Overview

Before all the snow melts and the wildflowers pop, there is a small window of unique photographic opportunities during the spring in Colorado’s most wild and rugged section of the Rocky Mountains: The San Juan Mountain Range. As winter starts to loosen its hold on the high country, we will attempt to catch the light on the intricate and colorful buds of spring before everything turns a more uniform green. Nighttime showers will be welcomed, giving us the opportunity to shoot the rolling fog as the rising sun makes its appearance each morning. You will be immersed in beauty as countless waterfalls drop from the heavens, jagged peaks surround you in all directions, and the sun filters through enchanted forests. We will get wet. We will get muddy. And love every minute of it.

So let’s get out and explore what Mother Nature has in store for spring cleaning. We will aim to build a connection with this beautiful landscape and feel a true sense of renewal. I will show you my approach under various lighting conditions and we will come away with multiple meaningful images.

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. Let’s meet at the crossroads of the Million Dollar Highway (Route 550) and Forest Road 585. We will rather quickly make some pit stops to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. I’m a large proponent of taking breaks, soaking in the scenery, and shooting when the opportunity presents itself. We will do all three as we meander along the South Fork Mineral Creek.

Day 2. We’re getting up early and we’re going to see what is in store for us weather-wise. Over the course of the morning, I’ll show you two absolutely epic locations we can shoot. You’ll have the choice to run back and forth or choose one and buckle in. We’ll chat about the advantages and disadvantages of each of these. Either way we’ll stay out until well into the morning, enjoying the changing light. Then we’ll sit down and bask in the first rays of sunshine. Since a goal of my workshops is to increase time in the wild and reduce motorized travel, plan on being out all day. Bring food, water, and maybe more importantly fully charged batteries. During the day, I’ll answer any and all questions you have. We will shoot. We will scout. We will get ourselves in position well in advance for our sunset location. This is going to be fun.

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 not, we will once again do some image review and opportunistic scouting. Plan on a full day. If you’re up for it, I welcome you to join me for a final sunset in the field.

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

Lodging is not included. I strongly recommend finding a place to lay your head in nearby Silverton or a bit further out in Ouray, Colorado. There are multiple lodging options in and around both of these towns; however, expect around a 20-50 minute drive one-way. There are also plentiful areas to camp. I personally will be camping and you are more than welcome to join me. If you need specific recommendations or would like to inquire about renting camping gear, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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. However, I’ve learned how to share and will offer light snacks during our in-field adventures, plus I’m sure I’ll have an extra can or two of soup laying around.

Recommended Packing List

• Chest waders (these come with my highest recommendation - not only will you stay dry and comfortable, but they will open a whole new world of photographic opportunities)

• 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 and charger

• Backpack with a rain cover

• Appropriate clothing (including warm layers and rain gear)

• Headlamp

• Hat or sunscreen and lip balm