Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Photo Workshop

  September 18, 19 & 20, 2009

Instructor: Andy Cook; Workshop Assistant - Bruce du Fresne

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 landscapes at sunrise then elk (which are entering the rut) for the remainder of the day.

This photo tour is geared for the intermediate to advanced photographer seeking to shoot the best locations of the park. 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 us to critique, please bring them.

The emphasis of this trip is landscape photographs of mountain lakes at sunrise and elk the remainder of the time. Generally, you can expect to be at a shooting location 45 minutes before sunrise and we'll stay in the field until about lunch. After lunch we venture back into the field looking for elk to shoot through evening. You should be prepared to snack for breakfast and eat a late dinner.

This photo tour does involve some hiking which can mean vigorous activity. 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 always a possibility.

Itinerary Outline:

We prefer that participants check in with the instructor(s) Friday (September 18th) evening at 8 P.M. for a brief introduction and discussion in the instructor's room at Nicky's Resort. You may arrive later but please check in with the instructor.

Saturday, September 19th we arrive at our first location (Bear Lake) 45 minutes before sunrise and shoot through sunrise, then we find elk to photograph until they bed down for the day. We return to Estes Park for lunch, down loading, Photoshop discussion... In the afternoon we return to the park to find elk and shoot through sunset. Bruce and Andy will go to dinner with those who wish to go as a group.

Sunday September 20th we arrive at our first location (a lake) 45 minutes before sunrise and shoot it throughout sunrise, then we find elk to photograph until they bed down for the day. We will continue shooting additional locations until about 11:00 A.M. when the workshop ends.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: There are two ways to register, with a credit card or with a $50.00 check. If you are registering with a credit card we will not charge your account until the workshop starts. When it starts we will charge the full workshop amount. If you are registering with a $50.00 check we will deposit it upon receipt, the balance will be due at 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. Your credit card will not be charged until the workshop starts.

Secure Online Registration

To register using your credit card please call 719-635-6268 or toll free 866-630-0136.
or
Fill out the form below then print and send it via regular mail or fax (719-630-0137)

REGISTRATION FORM (Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park - September, 2009)

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: You may cancel your workshop reservation with no penalty.

The Fine Print

We do not guarantee the weather. 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 8. This workshop will not be canceled based upon participation level, so feel comfortable making your travel arrangements. 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 hotel as the instructor. However, Estes Park is a small town and most hotels are no more than 10 minutes from Nicky's Resort so please select a hotel that makes you feel comfortable. Estes Park can run out of vacancy, participants need to contact their hotel directly and reserve their room upon registering for the workshop.

Instructor's Hotel - September 18th & 19th: Nicky's Resort - 800-323-0031

TRANSPORTATION: Many people flying to Colorado for this workshop will find flying into Denver to be most desirable.  Estes Park is an easy 1.5 hour scenic drive from Denver.

Driving Conditions: Driving conditions will consist of one easy dirt road and paved roads. 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. 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.

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 landscape 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 Lee filter holder (do not buy screw on split-neutral density filters). If you combine high dynamic range images in Photoshop these filters may not be necessary. A lens range from 28 mm to 70 mm after the digital multiplication factor is recommended for the landscape portion and a long lens 300 mm or longer for shooting elk. 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 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. Bring a minimum of two quarts of fluid in the field every day and drink it.

The workshop is 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
  Extra Memory Card
Cable Release
Filters: Polarizer, 1 and 2 stop Split-Neutral Density (square or rectangular if you have one)
Rain Gear (to keep you dry)
Umbrella (for shooting in the rain)
Snacks For Your Pocket
Extra Shoes and Socks
Flashlight
Hiking Boots
Oh Yes! Don't Forget Your Camera

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

Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography Inc. is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Click Here for the Complete 2009 Workshop Schedule