 Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Photography Workshop September 14, 15 & 16, 2012 Instructor: Andy Cook Join Rocky Mountain Reflections as we
photograph Colorado's premier national park. This is a wonderful time
to be in the park as hints of autumn fill the mountains and early snow
may lay on the peaks. We will focus on shooting mountain lakes and
cascades during the mornings and elk (which are entering the rut) on Saturday evening.
Itinerary Outline The workshop starts on Friday (September 14th) in the evening at
8 P.M. with an
introduction and discussion in the instructor's room at Nicky's
Resort. Saturday,
September 15th we arrive at our first location (Bear Lake) 45
minutes before
sunrise and shoot through sunrise, then we hike uphill to another lake
(about 1.1 miles each way) We will provide breakfast bars,
muffins, juice and water for the early mornings. We return to Estes
Park for an early
lunch,
down loading, Photoshop demonstration... In the afternoon we
return to the park to find elk and shoot through sunset. Andy will go
to dinner with those who wish to go as a group. Sunday, September 16th we arrive at our
first location 45 minutes before
sunrise and
shoot it through sunrise, then we will continue shooting additional
locations until about 10:00 A.M. when the
workshop ends. Short walks, no hiking on this day.
 This workshop does involve
trail hiking and elevation gain which can mean vigorous activity.
Walking surfaces are generally uneven and one trail is just over a mile
each
way. 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 Estes Park and
our shooting locations is 7,500 to 12,000 ft. Please consult with your
doctor before attending our workshop or venturing to higher elevations.
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 one's thirst; drink even though not thirsty. We will provide bottled water in the field, please drink it. Be prepared for possible temperature extremes and sudden changes in weather. Be aware that it can be very cold in September, snow is always a possibility. Note: Some of the park's pine trees are dying from beetle kill.
Equipment Recommendations:
Bring all camera equipment including the camera's manual. We
recommend participants use a polarizing filter with many of their
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 Lee filter holder system (do not buy screw on
split-neutral density filters). If a participant combines high dynamic
range
images in post processing these filters may not be necessary. A lens
range
from 18mm to 100mm is
recommended for the landscape portion and a long lens, 300mm or longer
for shooting elk. However, we think participants should bring their
entire
range of lenses. 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. Also, bring a
flashlight to the field portions of the workshop as we may be walking
in pre dawn and post sunset darkness.
“The workshop was great. The information was presented clearly, with a great deal of energy and passion” Mark Turner - Wisconsin
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