Welcome to Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. Photography Workshops.
Home | Postcards | Note Cards | Stock Photos | Screen Saver | Galleries | Guide to CO's Best Photo Locations | Posters | Photo Workshops

Colorado Autumn Photography Workshops Autumn Photography Workshop

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.

Colorado Autumn Photography Workshop Autumn Photography Workshop

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.

Autumn Fall Photography Workshop
Colorado Autumn Photography 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.

Colorado Fall Photography Workshop

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!

Colorado Fall Photography Workshops

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