone with an interest in landscape, wildlife, and plant photography
Those looking to perfect their photo editing skills
People interested in learning more about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through a photographic lens
Please bring:
At least 2 liters of water per person
Long pants
Sturdy closed toe shoes
Your choice of camera and gear (this can be anything from a cell phone to a professional camera)
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (end time is approximate)
Location: Meet at the Anza-Borrego Foundation Administrative Office: 587 Palm Canyon Dr. #122, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004. This location is different from the State Park store and is located next to Kendall’s Café. We’ll then carpool and/or caravan to the field site in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, ensuring we arrive in time to witness the sunrise in all its glory.
Cost:
ABF Member: $85
Non-Member: $100
Student: $50
Registration:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=d8539f8f-b533-4c62-9584-c753f69eb30b&envId=p-Of6JnJ-NDU-Ys4lsF7CG9w&zone=usa
Cancellation Policy & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
What Previous Attendees Are Saying:
“…loved the location, the instructor, so knowledgeable and so talented! So passionate about the area and her photography!...Paulette is a treasure!”
“Paulette's photography workshop is worth the early rise as the desert wakes up into a blossom of color and beauty. It's a busy morning, bring everything you have as Paulette points out the shifting lights and colors.”
“This was my first opportunity for such an event and I thoroughly enjoyed it. [Paulette’s] knowledge of the area plants and animals is invaluable my biggest take away was all the hitting hidden beauty in the desert!”
“The magic of the desert came alive for me in this half day photography workshop. It was much more than just a lesson in photography--it was also an exploration of the desert flora/fauna and indigenous peoples history”
“I was able to see the beauty of the desert in a new way. Plus, with Paulette's help, I was able to capture the magic in photographs.”
About the Instructor:
Paulette Donnellon is an award-winning nature and wildlife photographer whose image of an Eastern Collared Lizard is featured on the 2024 America the Beautiful National Park Pass. When she isn’t out in nature taking photos, she is employed by LEGO® Education and has served as a trustee for eight years for the San Diego County Board of Education and as an Executive Board member of Anza-Borrego Foundation. Paulette served nine years in the U.S. Army and was deployed during Desert Storm. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and landscape features of Anza-Borrego. You can check out her photos on Instagram at @photogpaulette.
You may also like the following events from Anza-Borrego Foundation:
- This Saturday, 11th October, 05:30 am, October Sunrise Nature Photography Workshop With Paulette Donnellon in Borrego Springs
- Next Monday, 13th October, 09:00 am, California Naturalist in Anza-Borrego – Fall 2025 in Borrego Springs
- Next Wednesday, 15th October, 07:00 pm, The Desert Underground: Exposing a Valuable Hidden World under Our Feet (Webinar) in Borrego Springs, California
Also check out other
Photography events in Borrego Springs,
Workshops in Borrego Springs,
Arts events in Borrego Springs.
