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 tours are an aggressive pursuit to shoot the very best of Colorado's autumn. They are geared for the intermediate to advanced photographer. 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 helping our participants create the most appealing compositions of each location we visit. We also delve into extensive discussions on equipment, exposure, metering, filters and personal tips. This is a workshop environment, the instructor is present to aid you in the field and teach his techniques for landscape photography. If you are an advanced photographer, he is happy to help you or stay out of your way. Additionally, we will have lengthy Photoshop discussions and instruction. We will help you process your images during the midday down time. If you have images you wish to have critiqued, please bring them.

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 23 - 25, 2010

Participants should check in with Andy, Wednesday (September 22nd) in the Hotel Lobby at 6:00 PM for a brief meeting and introduction. Afterwards, we go to dinner where we continue the meeting and discussion. You may arrive later but please check in with Andy.

Lodging Location: Snowmass Mountain Chalet, 115 Daly Lane, Snowmass Village, CO 81615. 800-843-1579 or 970-923-3900; Check-in Wednesday, September 22nd; Check-out Friday, September 24th.

Relocate to
Comfort Inn & Suites, 920 Cowen Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623. 800-473-5980; Check-in Friday, September 24th; Check-out Sunday, September 26th.

Part Two
Ridgway/San Juan Mtn. Region: September 27 - 29, 2010

New participants joining for part two should check in with Andy, Sunday (September 26th) in the Hotel Lobby at 6:00 PM for a brief meeting and introduction. Afterwards, we go to dinner where we continue the meeting and discussion. Participants continuing from part one are welcome to join this group or rejoin us on Monday morning.

Lodging Location: Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites, 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO 81432. 800-368-5444; Check-in Sunday, September 26th; Check-out Thursday, September 30th.

The formal workshop ends after shooting sunset on Wednesday, September 29th. However, Andy may shoot sunrise on Thursday, September 30th, those who wish to join him, may do so.

LODGING: We think it is convenient for you to stay in the same hotels as Andy, but it is not necessary. Registered participants need to contact each hotel directly and reserve their rooms upon registering for the workshop. 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.

Generally, you can expect to be at a shooting location about 6:15 AM in advance of morning light (sunrise is about 7:00 A.M.) and we'll stay in the field until it's time for a late breakfast or lunch. Typically, we will schedule a midday break allowing you time to download, eat lunch, nap, have a Photoshop lesson... For those who want to learn more about post processing there will be Photoshop presentations during some midday breaks and informal Photoshop instruction sessions in the instructor's room on other midday breaks. Participants will be able to schedule time with Andy to review and process some of their images. Participants with a thirst for Photoshop knowledge may watch Andy process other participants images. We will provide breakfast bars, muffins, juice and water for the early mornings. We do have dinner in a restaurant scheduled for each evening after shooting. If you have a special dietary need or request please tell us.

COST:    Part One: $695.00* per participant. - Sold Out
                   Part Two: $695.00* per participant. - 1 Space Available
                   Both Parts: $1,290.00* per participant. - Sold Out

*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. The 4th day is a relocation day to a different mountain region; it's a day off. While the 4th day is not a formal shooting day, Andy may leave the hotel before dawn and shoot his way to Ridgway. Those who wish to join him may do so. 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.

Deposit Amount: Due at time of registration; $300.00 - Both parts; $150.00 - only Part One or Part Two. This deposit becomes non refundable 90 days in advance of the workshop.

Full Payment of the workshop is due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. If final payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to treat your reservation as canceled, please review our cancellation policy below.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: There are two ways to register, with a credit card or with a check for the deposit amount. If you are registering with a credit card we will charge your account the deposit upon registration and the balance 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you are registering with a check we will deposit it upon receipt, the balance will be due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. To register with a check please fill out the form below and mail it with your check, thank you.

ONLINE METHOD:
Click the link below to enter our online shopping then select the workshop you desire and proceed to our secure checkout, where you provide us with your address and billing information, please also give us your phone # and e-mail address.

Secure Online Registration

or
Call us with your credit card information 719-635-6268 or toll free 866-630-0136.
or
Fill out the form below then print and send it via regular mail.

REGISTRATION FORM circle one (Colorado Autumn Sept., 2010 - Part 1, Part 2, Both)

Your Name
Street Address
City
State
Zip Code (must be same as credit card billing)
Phone
E-mail

Please print the form then fill out the information below by hand.

Workshop Cost: $____________

MasterCard or Visa  (circle one)

Card #: ____________ - ____________ - ____________ - ____________ Expiration Date: Month: _________  Year: __________

Enclosed is payment via Check or Money Order in US funds payable to Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. 2518 Pine Bluff Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80909-1316. Toll Free 866-630-0136

CANCELLATION POLICY: We must receive notice of your cancellation (phone*, e-mail* or postal mail), at which time the following fees apply:

Full Workshop - Part 1 and 2
More than 90 days in advance of the workshop: Full refund of $300.00 deposit.

90 to 61 days in advance of the workshop: $300.00 per person.

60 to 31 days in advance of the workshop: $650.00 per person.

30 days or fewer in advance of the workshop: $1,290.00 per person

Only Part 1 or Part 2
More than 90 days in advance of the workshop: Full refund of $150.00 deposit.

90 to 61 days in advance of the workshop: $150.00 per person.

60 to 31 days in advance of the workshop: $350.00 per person.

30 days or fewer in advance of the workshop: $695.00 per person

*If canceled by phone or e-mail, we must acknowledge receipt of the cancellation by e-mail for it to be valid.

The Fine Print

We do not guarantee the weather or that every location we visit will be at peak during our visit however this workshop's time table has been carefully determined to maximize our chances of good color. Note: The colors usually peak in the San Juans during the last week of September and the first few days of October, occasionally mother nature causes the leaves to drop earlier than this time; that is unpredictable and beyond our control. Workshop fee does not include transportation, lodging or meals. Maximum number of participants is 10. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation, lodging and meals. This workshop does involve some hiking along roads and mild elevation gain. The elevation range of our shooting locations - 7,000 to 12,000 ft. Please consult with your doctor before attending the workshop. We require a waiver (for injuries) be signed before going into the field. We will send you the waiver upon registration, please return it in advance of the workshop.

More Information

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, if it has been wet the dirt roads may become muddy requiring 4-wd. When possible we prefer that participants car pool with each other to help limit our impact and get to know the other participants. Andy will provide you with a hand 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 a reasonable base rate for 1 week with unlimited mileage. 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: Bring all of your camera equipment including the camera manual. We recommend that you have a polarizing filter to use with most of your photographs on this workshop. A 1 stop and a 2 stop, hard edge split-neutral density filter will also be useful; these filters should be the rectangular type that can fit in the "P" size cokin filter holder or a larger Z Pro (or Lee) filter holder (do not buy screw on split-neutral density filters). If you combine high dynamic range images in Photoshop (we'll show you how to do this) these filters may not be necessary. A lens range from 28mm to 400mm after the digital multiplication factor is recommended. However, we think that you should bring your entire range of lenses, which will hopefully include macro capability for close-up work. You should shoot with a sturdy outdoor tripod that can adjust from your standing height without cranking up a center post, to very close to the ground. This type of tripod does not have attachments from part way down the legs to the center post; i.e. the legs can move independently. Please use a cable release or know how to work your camera's timer delay to avoid camera shake. Also bring hiking boots and a flashlight to the field portions of the workshop. We will be walking in pre dawn and post sunset darkness. Consider bringing your laptop with Photoshop CS3, CS4 or CS5 and calibrate the monitor.

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. We will provide water.

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
Flashlight - For hiking before sunrise and after sunset.
Tripod
Spare Camera Batteries
Camera Manual
Lots of Memory
Cable Release
Filters: Polarizer;  2 stop, hard edge, Split-Neutral Density (rectangular)
Extra Shoes and Socks
Rain Gear
Hiking Boots
Warm Clothes
Umbrella (for shooting in the rain)
Oh Yes! Don't Forget Your Camera

Questions?
Call us toll free 866-630-0136
or
e-mail: andy@rockymountainreflections.com