Overview

This is what dreams are made of. It won’t always be easy. Especially so when you consciously choose the harder path. We literally and figuratively will be leaving everything behind and trusting what we have is enough. On the way up, we will make our rest stops. Pause. Breathe. And realize that although we may have a destination in mind, we are on a journey. The results are breathtaking. The steep incline that seemingly never gave way becomes a distant memory. We’re pulled towards the grand finale: an impossibly blue alpine lake hugged by wildflowers. We’ve both arrived and begun.

They say water is life. Life is everywhere in this setting. We will explore the lakeshore, inlets, outlets, and head further up to touch the clouds. Whatever we choose, we will aim to build a connection with this beautiful landscape. 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 Columbine Lake Trailhead and leave the world behind. We are bound to have long stretches of the trail to ourselves. We will aim to catch sunset by the lush banks of the 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. There is much to explore out here. With our packs lightened, it’ll be much easier than the previous day to traverse to higher elevations - if we so choose. The highlight here is quite possibly the bluest lake you have ever set your eyes on. As such, everything will be based around the lake. I’ll give each participant location ideas depending of what folks are most interested in shooting. None will be terribly far away from the others or our tents. I will encourage participants to spread out. Take your time. I want to give each of you space and still be there for support. We will shoot throughout the day… until we don’t. The last four images here were shot over the course of one day. 7 am. 9 am. 11:30 am. And 7:30pm. What happened between the hours of noon to 7? There was definitely a long nap. I must have ate something. That might have been it. A big dose of idleness will refresh our souls.

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 left an undeniable mark on our hearts. 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 Silverton, 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

• 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