Overview

Ready to get swept up? I mean it. April is the windiest month in the Great Sand Dunes. The National Park’s website warns, “... wind is common. Plan to experience the dunes in the morning to avoid the highest winds.” Warnings be damned. We’re heading out. We’ll be out at all times of the day. And staying a couple of nights in the backcountry. I’m not saying it’ll be easy. We’re going to be tackling the highest sand dunes on the continent, by golly. Upwards of 750 feet. But I’m betting you’ll agree that it will all be worth it in the end.

Observing, experiencing, and, yes, photographing sand blowing off the tips of sun-kissed dunes surrounded by snow capped peaks during the golden hours is quite the experience. It’s a sight to behold. And you’ll come home with a lot of tiny souvenirs. We’ll choose our spots and aim to be shooting these epic scenes multiple times a day. As we move about on our trip, we will discover the dunes from multiple perspectives.

April also happens to be the second snowiest month of the year on average. Even better. A blanket of snow layered on top of the dunes is a whole other world. Although don’t be fooled. The snow doesn’t usually last long past the morning hours. It gets hot out there. The sand temperature can be twice as warm as the air. Typical highs are in the mid 50s and lows in the high 20s. I’ll let you do the math on that one. Now didn’t someone say that there’s no pleasure without pain? Pack your ski goggles, your sunscreen, and a hearty sense of adventure and let’s go.

The workshop is limited to four 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 begin our adventure. Where to? Don’t exactly know. Since backpacking permits cannot be reserved in advance, we may find ourselves among the trees, in the dunefield, or a combination of both. I will be arriving early and getting our permits in check prior to your arrival. What ever happens, happens. Regardless, my plan is to head deep into the back where the dunes tucked in against the towering mountains. There’s some real big ones out this way.

Day 2. TBD. The lesson here is to enjoy the unpredictable. It’s being moved towards what excites you the most. We will shoot when inspired (and tired). We will be out early to experience the absolutely magical journey of light on sand.

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? I’ll leave it up to the group. Of course, I can throw in my two cents, but I’m down for whatever. I’m positive we already have some insane images on our memory cards. At some juncture, we will need to break camp and exit this landscape that has surely resonated with our souls. Plan on taking your time. There’s no rush to leave.

SNEAK UP ON THE WILD LIFE.

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 Alamosa, 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. They rarely enter the dunefield; however, I’d like to score a spot in the forest for us.

• Lots and lots of water (plan on one gallon per person per day)

  • Water filter (there are not a lot of great places to filter here, but there are some opportunities)

• Trekking poles

• Sand stakes

• Neoprene socks (I normally would suggest chest waders but when backpacking these are what I recommend for Medano Creek crossings)

• Waterproof footwear (be prepared to get your feet wet as we’ll be crossing a creek or two)

• Extra pair of socks and underwear

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

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)

• Sturdy tripod

• Cable or wireless remote release

• Memory cards

• Extra batteries

• Backpack with a rain cover

• Appropriate clothing (including warm layers and rain gear)

  • Ski goggles are more than a luxury, I’d consider them a necessity with blowing sand

• Headlamp

• Hat or sunscreen and lip balm