About us
The Desert Photo Explorers is the group for all outdoor and landscape photographers who enjoy capturing the amazing natural beauty that is found all around Nevada, Utah, California, Arizona… And states beyond!
DPE welcomes outdoor photographers of all skills from beginner to professional, and fosters an inclusive environment of sharing knowledge and learning from each other. Events will visit both popular locations, and well as some of the lesser known spots, to put you in a position to come home with images that you make you proud! Timing will vary depending on event and location for the best possible success, whether that is sunrise, sunset, blue or golden hour, or even nighttime for astrophotography.
Some events may be free of charge, others could have a fee payable at the event location or due to the organizer. These will be outlined in the event page itself. Attending events could also result in additional costs such as transportation, splitting of gas if carpooling, food, lodging and all other expenses.
If you are looking forward to having some outdoor photo adventures, meeting new people, improving our photo skills and having fun then click that Join button to become the newest DPE member!
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Please be aware that outdoor photography often requires hiking up to several miles in exposed conditions, standing and/or walking on sandy, gravel or other uneven or slick surfaces, and changing weather conditions while carrying your photo equipment. By signing up for this group, you certify that you are aware of these risks and others that could result in personal injury or death, or property damage, and agree to hold the group organizer(s) and event leader(s) free of all liability.
Upcoming events
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Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival 2027
Hampton Inn Mesquite, 1030 W Pioneer Blvd,, Mesquite, NV, USThis one is quickly becoming a DPE annual tradition, and for good reason. The Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival offers plenty of unique and colorful photo opportunities, and it’s an event our members really seem to enjoy!
Hot air balloons may not be the fastest way to fly, but they certainly are among the most colorful. The 2027 Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place January 22–24 at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, Nevada. Our official DPE day will be Saturday, January 23, but feel free to attend and photograph any or all of the weekend’s events.
Each morning, weather permitting, the balloons will inflate and take flight shortly after sunrise. Spectators can walk among the balloons as they are being inflated, giving photographers an opportunity to get surprisingly close and capture everything from wide-angle scenes to colorful details, burners, crews and the balloons taking to the sky. If you’ve never photographed the festival before, I highly recommend starting your morning at the Casablanca to experience the launch up close.
In the evening, the balloons return for the Balloon Glow from 6–7 p.m. The balloons remain on the ground while their burners illuminate them from within, creating another completely different photo opportunity.
You can find more information and the latest festival schedule on the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival website.
IMPORTANT: Ballooning is completely weather dependent. Launches, the Balloon Glow and other scheduled activities may be delayed, changed or canceled due to wind or weather conditions.
DPE BREAKFAST
Tiffany and Louis have generously offered to make breakfast for DPE members who would like to join them Saturday morning. A few things to know:- There is a $10 CASH donation to help cover the cost of food.
- Breakfast will NOT be at the Casablanca Resort. We will meet at the Hampton Inn across the highway. This location provides a nice overlook and can be a great spot to photograph balloons after launch as they fly across the area and, depending on the winds, overhead.
- Please leave a comment in the event discussion if you plan to join us for breakfast so Tiffany and Louis have an accurate head count.
You can photograph the morning launch from ground level at the Casablanca, shoot from the overlook near the Hampton Inn, or try to catch some of both.
MEETUP INFO
I will be in the dirt lot behind the Hampton Inn. There will be a lot of people there, so look for the white Jeep Gladiator.Mesquite is approximately a 90-minute drive from Las Vegas, so plan accordingly if you want to arrive before the balloons begin inflating and launching in the morning.
Because the balloons are at the mercy of Mother Nature, keep an eye on the festival schedule and weather as the weekend approaches.MEETUP FEES
There are no DPE Meetup fees for this event. However, if you would like to join in the breakfast we are asking for a $10 donation to help cover the costs of the food.DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:1. Assumption of Risk:
You understand that participation in outdoor activities involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the level of care exercised by event organizers. These risks may include, but are not limited to, slips, trips, falls, uneven or unstable terrain, loose rock, wet or slippery surfaces, flowing or standing water, weather conditions, wildlife, confined canyon environments, and limited or delayed access to emergency services. You voluntarily assume all such risks, known or unknown, associated with your participation.2. Release of Liability:
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any associated individuals from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from or related to your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.3. Personal Responsibility:
You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the general nature of the activity, and are responsible for assessing your own physical condition, experience level, and preparedness. You are solely responsible for your personal safety and for the condition and use of any equipment you choose to bring or use.4. Guest Responsibility:
If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their understanding and compliance.5. Indemnification:
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer(s) and Event Host(s) from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your participation or the participation of your guest(s).6. Governing Law and Severability:
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Nevada. If any portion of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.7. Volunteer Host Status:
You understand that Desert Photo Explorers events are informal, peer-organized activities. Organizer(s) and Event Host(s) are volunteers and are not acting as professional guides, instructors, or supervisors. No participant is relying on any Organizer or Host for safety, instruction, or route guidance, and all participants are responsible for their own decisions and actions during the event.By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.
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Past events
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