mountains
sawtooth
Sawtooth Mountains Photography Workshop
May 29-June 1, 2025
$1675 | $450 due at registration | Remaining due 45 days prior
Based out of the charming town of Stanley, Idaho. Come capture the jagged and towering Sawtooth Mountains in the heart of Idaho. This lesser-known location is a landscape photographer's paradise, boasting gorgeous alpine lakes, and open countryside comparable to the Tetons. Join Dan Ballard for a weekend of photography instruction in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the US.
Experience Level
Beginner - Advanced
Both beginners & experienced photographers will benefit from this workshop. I will work closely with you to address strengths and weaknesses. All can expect to be challenged.
Endurance
Easy
All age levels are welcome on this photography workshop. We’ll drive to each location then walk to the best position for sunrise & sunset. *Reach out if you have limitations.
Curriculum
Field & Classroom
We will be in the field shooting for sunrise and sunset with classroom time & breaks during the day. Learn composition techniques, adv camera settings, image editing & more!
Group Size
10 people
I prefer to keep workshops small, ensuring that each person will have ample time for one-on-one instruction. This photography workshop is limited to 10 people.
COME HOME WITH STUNNING LANDSCAPE IMAGES
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback Sessions
Capture Rugged Mountain Landscapes
- what to expect -
We will be shooting in exciting and beautiful locations. But we will also working nonstop to improve your photography skills, from the technical how to side of creating sharp images to composition theory to image editing.
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We will stay in the town of Stanley where we will have classroom time and explore the surrounding area from there. Our goal is to capture each scene in the best light, which means we will be out early for sunrise and again for sunset.
I will always be with the group providing thoughts, advice and real time critique as the light changes. I run my workshops the same way that I shoot personally. By keeping the group small we can react quickly to changing conditions and scout interesting locations.
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
We will be out shooting and exploring during sunrise and sunset to ensure we find the best conditions. During daytime hours we will have classroom time where we will focus on photography concepts and techniques.
Image Composition
Learning how to compose an image is one of the most important elements of photography and probably one of the hardest to master. Starting with this class and continuing throughout the workshop, I will teach you simple and actionable skills that will help you find amazing compositions in any environment.
Creative Editing
We will go through my editing process from beginning to end using a combination of mostly Lightroom with some fairly easy but extremely powerful Photoshop to finish it off. My editing method is very artistic and effective for beginners and advanced users alike. It is always one of the highlights of the workshop.
Portfolio Feedback
Getting honest and constructive feedback about your images is extremely hard to find. At the end of every workshop I will dig into 15-20 of your best shots to give you insightful critique on how to improve. While these sessions are honest, I guarantee you will go away inspired with new ideas and thoughts on making great images.
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
I have been shooting for 30 years and one day with Dan has literally changed the way I shoot, select and edit and my photos forever. He is honest, down-to-earth, amazingly knowledgable, helpful and generous with his guidance” -Karen Berman
JUNE 2024 (4-Days)
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
On Thursday we will start the workshop off at 3:00PM at the lodge with an introduction, followed by a classroom session on light and composition. We will have an early dinner at a local restaurant before heading out to shoot sunset.
On Friday, we will rise before the sun to capture the best light over the peaks. After breakfast and a short break, we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom. Then we will go out for an early dinner followed by the evening photoshoot.
On Saturday, the mountains will be beckoning us again to shoot the early morning sunrise. For classroom time, the image feedback session will break down 15-20 of your best images and give you new ideas on how to improve. Our final sunset shoot.
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On Sunday, we will have our last shoot in the morning to capture sunrise and wrap up around 9am.
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Please note that transportation and accommodations for the Sawtooth Mountains Photography Workshop are up to each individual participant.
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Hotel: We will have a block of rooms in Stanley, ID for the workshop dates. We will send out a group email with information on how to book your stay. Email us with any questions.
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Car: If you won't have your personal vehicle, I highly recommend renting a vehicle so you can also explore on your own before/after the workshop. We will be carpooling to each location during the workshop.
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Flight: The closest nearby major airport is Boise, which is about a 3-hour drive from Stanley. Another option is to fly into Sun Valley which is a 1.5-hour drive.
Planning Your Photo Trip
About Stanley, Idaho
"The Gem State of Idaho has many lesser-known destinations that are packed with adventure and jaw-dropping scenery, but Stanley, Idaho, tops the list. Unaffected, pristine, and planted at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains on the banks of the Salmon River, Stanley, Idaho defines natural beauty. It just takes a few lungfuls of crisp mountain air and a glimpse of the unforgettable scenery to understand what makes this such a special place."
What's Included in the Sawtooth Photography Workshop:
Instruction from Dan Ballard • Classroom Courses • Portfolio Feedback Sessions • Snacks and Water
Not Included: flights, hotel, car and food
Operating under a special use permit with the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.