Autumn in Colorado
Part One
Aspen/Carbondale Region:
September 22 - 24,
2008
Part Two
Ridgway/San Juan Mtn. Region: September 26 -28, 2008
Join Andy Cook as he leads two workshops
for
Nature Photo Tours
to
photograph Colorado's breathtaking fall foliage.
Nature
Photo Tours is a new photography workshop outfit, please contact
them directly by clicking on their name to view their website and make
your reservations.
Colorado rarely fails to leave an impression on the
beholder. This is especially true during autumn when hues of yellow,
orange and red play across the rugged terrain. Add deep blue skies and
white snow-capped peaks and you have the ingredients of every landscape
photographers' dreams. Cool crisp morning, musky autumn scents and elk
bugling in the distance complete the assault on ones senses creating
one of the most magical times to photograph Colorado.
These workshops are an aggressive
pursuit to shoot the very best of Colorado's autumn, to accomplish this
we will be relocating several times. They
are geared for the intermediate to advanced
photographer seeking to shoot the best locations of the areas we visit.
However, beginners with a working knowledge of their camera can gain a
lot of experience and instruction. Each participant is assisted at
their level. We focus on creating the
most appealing compositions of each location. Additionally, we cover
equipment, exposure, metering, filters, Photoshop and personal tips as
needed. If you have images you
wish Andy to critique, please bring them.
The emphasis of these workshops is
autumn color. Generally, you can expect to be at a shooting location
about 6:15 AM in advance of morning light (sunrise is 7:00 A.M.) and
we'll stay in the field until
it's time for a late breakfast or lunch. After lunch we venture back
into the field and shoot
through evening. You should be prepared to snack for
breakfast and eat a late dinner.
These workshops do not involve much
trail hiking, however, they can involve vigorous activity walking along
roads. Walking surfaces are generally uneven.
You don't have to be in tip-top shape, but your enjoyment will be
enhanced by good health and preparation, hiking boots are recommended.
Consult your doctor before venturing to higher elevations. A standard
liability release form will be required before departure.
Be prepared for possible temperature
extremes and sudden changes in
weather. Be aware that mornings and evenings can be very chilly in
September; snow is a possibility at higher elevations.
Itinerary
Outline:
Part One
Aspen/Carbondale
Region:
September 22 - 24,
2008
We prefer
that participants check in with Andy Sunday (September 21st) in the
Hotel Lobby at 6:00 PM and join him for dinner. You may
arrive later but please check in with Andy.
Location: Hotel Aspen, Aspen
Part Two
Ridgway/San Juan Mtn. Region: September 26 -28, 2008
We
prefer that participants check in with Andy Thursday (September 25th)
in the hotel lobby at
6:30 PM and join him for dinner. You may
arrive later but please check in with Andy.
Location: Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites
COST:
Part One: $695.00* No
charge for non photographer participants (spouse/significant other not
carrying a camera).
Part Two: $695.00* No
charge for non photographer participants (spouse/significant other not
carrying a camera).
Both Parts: $1,290.00* No
charge for non photographer participants (spouse/significant other not
carrying a camera).
Please contact Nature
Photo Tours to make your reservation. (Click on their name to visit
their website.)
*We realize that it can be difficult for some people to be away for an
extended time and as a result we've split this workshop into two parts.
The first portion is 3 full days of shooting, with the possibility of
location re-shoots on the 4th day, which is a relocation day to a
different mountain region. The second portion of the Workshop is
another 3 full days of shooting. You can book either Part One of the
workshop, Part Two of the workshop or both. There is a $100 discount
for booking the entire Workshop.
The
Fine Print
We do
not guarantee the weather or that every location we visit will be at
peak during our visit however this workshops time table has been
carefully determined to maximize our chances of good color in every
region. Workshop fee does not include transportation,
lodging or meals. Participants are responsible for arranging their own
transportation, lodging and meals (please see lodging information below).
Maximum
number of participants is 10. This
workshop does involve some hiking and elevation gain. The elevation
range of our shooting locations - 7,000 to 12,000 ft. Please consult
with your doctor before attending our
workshop. We require a waiver
(for injuries) be signed before going into the field, this will
be done on the first evening
or in advance of the workshop.
More Information
LODGING:
We suggest you stay in the same hotels as Andy. We are
holding blocks of 11 rooms, 10 for participants and 1 for Andy at the
hotels listed below. Registered participants need
to contact each hotel directly and reserve their rooms upon registering
for the workshop. Please mention that you are taking one of the rooms
held by Nature Photo Tours. We
lose unclaimed held rooms 30 to 60 days prior to the workshop depending
upon the hotel, so please claim your room as soon as possible. If you
will be making other hotel arrangements please let us know. If you wish
to share a room with another workshop participant please let us know
and we will pair you up if possible.
Aspen - September 21st & 22nd: Hotel Aspen - 970-925-3441
Carbondale - September 23rd and 24th: Comfort Inn - 800-473-5980
Ridgway - September 25th, 26th, 27th & 28th: Ridgway-Ouray Lodge
&
Suites - 800-368-5444
TRANSPORTATION:
Many people flying to Colorado for these workshops will find flying
into
Grand Junction to be most desirable, others may choose to
fly into Denver, Durango, Colorado Springs or Pueblo. Aspen is an
easy 3.5
hour scenic drive from Colorado Springs and about 2.5 hours from Grand
Junction. Ridgway our final shooting location is about 2 hours to Grand
Junction and about 5 hours to Colorado Springs.
Driving
Conditions: During the
workshops participants should be driving an SUV or other capable higher
clearance vehicle. Driving conditions will usually be easy dirt
roads and paved highways. On one evening during the first workshop we
will travel a short section
(about 1/3 mile) of a moderate 4-wd road into a shooting location. We
will exit
the location the same way we approach it, participants may hike the
short distance or car pool with more experienced drivers. When possible
we prefer that participants car pool with each other
to help limit our impact and get to know each other. Many times the
schedule will allow for impromptu photo stops so always
feel free to suggest a stop if you see something of interest. Andy will
provide you with a radio to communicate with him
while driving. Note: Road conditions vary from year to year. If
you wish to share a vehicle with another participant during the entire
workshop, please let us know and we will put you in contact with others
who wish to do the same. You can coordinate your travel arraignments
directly with them.
SUV Rental Information: By booking 3-5
months in advance, you will usually pay about $250 to $300 base rate
for 1 week with unlimited mileage. With local taxes the total is about
$325 to $375 for the week. We suggest checking with Thrifty, Budget,
and Dollar. A great place to shop and compare can be found on www.orbitz.com which
provides a good overview of rental rates in a grid format featuring all
of the car types and companies. If you have several airport options
check your SUV rental rate at various airports before booking your
airline tickets.
Equipment Recommendations: Polarizer
and split-neutral density filters. Generally speaking, participants
will
find a range of lenses from about 35mm to 90mm (after digital
multiplication factor) to be the most useful;
however, we recommend
that you bring your entire set of lenses, which will hopefully
include macro
capability for close-up work. As always, bring a tripod and cable
release.
Proper hydration is a must at higher
elevations. Without it you will lose strength, energy and may develop a
severe headache. To avoid dehydration you MUST drink beyond your
thirst; drink even though you are not thirsty. Bring a minimum of two
quarts of fluid in the field every day and drink it.
The workshops are in the field, so be
prepared for possible temperature extremes, adjustment to higher
elevations, and sudden changes in weather. Hey, it's outdoor
photography!
BRING
Tripod
Spare Camera Batteries (when it's
cold they die quickly)
Camera Manual
Film unless shooting digital
Cable Release
Filters: Polarizer,
1 & 2 stop Split-Neutral Density (rectangular)
Snacks For Your Pocket
Extra Shoes and Socks
Umbrella
Oh Yes! Don't Forget Your
Camera
Questions?
Visit Nature Photo Tours at www.NaturePhotoTours.com
and contact them directly.
or
Call us toll free 866-630-0136
or
e-mail:
andy@rockymountainreflections.com
Click Here for the Main Workshop Page