REVIEWS

2026 Mastering Black & White Photography in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

September 14 - 18, 2026

Badlands National Park, South Dakota
2026 Mastering Black & White Photography in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Reviews!

2026 Mastering Black & White Photography in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

September 14 - 18, 2026

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

$3,397 Includes 4 Nights Lodging in Private Single Room

Only $1,000 Due Today! 

(Only if registering before May 14, 2026. Otherwise if registering after May 14, 2026, payment is due in full).
SAVE $350 - If you have a friend and want to share a double room, each of you can save $350 on your final balance payment! Just message me to let me know!

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Matt Suess is an Authorized Permittee of Badlands National Park

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GROUP DETAILS:

Open to any skill level from beginner to professional. Exclusively limited to just 8 photographers.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Expect walks on level ground up to 1 - 2 miles.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR & GUIDE

Matt Suess will be your photo instructor and guide during this workshop.

LOCATION:

Badlands National Park in South Dakota, USA. 
View Map --->
The closest airport is in Rapid City, SD.

During the workshop we will be staying in Wall, SD.
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Questions about this photo workshop?

Simply fill out the form below. Be sure to let me know which photo workshop you are asking questions about!

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2026 Mastering Black & White Photography in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

With Matt Suess

Join us September 2026 in a remote and picturesque - yet challenging and rewarding - landscape for a Masterclass in Black and White Photography.

NOTE: Register early, as this workshop (my 6th) usually sells out,

like it did in 2024 and other previous years!!

Workshop Overview

A Masterclass in Black & White Photography

 

My 30+ year professional photography career started in black & white photography. In fact, many years prior to me going pro, I had my own black & white chemical darkroom - back when I was 12 years old!

 

Back in the day I shot countless tens of thousands of rolls of b&w film and printed thousands of my own b&w prints. And all throughout my professional career I have always had a deep love for stunning and dramatic black and white photos.

 

When color is removed from a photograph, there is less room for error for it to be successful. Not only is your composition and exposure critical as usual, but when you remove color other elements become even more important such as contrast, shape, and texture.

 

Join us in the Badlands where I'll help you to "see" in black & white. Together we will study light, composition, shape, form, and texture to create stunning black & white photos.

 

You will leave this workshop with not only a better understanding of b&w photography, but much of what you learn can be applied to color photography too.

 

So not only will you become a better b&w photographer with this Masterclass, but your color photography will improve as well by studying b&w.

 

Will We Study Infrared Photography Too?

 

If you have an infrared camera be sure to bring it! My entire career has revolved around traditional b&w photography and not infrared. But there is always the chance I might get one of my cameras converted to infrared before the workshop.

 

 

Do I Need a Special Camera or Filters?

 

Your regular camera will be fine as long as it has a b&w or monochrome picture style setting - most mirrorless cameras should have this feature. A list of highly recommended filters will be provided after registration (with a special discount code for workshop attendees) that will be extremely useful when not only shooting in b&w but can also be used for your color photos!

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA

 

A Dramatic Location for Black & White Photography

 

Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, protects 379.3 sq. miles of sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, along with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States.

 

Authorized as Badlands National Monument in 1929, it was re-designated a National Park on November 10, 1978. The movies Dances with Wolves and Thunderheart were partially filmed in the Park.

 

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here.

 

The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today. - source Wikipedia & NPS

Highlights

- Achieve Perfect Exposures By Understanding the Histogram

​- How to See and Photograph in Black and White

​- Finding the Best Composition & Framing

​- Maximizing Your Composition Through Light, Shadow & Texture

​- How to Choose the Correct Focal Length Lens for the Situation

​- How to Choose the Correct ISO, F-Stop, Shutter Speed and White Balance

​- Photographing Stitched Panoramas

​​- Working a Scene to Create Numerous Photos & Compositions from One Location

​- Long Exposures up to 10 Minutes in the Daylight for Creative Cloud Effects with Solid ND Filters

​- Techniques for Reducing Noise

​- Using Split-Neutral Density Filters to Control Exposures

​- Proper Camera Settings for Landscape Photos

​- Finding Things to Photograph Even in the Middle of the Day

​- How to Work a Scene from Multiple Angles & Focal Lengths

​- How to Photograph the Obvious, and Especially the Not So Obvious

​- And Much, Much More!!

 

- Primary Focus is B&W: While we certainly won't ignore photographing scenes that lend themselves to color such as sunrise and sunset, our primary focus is creating stunning black and white images.

 

​- It's All About the Light & Location: We will be going to some popular iconic locations but also many less known but stunning locations that I have found with my many years of experience photographing in Badlands National Park.

 

​- Bring Your Camera Filters: We will be shooting quite a bit with filters on this workshop during sunset/sunrise. From CPL's to split-neutral density to solid neutral density filters. Don't worry if you've never even heard of some of them! I'll provide a list of filters to bring, and by the end of the workshop you'll be creating photos like a pro with them! I am also an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your filters direct from me.

 

​- Special Group Study: This workshop features 3 Unique Focus Areas: Technique, Composition, and Personal Style. With such a small group I will be able to work with you individually to help you begin to develop or to refine your own personal style, which will be accomplished through the use of various camera techniques, composition, & post processing.

Matt Suess

Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador

Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.

For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.

In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.

I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.

I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.

I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
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Poster

Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess

Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.

ITINERARY

We will be at our locations photographing just before sunrise and ending our day just after sunset.

 

During mid day when the light isn’t great we will be taking a break for a few hours to recharge batteries, download images, and rest up for the evening sessions.

 

However we are ultimately at the mercy of Mother Nature and I will be diligently studying weather forecasts during our time together with the numerous weather resources I always use when planning for the best light.

 

So our day-to-day schedule is absolutely always subject to change immensely based on the light/photography potential on any given day, thus this itinerary is intentionally planned to be extremely loose and variable during our time together.

 

There have been numerous times on my workshops where we ended up not taking the scheduled mid-day break to instead chase the light. And our efforts were always rewarded with amazing photographs...

 

So in other words, be prepared for the unexpected!

Evening 1: Monday Evening, September 14, 2026

We will meet at 3pm then head out into the park to photograph though sunset which is at approx. 7:12pm.

Day 2 - 4: Tuesday Morning September 15 - Thursday Evening, September 17, 2026

Our locations and times will vary depending on the weather. Sunrise during the workshop is at approx. 6:27am and sunset is at approx. 7:12pm.

 

Expect to meet in the mornings one to two hours before sunrise, and night sessions ending as late as 8:00pm.

 

We will be photographing sunrises & sunsets throughout the workshop with a break for a few hours in the middle of the day.

 

Storms are always a possibility so definitely be prepared to photograph them.

Day 5: Friday Morning September 18

We will head out for our final group sunrise shoot. Workshop will end by 9am.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Who Is This Workshop For

This workshop is designed for any skill level, yet a DSLR/Mirrorless or equivalent camera with interchangeable lenses AND a sturdy tripod are required, as well as a basic working knowledge of your camera. Mobile phones - especially iPhones - are also welcome. 

 

Most clients who take my workshops are beginners to advanced amateurs and even pros. My workshops are filled with hands-on instruction & demonstrations. I encourage & help find and develop each clients' unique personal style of photography.

Physical Difficulty: EASY to MODERATE

Each workshop client needs to be in decent physical condition. Expect walks on level ground up to 1 - 2 miles.

What Airport and when to Arrive

Here is the best airport option:

RAPID CITY REGIONAL AIRPORT, In Rapid City, SD.

 

You will then have a 1hr drive to our base location in Wall, SD.

 

Schedule your travels so you arrive in Wall, SD by 2pm on Monday, September 14th or anytime the day before on Sunday, September 13th (hotel not included this night).

Where to Stay

We will be staying at the Best Western Plains Motel in Wall, SD, and lodging during the 4 nights of the workshop is included in your own private single room.

What to Bring / Weather

A complete list of What to Bring will be provided. This list will mention required and suggested items regarding camera equipment and clothing.

 

The weather this time of year can range from overnight lows in the upper 40's to low 50's. Daytime temps can range from the upper 60's to mid 90's.

What Is Included

  • Photo Instruction & Guiding from Matt Suess

  • Lodging during the workshop in your own private single room

  • Black & White photography instruction

  • Informal Post Processing Sessions

  • An amazing foto eXperience in the Badlands!

What Is Not Included

  • Flights to and from Rapid City, SD

  • Transportation (we will carpool)

  • Park Entrance Fees

  • Food, alcohol, snacks and beverages

  • Personal travel, medical, equipment or trip cancellation insurance

Travel Insurance

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance. 

 

Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind. 

 

More information will be provided upon registration.

Traveling With a Spouse/Companion

This workshop has a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven't registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Carpooling

We will carpool during the workshop and I will need a couple driver volunteers.

Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Workshop

We know that plans can change, unforeseen circumstances can happen and no one wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime. To provide the best customer support possible and to keep groups small and affordable, our cancellation policy ensures we can continue to provide clients the best possible foto experience.

For this workshop the following applies:.

  • The initial $1,000 registration fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable to another workshop provided we are more than 120 days from the start of the workshop (a $350 administrative fee is applied to all transfers).

  • The remaining balance is due 120 days from the start of the workshop, that date being May 14, 2026.

  • If you cancel within 120 days from the start of the workshop and you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your initial registration fee and a $350 administrative fee). If you are unable to fill your spot, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is highly suggested to purchase good trip insurance to cover you in such an instance.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another. workshop MORE than 120 Days from the Start: your registration fee will be transferable to another workshop by Matt Suess with a $350 administrative fee.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop less than 120 Days from the Start: no refunds or transfers (assuming you cannot fill your spot)

You can view my full cancellation & refund policy along with other important information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Send us your question by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.

Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email *

Question *

Is there a lot of walking/hiking during this workshop?

While a lot of time we will be photographing within easy walking distance from our cars, there will be some walks we will be taking with distances of a few miles on some uneven terrain with little elevation gain.

Are there restrictions on participation?

My workshops do not normally entail strenuous activity unless specified. Nevertheless, participants must be able to complete moderate walks/hikes with their required photo gear, sometimes on uneven or slippery surfaces.

 

If you have any health problems or physical limitations, please let me know prior to booking.

I am a pure beginner (or advanced) photographer. Is this workshop for me?

This workshop is open to all photography levels from beginner to pro. I have had clients who didn't know what an f-stop was and I have had those who are just about ready to or are already selling their own prints.

 

Being a small class, I am able to work with each client individually no matter their experience level to help them improve and reach their individual goals.

What is your experience photographing in Badlands National Park?

I have been photographing in Badlands National Park since 2018, often making 2 trips a year there. I have done extensive scouting and photographing in the park and surrounding areas, and I know of more amazing locations to photograph there than what we have time for during this 5 day workshop.

 

I'll be picking the best locations each day for us based on the light potential and my knowledge of where & when to photograph so you can create some amazing photographs. 

 

This will be my 6th black and white workshop there and almost every one has sold out!

Will we work on our computers and learn how to process our photos?

Yes, we will have a few informal post-processing sessions where I will give demos and also provide feedback & critique for those who desire it.

Will we shoot in color at all or is it 100% black & white?

This is primarily a black & white photo workshop, but the Badlands can certainly feature dramatic color sunrises and sunsets. For those times when black & white isn't ideal, we will switch to color photography.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

This workshop has a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions.

 

Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding My Photo Workshops & Tours in General

What sets your workshops apart from other workshops?

I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience, am detail orientated, and always put the needs of my clients first.

 

I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.

 

My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.

 

With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!

Why should I attend one of your workshops?

I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.

 

I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience teaching the concepts of photography, leading photo workshops/tours since 2012.

 

I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.

 

Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.

Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

Do you photograph during field workshops?

Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.

 

When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.

 

Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my clients get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.

What level of photography experience do I have to have in order to attend one of your workshops?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

Do you provide travel insurance for your workshop participants?

I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.

What’s included in my tuition? Rooms, transportation, meals?

Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your photos during any classroom sessions.

 

Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.

What should I bring with me to one of your workshops?

You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.

What happens in bad weather?

Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.

 

Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.

 

If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.

Do you provide transportation?

I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.

What is your cancellation policy?

Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Harley M.
"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."
2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Winnie A.
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Jill E.

"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don't. You are a top-notch instructor."
2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.

He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.

Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!

The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).

I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."

Emily L.

2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Visit Matt's Sponsors, Partners & Friends

Cameras & Photo Gear

OM SYSTEM / Olympus
Cameras & Lenses

I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.

I am an Official Fotopro Tripods Reseller and you can order your Fotopro tripods direct from me here.

Get the best iPhone lenses out there - and the ones I always use - from REEFLEX here.

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Photo Software & Websites

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ON1 Photo RAW 
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Mylio Photos is a really awesome photo management cataloging program. Check out a Free Trial with special savings.

DxO makes some of my favorite photo processing software such as: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, & the NIK Collection.

Topaz Labs makes popular plugins like: Sharpen Al, Denoise Al, Photo Al, and Gigapixel Al.

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Photo Software & Websites

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Systeme is a great platform to sell your courses, digital. downloads, workshops, products, and more and I used it successfully for a few years! Start your free trial here today.

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