top of page
DB-190624-colorado-03659_edited.jpg

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 - Moderate

All age levels are welcome on this photography workshop. Minimal hiking in is involved on uneven surfaces. We’ll drive to each location then a short hike/walk. *Reach out if you have any limitations.

Curriculum

Field & Classroom

We will be in the field shooting for sunrise & sunset w/ classroom time & breaks during the day. Learn focus stacking, focal length blending, advanced camera settings & so much more.

Group Size

7-10 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. 

Colorado Off-Road Photo Workshop: Silverton/Ouray 

  Sept. 12-14, 2025 | NOW OPEN!
$1,375  [$475 due at registration]

4WD Jeeps included! Join me for 3-days of shooting and learning amongst the epic scenery of the Silverton-Ouray area in Southwest Colorado. Mountain peaks rise in every direction with a beautiful scene around almost every corner...  if you know where to look and have a 4WD that is! In this photography workshop we will explore the rugged landscape during peak light with classroom time during the day. I’ve always said that one of the most rewarding aspects of photography is finding and creating unique images that few others have seen. 

DB-190725-colorado-04455.jpg

COLORADO OFFROAD

DB-190920-colorado-05535.jpg

This workshop will challenge you to put your photography skills to the test and discover interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own. I hope to help you learn how to create exceptional images in general, without the normal limits of a group workshop. The idea is to go to remarkable landscapes and make great images, no matter where they happen to be. This includes well-maintained dirt roads as well as rougher 4wd only trails and mountain passes.

The Path Less Traveled 

Colorado Photography Workshop

COME HOME WITH INCREDIBLE IMAGES
 Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback
272764184_5168555796536467_732837707635329642_n
DB-190725-colorado-0354-Pano
colorado off road fall color6-31
sq colorado off road fall color6-31
DB-190725-colorado-0357
DB-190725-colorado-04455
DB-190725-colorado-0387-Pano
Colorado Offroad Photography Workshop_10
colorado off road fall color -31
Colorado Offroad Photography Workshop_9.
DB-180921-colorado-02902-Edit
Colorado Offroad Photography Workshop_5.
colorado off road fall color23-31
DB-190723-colorado-0297-Edit
DB-190919-colorado-05323.jpg
4WD Included

In partnership with a local jeep guide, we will be exploring the Silverton/Ouray rugged dirt trails in 3 off road vehicles.

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. 

fall color in colorado photography

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.

fgsdf.jpg

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. 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 example_edited.jpg

Portfolio Feedback

Getting honest & 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 

Photography Workshop Schedule

 

On Friday, we will start the workshop off at 2:00PM at the hotel with an introduction followed by a classroom session on light and composition. We will have a very early dinner at a local Silverton restaurant before heading out to shoot sunset.

 

On Saturday, we will rise before the sun to capture the best light over the rugged San Juan Mountains. After breakfast at the B&B we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom. The group will then take a short break before we head out to shoot for the evening light. We will enjoy dinner and conversation after sunset.

 

On Sunday, the mountain vistas will be beckoning us again to shoot the early morning sunrise. We will end with a feedback session that will break down 15-20 of your best images and give you new ideas on how to improve. We will finish up around 11AM.

DB-190725-colorado-04478-Edit.jpg

Planning Your Trip: Hotel & Travel

​

Please note that transportation and accommodations for the Colorado Offroad Photography Workshop are up to each individual participant.

 

Hotel: I have reserved a block of rooms at the Grand Imperial Hotel in the charming historic mining town of Silverton. After sign-up you will receive an email with information to confirm your stay. 

​​

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 in the two 4WDs during the workshop. 

​

Flight: There is an airport in Grand Junction and a small one in Telluride as well. Denver International Airport to Silverton is about a 6-hour drive.

DB-210912-colorado-05561.jpg
About Silverton

Silverton is an old mining town dating back to the 1860s. It is a part of the National Historic Landmark, home to Animas Forks and the Alpine Loop. Miles and miles of dirt trails surround the area, connecting remote mountain passes and winding past alpine lakes and waterfalls. 

 

What's Included in the Colorado Photography Workshop: 

Instruction from Dan Ballard • 4WD Vehicles • Classroom Courses • Portfolio Feedback Session 

 Not Included: Flights, hotel, transportation to the workshop and food not included.
SIGN-UPS
Have questions? Feel free to reach out.
bottom of page