Overview

Welcome to a land of pure magic with soaring peaks. Where waterfalls drop from the heavens to meet the icy lips of ridiculously blue lakes. Where the melting glaciers of winter turn into the wildflowers of summer. To change is to live. And we most definitely will be alive. These are the San Juan Mountains. Our home for the next few days.

From the start we will feel our breath. The weight of our packs on our backs. It’ll be an upward trek for sure. An adventure that may just change your life trajectory. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. With intention, we will be stopping to smell the flowers. We will aim to build a connection with this beautiful landscape, rub our eyes, and pinch ourselves to make sure we’re not in a dream. I will show you my approach under various lighting conditions and we will come away with multiple meaningful images.

The workshop is limited to three participants to allow for ample one-on-one instruction. My focus is on the participants and guidance will be tailored to each individual’s level of experience. I will share with you what I do and what I use for pre-planning and scouting, and the thought processes I go through as I make compositional and camera setting decisions in-field. Interested in getting a sneak peek into some of the topics we will touch upon? See my guides & tutorials.

Since we will be spending plenty of time together there will be ample chances for impromptu technical photography talk and image critique. However, please note that there is no planned post-processing instruction on this tour. Instead, one-on-one lessons can be added separately at a later agreed-upon date between the participant and myself. We may elect to have this lesson in-person or in the comfort of your home via video conferencing of your choosing as long as we can share screens (I’ll choose if you have no preference). Why? First of all, you’re on holiday. Let’s spend less time in front of screens and more time immersed in nature. I’m hoping now and in the future there will not be a cell signal for the duration of the trip. Instead of squeezing in planned processing sessions, we maximize our time in the field and remain nimble enough to follow the light. Second, I personally don’t process in the field. I don’t find it enjoyable. I have a different process when I process and I like to keep the shooting and post work separate.

Post-processing instruction will be adapted for each one-on-one session. This lesson is not included in the purchase price. I will share my entire post-processing workflow starting in Adobe Lightroom and ending in Photoshop. You won't need to buy any extra plug-ins or panels in order to follow along. I don’t put a hard time limit on these. Depending on experience level, expect anywhere from 1-3 hours and the cost is $250. Send me a message if interested in tacking on a session. Bring your questions.

A portion of the workshop fee ($250) is considered non-refundable. If the need for a cancellation arises, this deposit may be applied to a future group workshop or private instruction. Contact me if you are looking for alternative dates, sliding scale or payment plan options, or if you would like to barter for something awesome.

Itinerary

Day 1. We will start at the Blue Lakes Trailhead. It’s a popular one so we could have a whole bunch of other humans amongst us. We will leave in the afternoon. Not only will the surrounding forest at this time gradually take on a most satisfying glow, but we are bound to have long stretches of the trail to ourselves. We move forward. We take our time. We will aim to catch sunset by the majestic banks of Lower Blue Lake. However, our goal today is to make the hike and set up camp. Choose a good spot. This will be our base for awhile. Rest up friends.

Day 2. The next morning will be an early riser. We head further up. Although it may seem impossible to beat the views from our camp, the payoff will be worth it as we tuck ourselves amongst wildflowers looking down upon Lower Blue Lake. We will continue to shoot and take in the ever-changing scenery into the late morning as the weather permits. Afterwards, we scout. We have two other lakes and beyond to explore above us. I will show you some of my favorite spots and suggest others in this land of limitless possibilities. As the opportunities present themselves during the day, we will shoot again and again. We should have options - especially in the quickly changing weather patterns high in these mountains. We will cherish those transitions in light. Plan on being out all day. I’ll remind everyone to bring food, but don’t worry about water. We will be drinking some of the finest. I’ll answer any and all questions you have throughout the day. We will get ourselves in position well in advance for our sunset location. I’m excited just thinking about it.

Day 3. This is where we put our knowledge gained over the past couple of days to the test. Did we scout something that would be perfect for sunrise? Or do we want to re-shoot a location to catch epic light? We will be discussing options the day before. Of course I can guide you to a spot, but this is our chance to do something new and unique. If the light is good in the morning, we’ll keep on shooting. If we haven’t done so already, I’ll be suggesting a midday dip. It’ll awaken your senses like no other. And we won’t smell for the return trip... as bad. If we’re lucky, we can launch ourselves off an iceberg. Regardless, at some juncture, we will need to break camp and leave this landscape that has surely resonated with our souls. Plan on taking your time. There’s no rush to leave.

Transportation

Transportation is not included. I encourage carpooling and I come equipped with a fully capable 4x4. Regardless, your own transportation is recommended to further explore the surprising variety of Colorado beyond our time together.

“Lodging”

We will be backpacking. I understand that some may have little to no backpacking experience and I’m here to help. If you need specific recommendations or would like to rent camping gear, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you would like to stay somewhere close before or after our time together, I recommend nearby Ridgway, Colorado. There are multiple lodging options in and around this conveniently located town.

Food

Due to the potential for students to have food allergies, particular food preferences, or other dietary restrictions, I will not be providing meals of any kind during the duration of the workshop. It will be your responsibility to bring or purchase food for yourself from a local grocery store.

Backpacking Specific Recommended Items

• Bear canister (yes, bears live here too)

• Water filter (I suggest a much smaller water bottle to reduce your weight - we will have plentiful opportunities to stop and fill up on water)

• Trekking poles

• Neoprene socks (I normally would suggest chest waders but when backpacking these are what I recommend for stream crossings and standing in lakes)

• Waterproof footwear (regardless, still be prepared to get your feet wet)

• Extra pair of socks and underwear

• Head net (I always carry a Ben’s InvisiNet; bug spray is another option)

• Bathing suit?!

Recommended Packing List

• Camera (full frame recommended)

• Wide-angle and short telephoto lenses (I exclusively use two lenses for my work: a 16-35mm and a 70-200mm)

• Circular polarizer

• Sturdy tripod

• Cable or wireless remote release

• Memory cards

• Extra batteries

• Backpack with a rain cover

• Appropriate clothing (including warm layers and rain gear)

• Headlamp

• Hat or sunscreen and lip balm