Southwest Colorado is truly a hidden gem, and it may very well be the crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains. This stunning region boasts miles of undeveloped, towering alpine peaks, meandering country roads that offer awe-inspiring vistas, crystal-clear lakes and tarns, and endless opportunities for both intimate and grand scenes in vibrant aspen forests. With its unparalleled beauty, it’s no surprise that Southwest Colorado is often regarded as one of the best locations in the country for capturing the dazzling colors of fall foliage.

In this exclusive 5-day workshop, we’ll explore the heart of this magnificent, wild region, and with a group size capped at just 10 participants, you'll receive personalized attention and guidance. This small group setting ensures an intimate shooting experience, while also maintaining an instructor-to-student ratio of 5:1, allowing for plenty of one-on-one instruction and feedback.

Throughout the workshop, we’ll immerse ourselves in the diverse landscapes of Southwest Colorado, capturing everything from sweeping mountain vistas to detailed shots of aspen groves bathed in golden light. We’ll explore remote alpine lakes, chase the peak of fall color, and photograph the wild, rugged terrain that makes this region so unique.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a passionate nature enthusiast, this workshop is designed to inspire, challenge, and elevate your skills. You’ll walk away with not only breathtaking images but a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the Rockies. Join us for this unforgettable journey into one of the most photogenic corners of the American West!

In this workshop, you’ll gain a strong technical and creative foundation in outdoor photography, equipped with the skills to capture the wild beauty of the landscape and create images that truly stand out. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

• Mastering Light & Weather: Learn the critical importance of “seeing the light” and how to use it to your advantage. We’ll cover the essentials of weather forecasting and location scouting, ensuring you’re always in the right place at the right time for the best possible light.
• Using Filters in the Field: Discover how to use filters, such as graduated ND filters and polarizers, to control dynamic range and enhance your images in the field. You'll learn techniques for managing exposure, balancing bright skies with darker landscapes, and reducing glare and reflections.
• Dynamic Compositions: Learn strategies for creating compelling compositions that have energy and engage the viewer. Whether you’re photographing vast mountain vistas or intimate forest scenes, we’ll dive into framing, perspective, and the elements that make a photograph truly dynamic.
• Depth of Field & Focus Techniques: Understand how to choose the right aperture and how to use hyperfocal focusing to achieve sharpness throughout your landscape images. We’ll explore techniques that allow you to maintain an expansive depth of field, ensuring your photos are crisp from foreground to background.
• Post-Processing in Lightroom & Photoshop: Bring your images to life in post-production. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, we’ll walk through Lightroom and Photoshop techniques to enhance colors, contrast, and details. Learn how to transform your raw captures into polished, professional-level images.
• Individualized Instruction: Throughout the workshop, you’ll receive personalized instruction and critiques both in the field and during classroom sessions. With a small group size, you’ll benefit from direct feedback and guidance tailored to your unique style and goals.
• Autumn Landscapes: Experience the vibrant beauty of the region’s aspen stands, streams, ponds, and woodlands in their full autumn glory. We’ll photograph intimate scenes, capturing the stunning colors and textures of fall in this pristine wilderness.
• Majestic Sunrises and Sunsets: We’ll photograph sunrises and sunsets against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains. These golden-hour moments will provide the perfect opportunity to practice composition, light management, and capturing the dramatic beauty of the landscape.

This workshop will provide you with both the technical know-how and creative inspiration to elevate your outdoor photography. Whether you're refining your skills or pushing creative boundaries, you’ll leave with a stronger understanding of landscape photography and a portfolio of breathtaking images.

The workshop will kick off on September 28 at 2:00 PM at the Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs in Ouray, CO, where we’ll gather for a brief reception to meet and introduce the workshop itinerary. From there, we’ll dive straight into the field to start making images. There is no strict, set daily schedule; instead, we’ll maintain a flexible approach to make the most of the ever-changing weather and lighting conditions. This allows us to adapt in real-time and capture the best possible shots.

Typically, our days will begin early with a sunrise shoot, followed by several hours of photography until mid-morning. After that, we’ll take a break for a meal and some rest. The afternoon and evening will see us back out in the field, capturing new locations and perspectives as the light changes. We’ll continue shooting through sunset, making sure to maximize the beautiful golden-hour light.

Throughout the workshop, we’ll also have informal post-processing and critique sessions. These sessions will be a great opportunity to review your work, get personalized feedback, and learn editing techniques that will help elevate your images. Whether you’re looking for feedback on your composition or learning advanced Lightroom and Photoshop skills, these moments will add a valuable layer to your overall learning experience.

The workshop will wrap up after our final sunrise shoot on October 2, giving us ample time to return to the hotel for a normal checkout and depart at your convenience. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a portfolio of stunning images, fresh insights into landscape photography, and new skills that you can apply to your future projects.

There will be no strenuous hiking involved during the workshop, and most of our shooting locations will be easily accessible from the road. However, some spots may require a short hike of less than a mile with elevation gains under 150 feet. While the walking is moderate, we will be spending much of our time photographing in mountainous terrain and dense aspen forests, which may require navigating uneven ground or occasional slippery surfaces.

Given the terrain, hiking boots and a modest level of health and fitness will certainly enhance your experience, ensuring you’re comfortable and able to fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

The town of Ouray sits at an elevation of just shy of 7,800 feet, and some of the locations we’ll be photographing will be at higher elevations, reaching up to 10,000 feet. If you’re traveling from sea level or lower elevations, please be aware that you might experience shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches as your body adjusts to the thinner air. This is a common response to high-altitude environments and usually passes after a couple of days of acclimatization.

To help mitigate any potential discomfort, you may want to consider arriving a few days before the workshop to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude. Staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and taking it easy on the first day or two will help you acclimate more smoothly.

With the right preparation, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Southwest Colorado and enjoy the workshop to the fullest.

A deposit of $500.00 USD is required to secure your space in this workshop. The final payment will be due 60 days prior to the workshop start date. Please note that there are no refunds after the final payment has been made, unless we are able to fill your spot.

For more detailed information about our cancellation policy, please refer to the specific terms outlined in the policy document.

We recommend reviewing these details carefully to ensure you’re fully informed before committing. We're excited to have you join us and look forward to an inspiring and enriching photographic experience!