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COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAINs 

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Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter Photography Workshop in Colorado 

 Cost: 1,350 (375 due at registration)

Capture stunning winter scenes of Rocky Mountain National Park in this 3-day landscape photography workshop. Winter is an excellent time of year to visit, with significantly less crowds, magnificent snowcapped mountains and endless beauty. We will base out of Estes Park and spend sunsets and sunrises shooting, with classroom time and image editing during the day. One morning shoot will include a guided snowshoe hike (easy) to Dream Lake! 

  Improve your photography skills  

Dan will always be with the group providing thoughts, advice and real time critique through-out the entire workshop. You are encouraged to ask questions and get individual help with specific challenges while in the field and the classroom. 

Jan 24-26, 2025: 2 SPOTS LEFT!

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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 

Somewhat Challenging

All age levels welcome. You should be comfortable hiking or snowshoeing up to 3 miles (can be strenuous depending on snow). Please reach out if you are not sure about your ability. 

Terrain

Snowcapped peaks & lakes

Dramatic peaks and stunning lakes. We will be shooting in winter conditions. Please be prepared for snow and ice, with waterproof boots and plenty of warm layers.      

Group Size

8 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 8 people. 

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Never having taken any formal photography instruction, I was thrilled for my day in Rocky Mountain National Park with Dan. He has a very gentle and unassuming manner and you can see it his pleasure to impart his expertise to a group of 'weekend warrior' photographers."

Image by Justin Kauffman

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Day 1: (Friday) Meet at 12:30pm at the Castle Mountain Lodge for an intro class on composition. Head out to Rocky Mountain National Park to shoot through sunset. Back to the hotel with time off for dinner in Estes Park. 

 

Day 2: (Saturday) Rise early for an exciting hike/snowshoe (3 miles round trip) to Dream Lake, shooting through sunrise. Back to the lodge for a break, followed by image editing classroom session. Spend sunset shooting more gorgeous scenes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Time for dinner in Estes after. 

 

Day 3: (Sunday) Another early morning for our last shoot in Rocky Mountain National Park! Return to the lodge for breakfast then the portfolio review session, followed by Q&A. Wrap up around 11am. 

COME HOME WITH STUNNING IMAGES 

 Exciting Photo Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Image Editing • Portfolio Feedback 

IN THE CLASSROOM 

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

LODGING: Cost of lodging is up to each participant. Our group will be staying at the Castle Mountain Lodge in Estes Park. Prices range between $99 and $299 per night, depending on your choice of cabin. After sign-up you will receive information on confirming your stay. 

 

DRIVING: You can either drive your own car/rent a vehicle (encouraged) or choose the shuttle-service from Denver Airport to Estes Park and carpool during the workshop. The round-trip shuttle can be arranged for $98. For those who are comfortable driving in winter conditions, having your own vehicle / renting is the preferred option for maximum flexibility. 

 

WINTER CONDITIONS: Like every winter destination, there is the possibility of a snowstorm affecting travel plans. If the workshop is not possible due to inclement weather, we will officially reschedule to the following weekend. Please make your travel arrangements with this in mind. 

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WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP?

Not included: Food, lodging, extras or transportation

✓ Instruction from Dan Ballard

✓ 4x shoots in and around RMNP

✓ 3x classroom sessions 

✓ Snowshoe rental + guide

Operating under a Special Use Authorization with Rocky Mountain National Park
Have questions? Feel free to reach out.
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