Part One
Aspen/Carbondale Region: September 22 - 24, 2012

Participants should check in with Andy, Friday (September 21st) in the Hotel Lobby at 7:30 PM for introductions and a meeting. Participants may arrive later but please check in with Andy.

Lodging Location: Comfort Inn & Suites, 920 Cowen Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623. 800-473-5980; Check-in Friday, September 21st; Check-out Saturday, September 22nd.

Relocate to:
Snowmass Mountain Chalet, 115 Daly Lane, Snowmass Village, CO 81615. 800-843-1579 or 970-923-3900; Check-in Saturday, September 22nd; Check-out Tuesday, September 25th.

Part Two
Ridgway/San Juan Mtn. Region: September 26 - 29, 2012

New participants joining for part two should check in with Andy, Tuesday (September 25th) in the Hotel Lobby at 7:30 PM for introductions and a meeting. Participants continuing from part one are welcome to join this meeting or rejoin us on Wednesday morning.

Lodging Location: Ridgway-Ouray Lodge & Suites, 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO 81432. 800-368-5444; Check-in Tuesday, September 25th; Check-out Sunday, September 30th.

The formal workshop ends after shooting sunset on Saturday, September 29th.

LODGING: We think it is convenient for participants 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.

Generally, participants 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. We will provide breakfast bars, muffins, juice and water for the early mornings. Typically, we will schedule a midday break allowing time to download, eat lunch, nap... For those who want to learn more about post processing, we will provide Photoshop help during most midday breaks. In the afternoon we return to the field where we shoot until we are done. We have dinner in a restaurant scheduled for each evening after shooting. If you have a special dietary need or request please tell us.

Crystal Mill (Part 1)

COST:  Part One: $775.00* (3 full days, includes a fun jeep ride to the Crystal Powerhouse, aka Crystal Mill)                 Part Two: $875.00* (4 full days)                 Both Parts: $1,395.00* *We realize that it can be difficult for some people to be away for an extended time, 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 will provide participants with shooting options along a meandering relocation route. The second portion of the Workshop is 4 full days of shooting. One can book either Part One of the workshop, Part Two of the workshop or both. There is a $255 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 the reservation as canceled, please review the cancellation policy on the registration page. VIEW PART 1 REGISTRATION PAGE   VIEW PART 2 REGISTRATION PAGE   VIEW BOTH PARTS (1 & 2) REGISTRATION PAGE

These workshops do not involve much trail hiking, however, they can involve vigorous activity walking along roads. Walking surfaces are generally uneven. One doesn't have to be in tip-top shape, but one's enjoyment will be enhanced by good health and preparation, hiking boots are recommended. The elevation range of our shooting locations is 7,000 to 12,000 ft. Please consult with a doctor before venturing to higher elevations. We require a waiver (for injuries) be signed before going into the field. We will send the waiver upon registration, please return it at the start of the workshop.

Proper hydration is a must at higher elevations. Without it one will lose strength, energy and may develop a severe headache. To avoid dehydration one MUST drink beyond their thirst; drink even though not thirsty. We will provide water.

Be prepared for possible temperature extremes and sudden changes in weather. Be aware that mornings and evenings can be very chilly (cold) in September; snow is a possibility.

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 workshop 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 hand held radios to communicate with while driving. Note: Road conditions vary from year to year. SUV Rental Information: By booking 3-5 months in advance, one 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 there are several airport options check SUV rental rates at various airports before booking airline tickets.

Equipment Recommendations: Bring all camera equipment including the camera's manual. We recommend having a polarizing filter to use with most photographs on this workshop. A 2 stop, hard edge split-neutral density filter may also be useful; these filters should be the rectangular type (Andy uses Singh-Ray filters) 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 a participant combines high dynamic range images in post processing (we can demonstrate how to do this) these filters may not be necessary.

A lens range from 28 mm to 400 mm after the lens multiplication factor is recommended. However, we think participants should bring their entire range of lenses, which will hopefully include macro capability for close-up work.

We recommend shooting with a sturdy outdoor tripod that can adjust from standing height without cranking up a center post, to very close to the ground. This type of tripod does not have attachments connecting the legs to the center post; i.e. the legs can move independently. Please use a cable release or know how to work the camera's timer delay to avoid camera shake. Consider bringing a laptop with Photoshop CS4 or CS5 and calibrate the monitor.

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. Maximum number of participants is 10. Workshop fee does not include transportation, lodging or meals. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation, lodging and meals.

BRING Flashlight - For use before sunrise and after sunset. Tripod Spare Camera Batteries Camera Manual Lots of Memory Filters Extra Shoes and Socks Rain Gear (Part 1 jeep ride is open top) Hiking Boots Very Warm Winter Clothes Umbrella Oh Yes! Don't Forget the Camera

2011 Part 1 Group Photo


2011 Part 2 Group Photo

View the Colorado Autumn Participant Gallery

Wilson Mesa (Part 2)

View workshop photos. Membership not required.

QUESTIONS? Call toll free 866-630-0136 or e-mail: andy@rockymountainreflections.com Click Here for Complete Workshop Schedule