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Photography Trip Planning with AI and ChatGPT

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I’ll be the first to admit I’ve always loved the process of planning a photography trip. Pouring over maps, watching the weather, looking up trail conditions, trying to time the light with the tides or the moonrise.

There’s a magic in that kind of preparation. It feels like part ritual, part strategy like tuning into nature’s rhythms before you even pack your bag.

But now we’ve got a new travel companion: artificial intelligence.

AI is slipping into every corner of our lives including the way we plan our landscape photography adventures.

And while I was a little skeptical at first, I’ve started leaning into what these tools can do. And it turns out they can do quite a lot.

How AI Can Help You Plan Smarter (and Wander Better)

AI tools don’t replace intuition or experience but they can make trip planning faster, easier, and surprisingly more flexible.

Let’s say you’re trying to decide when to visit a location. You want dramatic clouds, but not torrential rain. You want the fall color, but not the crowds. AI-powered tools like predictive weather models, tide tracking apps, and even apps that use satellite imagery to estimate peak foliage can help you dial that in.

AI can now assist in mapping routes, estimating travel time down to trailhead parking availability, and even generating packing checklists based on your destination and time of year.

There are also apps that analyze historical data to predict things like Milky Way visibility, haze levels, or snowpack; all of which are gold for photographers. Some of the more advanced travel platforms are now using AI to create optimized itineraries based on your past preferences, shooting styles, or mobility needs.

It’s like having a hyper-organized friend who also happens to know every scenic overlook within a 30-mile radius.

**I continue to use Photopills for planning the photos themselves and haven’t tested AI to see if it can produce similar data for shooting conditions.**

AI and Landscape Photography Trip Planning: Does It Take Away the Magic?

That was my big question. I didn’t want my trips to feel too predictable. For me, part of what draws me into landscape photography is the sense of not knowing what I’ll find such as the unexpected fog bank rolling over a ridge, or a shaft of light breaking through just when I’d almost given up.

But here’s the thing: perspective is everything. AI doesn’t eliminate the mystery. It just clears the clutter. AI assistants give you more space to focus on being creative.

It reminds me a bit of the old pagan practice of watching the stars or listening to the wind before making a big decision. We’re still aligning ourselves with the world around us; we’re just using modern tools to do it.

Tips for Using AI in Landscape Photography Trip Planning (Without Losing the Soul of It)

1. Use it to enhance, not dictate – Let AI guide your preparation, but let your gut (and the land) guide your decisions in the moment.
2. Combine sources – Use AI tools alongside old-school maps, local ranger info, and your own past experiences for a more holistic view. I cannot stress this enough because some of the spots that AI chooses are no good for the shots you’re trying to get. Sometimes it hallucinates spots as well.
3. Leave room for detours – Don’t over-optimize. Some of your best moments will come from spontaneity and shifting plans. Read about my stoic approach to landscape images
4. Bring your goals and values with you – AI can suggest a location, but it’s you who sees the windswept dune or the flicker of first light on moss-covered rock.

AI and Landscape Photography Trip Planning

I will show you my step by step prompting to have ChatGPT and other AI models help with organizing and planning my trips with suggestions of timing and locations.

You can get tips on the ideal time of day to shoot certain locations, suggestions for scenic routes, or even lesser-known spots that are perfect for capturing stunning landscapes.

AI can also provide information about travel logistics, such as the best nearby accommodations or available local guides, to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and you get the most out of your photographic adventure. 

Planning a Milky Way Trip with AI

Prompt: I am looking to do astrophotography in August at the Chiricahua national monument near Tucson in Arizona.  I have never been to this monument before and I need a plan for sunrise, sunsets, blue hour and milky way that doesn't involve much hiking because it is very hot outside at this time of year.  I need spots that are easily accessible and close to the road or parking areas. Please include the times for any significant photography events such as golden hour and sunset, etc.

I will be bringing a group with me as well.  I will be spending Friday afternoon, Sat all day and night, and Sunday morning in the area.  Thank you.

Include/Follow up: 

I wish to stay close to the monument, but I need air conditioning, so please do not suggest any campsites.  Please provide several choices for accommodations along with driving distances and the website for each of the suggestions.

Results: AI and Landscape Photography Trip Planning

Lodging with A/C near Chiricahua

Willcox, AZ (Best base with A/C & food options)

• Distance to Chiricahua: ~1 hour drive (straight shot via AZ-186)
• Benefits: Restaurants, gas, air conditioning, easy drive to sunrise/sunset
• Recommended Hotels:
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western Willcox – clean, reliable A/C
  • Holiday Inn Express Willcox – strong Wi-Fi, good for group planning
  • Arizona Sunset Inn – budget-friendly

⚠️ Note: There is no lodging with A/C inside the monument itself — only primitive campgrounds. Portal, AZ is scenic but too far for sunrise shoots.

Customized 2-Day Itinerary (Low-Hike, Focused on Sunrise/Sunset/Astro)

Friday (Arrival + Sunset + Milky Way)

Arrive: Mid-afternoon in Willcox, check into hotel, rest & prep gear

Drive to: Massai Point (~1 hr from Willcox, paved road)

Sunset + Blue Hour – Massai Point Overlook

• Easy access: Large parking area at the top
• Best Lens: Wide (14–24mm) for hoodoo silhouettes
• Foreground options: Unique rock columns + twisted pine trees
• Golden hour tip: Best light around 6:30–7:15 PM

Milky Way – Massai Point (Same spot)

• Time: 9:30 PM–2:00 AM (Milky Way core above horizon to the south/southwest)
• Foreground: Silhouettes of hoodoos and trees
• Bonus: Potential lightning storms in distance (monsoon season)
• Accessibility: Park right next to shooting area

Saturday (Full day shooting – Sunrise, Sunset, Astro)

Sunrise – Echo Canyon Trailhead Overlook (No Hiking)

• Time: Arrive by 5:20 AM for 5:40 AM sunrise
• Drive: ~1 hr from Willcox
• View: Looking east over massive boulder fields — great layered light
• Tip: Scout compositions from car or paved pullout

Morning–Midday:

• Return to Willcox for breakfast & rest (temps rise rapidly after 9 AM)

Night Shoot – Bonita Canyon Road Turnouts

• Use: Multiple roadside turnouts for south-facing compositions
• Advantages: No hiking needed, can shoot from car with tripod
• Foregrounds: Trees, gentle hills, open sky
• Best Time: 10:00 PM–1:30 AM
• Tip: Bring folding chairs and cold drinks for comfort

I scouted this ahead of time and this is NOT a good spot for shoots

Sunday (Departure Morning)

Optional Sunrise – Massai Point (if you want to repeat)

• If you’re up early, this is the easiest-to-access and most photogenic morning option
• Otherwise, enjoy a rest morning and drive back comfortably

Summary

📍Location	Best Time	Access	Subject
Massai Point	Sunset, Milky Way, Sunrise	Paved road, large parking	Hoodoos, trees, Milky Way
Echo Canyon Overlook	Sunrise	Near trailhead, no hike	Rock formations, early light
Bonita Canyon Turnouts	Astro	Roadside	Open skies, lightning + Milky Way

Would you like me to send you a packing checklist, local food options in Willcox, or a printable 1-page itinerary PDF for your group?

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I love how the AI prompts Me the User to inquire if I need further assistance, especially how it assists with logistics. It did have issues with creating the 1 page itinerary PDF and I couldn’t download it.

AI and Landscape Photography Trip Planning: Itinerary

Here is the itinerary so you can see what AI generated for the trip.

Base: Willcox, AZ

• Driving Time to Park: ~1 hour (via AZ-186)
• Recommended Lodging:
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western
  • Holiday Inn Express
  • Arizona Sunset Inn

FRIDAY – AUGUST 15 Afternoon:

• Check into hotel in Willcox
• Rest & prep gear

Sunset + Milky Way – Massai Point

• Drive Time: ~1 hr
• Golden Hour: 6:30–7:15 PM
• Milky Way Core Visibility: 9:15 PM–2:00 AM
• Subject: Hoodoo rock formations, silhouetted trees
• Notes: Paved road, no hiking. Perfect for night setup near car.

SATURDAY – AUGUST 16

Sunrise – Echo Canyon Overlook

• Arrive: 5:15 AM (sunrise ~5:40 AM)
• Subject: Dramatic rock pillars lit from the east
• Access: Easy pullout and overlook, no hike

Midday:

• Return to Willcox to rest and cool off
• Back up photos & recharge gear

Milky Way – Bonita Canyon Road Turnouts

• Time: 9:30 PM–1:45 AM
• Subject: Milky Way over desert trees & distant hills
• Tip: Set up from car or tripod roadside, low-light friendly

SUNDAY – AUGUST 17

Optional Sunrise – Massai Point

• Arrive: 5:15 AM
• Subject: Wide-angle views over hoodoos, facing east
• Option: Skip if tired; this is the best second-chance location

Morning:

• Return to hotel, check out, depart

Gear Checklist

• Wide-angle lens (14–24mm)
• Sturdy tripod
• Remote shutter or intervalometer
• Red headlamp
• Water, snacks, bug spray
• Power banks + spare memory
• Rain cover (for monsoon protection)

Death Valley Landscape Photography Trip Planning with AI

Here is are my prompts for planning a trip to Death Valley in 2026 and recruited AI (ChatGPT) to assist me with organizing the locations based on my creative wants and my goals for the tour.

Prompt:  I'm planning a 3-day landscape photography expedition to Death Valley National Park in Feb 12-15, 2026. I need a comprehensive shooting itinerary that maximizes photographic opportunities while accounting for seasonal conditions and logistical considerations.

Photography Focus: Sand dunes (Mesquite Flat, Eureka), salt flats (Badwater Basin, Devil's Golf Course), dramatic geological formations. I am looking for February-specific opportunities such as Winter light quality, potential rare weather events, seasonal wildflower preparations. Interest in both iconic shots and undiscovered compositions at popular locations

Technical Planning Needs:  Precise sunrise/sunset times and optimal shooting positions for each location including golden hour and blue hour timing for each recommended spot.  Night photography locations with minimal light pollution and Moon phases considerations for night shooting (Feb 12-15, 2026)

Logistical Requirements:

Day-by-day itinerary with drive times between locations
Alternative indoor/covered locations for potential weather delays
Equipment-specific advice for desert conditions (sand protection, battery performance, condensation management)
Temperature considerations: expected daily highs/lows and how they affect gear and shooting comfort

Advanced Location Intelligence:  Lesser-known vantage points at popular locations to avoid crowds.
Seasonal access information (road conditions, closures, permits needed)
Composition suggestions: foreground/background combinations unique to February conditions
Weather pattern insights: typical February conditions and how to adapt shooting plans

Results: Death Valley Photography Expedition Itinerary

February 12–15, 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)
Base Location: Furnace Creek
Focus: Sand dunes, salt flats, geology, astro, and dramatic winter light

Lunar Phase (Astro Conditions)

Date	Moon Phase	Night Photography Conditions
Feb 12	New Moon	Perfect for dark skies
Feb 13	2% waxing crescent	Still great for Milky Way & starfields
Feb 14	5% waxing crescent	Minimal moonlight, foreground possible
Feb 15	9% waxing crescent	Slight glow post-sunset, still ideal

Sunrise & Sunset Data (Feb 12–15, 2026)

Date	Sunrise	Sunset	Golden Hour AM	Golden Hour PM	Blue Hour PM
Feb 12	6:44 AM	5:26 PM	6:20–7:10 AM	5:00–5:45 PM	5:26–5:50 PM
Feb 13	6:43 AM	5:27 PM	6:20–7:10 AM	5:01–5:45 PM	5:27–5:51 PM
Feb 14	6:42 AM	5:28 PM	6:18–7:08 AM	5:02–5:46 PM	5:28–5:52 PM
Feb 15	6:41 AM	5:29 PM	6:17–7:07 AM	5:03–5:47 PM	5:29–5:53 PM

Base Recommendation: Furnace Creek

• Central to all locations
• Lodging: The Inn at Death Valley, The Ranch, or nearby campgrounds
• Nearby amenities: General store, gas, restaurant, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

3-Day Shooting Plan: February 12–15, 2026

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Day 1: Thursday, Feb 12

Theme: Introduce the Basin – sunrise textures, sunset dunes, new moon astro

Sunrise – Zabriskie Point

• Arrive by: 6:15 AM
• Light: Manly Beacon catches the early pinks
• Tips: Use long lens to compress Golden Canyon folds

Midday – Devil’s Golf Course

• Great mid-day contrast, rugged and sharp salt spires
• Drive: 30 min south of Furnace Creek

Sunset – Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (Stovepipe Wells)

• Arrive by: 4:15 PM
• Light: Raking golden light over untouched ridges
• Tip: Head northeast past tourist tracks (20-min walk for clean dunes)

Astro – Mesquite Dunes

• Start setup by: 8:30 PM
• Moon: New moon = pitch dark
• Sky Tip: Face south for Galactic Center rising early

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Day 2: Friday, Feb 13

Theme: Volcanic palettes + iconic salt flats + minimal moon for night sky

Sunrise – Golden Canyon to Manly Beacon Overlook

• Start hike: 5:45 AM
• View: Up-close of Manly Beacon from below
• Alternative: Twenty Mule Team Canyon pulloffs (zero hike)

Mid-Morning – Artist’s Palette

• Best light: 10:00–11:30 AM (brings out blues/pinks/greens)
• Park at lower palette and walk 100 meters to varied foregrounds

Sunset – Badwater Basin Salt Flats

• Arrive by: 4:15 PM
• Walk 0.6–1 mile west to get clean polygons (away from crowds)
• Foreground Tip: Crack patterns for leading lines, shallow DOF

Astro – Devil’s Golf Course

• Arrive: 8:30 PM
• Tip: Foreground shadows over rugged salt ridges look amazing in low-angle astro light
• Safety: Mind salt edges in dark — wear boots, use tripod as a feeler

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Day 3: Saturday, Feb 14

Theme: Remote dunes + abstract geology + minimal hiking

Sunrise – Eureka Dunes (optional long drive)

• Time from Furnace Creek: 2.5–3 hrs (best done as overnight camp or very early start)
• Subject: Towering, clean dunes in pre-dawn tones
• Alt: Return to Mesquite Dunes for new angles

Midday – Desolation Canyon or Harmony Borax Works (weather safe)

• Easy walks, colorful formations, good for mid-day abstracts
• Great indoor alt if there’s high wind or unexpected weather

Sunset – Twenty Mule Team Canyon (Drive loop)

• Sculpted ridges, glows golden at end of day
• Stay in car or pull over every few hundred feet
• Long lens: Great for compressing textures into abstracts

Astro – Harmony Borax or Desolation Canyon trailhead

• Less foot traffic than dunes, great starfield skies
• 5–10 min walk from car for clean eastern sky

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Day 4: Sunday, Feb 15 (Optional Short AM Shoot + Departure)

Sunrise – Zabriskie Point (Final Chance)

• If skies are clear, capture final sunrise in soft winter haze
• 15 minutes from Furnace Creek

AM Packing + Depart

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Technical Tips & Seasonal Considerations

Gear Tips for Desert in February:

• Sand Protection: Lens sleeve, painter’s tape, blower brush
• Battery Life: Cold mornings can drain faster – bring 2–3 spares
• Tripod Tips: Wide feet or small boards prevent sink in sand
• Condensation Control: Keep gear outside for 10 mins before sealing it in bags after night shooting

Weather Overview: February 2026

Avg Day Temp	Avg Night Temp	Risk Conditions
65–75°F (18–24°C)	35–45°F (2–7°C)	Morning fog, high wind gusts, rare rain showers

Hidden Composition Tips

Location	Composition Notes
Mesquite Dunes	Northeast area has bowls & curves – best just before sunrise or post-sunset
Zabriskie Point	Use a 70–200mm to isolate erosion patterns near Manly Beacon
Artist’s Palette	Look for dry washes with boulders as foreground to pastel hills
Badwater Basin	Walk SW (not south) to zig-zag salt polygons. Avoid edges where salt crust breaks
Twenty Mule Team	Try vertical abstracts of eroded canyon walls with long lens

Another fantastic thing the AI did after producing the above results, was it followed up by asking if I wanted GPS pins, GPX, or google maps export completed for all locations. I requested the GPS coordinates:

Location List with GPS Coordinates

Location	Latitude, Longitude	Notes
Zabriskie Point	36.4203, -116.8100	Classic sunrise view
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes	36.6059, -117.1150	Use NE quadrant for untouched sand
Devil’s Golf Course	36.2874, -116.8258	Good mid-day BW textures
Badwater Basin (Main Trail)	36.2502, -116.8255	Walk SW from main trailhead
Artist’s Palette (Parking Lot)	36.3213, -116.8116	Best color visibility 10–11:30 AM
Golden Canyon Trailhead	36.4207, -116.8126	Access to Manly Beacon from below
Eureka Dunes Trailhead	37.1039, -117.6693	Massive dunes, remote, possible 4WD
Twenty Mule Team Canyon (Scenic Loop)	36.4213, -116.7684	Drive-through abstracts
Desolation Canyon Trailhead	36.3563, -116.7989	Lesser known, colorful rock layers
Harmony Borax Works	36.4633, -116.8654	Astro-safe alternative site

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Conclusion

AI is just another tool in our kit. And like all tools, it depends on how we use it. If we approach it with curiosity, respect, and an open mind, it can be a powerful ally. If we let it dull our senses or override our connection to place, it becomes just more noise.

But when we use AI to free up space in our minds, to take care of the tedious stuff so we can sink deeper into the experience, then we’re onto something good.