WORKSHOPS & TOURS
Nature photographers are explorers. Each time we bring the camera to our eye, we hope to discover something as pleasing in the viewfinder as is in our mind’s eye. And in the effort, we’ll likely learn something new about our subjects and ourselves.
View the gallery of UPCOMING WORKSHOPS and TOURS.
The elements of a Photography Workshop and a Photography Tour and the differences between the two are explained below. If you'd like to know more about these experiences, send us an email.
WORKSHOPS & TOURS
2023
October 1-6, 2023
COLORADO FALL COLOR
Ouray, Colorado
November 29 - December 3, 2023
BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Socorro, New Mexico
December 5-9, 2023
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
Alamogordo, New Mexico
2024
January, 2024
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Nevada/California
2023 Details & Descriptions
October 1-6, 2023
COLORADO FALL COLOR
Ouray, Colorado
The Colorado Rockies in autumn are the definition of the season. Hillsides and valleys filled with fall color spread out below jagged peaks that push themselves into the wild blue yonder. The San Juan Range is southwestern Colorado's most dramatic example of this landscape. And Ouray is at the heart of it.
The graphic scenery around Ouray offers abundant opportunities at every turn from dawn to dusk. We'll explore it at the right time of day or maybe even night to make the most of our time in the field. We'll meet in the classroom on our first night for introductions and orientation. Then we'll spend our days exploring the classic locations and hidden gems of the Uncompahgre National Forest.
Along the way, we will share lessons in the field and composition advice at each location. We'll take our time to make and refine our compositions. Consider this a field workshop with only one indoor meeting and lots of productive time in the wild places.
Plan on bringing a full range of lenses from a wide-angle zoom to a tele-photo zoom that extends to at least 200mm and as long as 400mm. These will be good landscape lenses when the scenery calls for them. Though we won't plan on searching for wildlife, a long lens would be best for the surprise appearances of elk or mule deer. Add a macro lens for close ups of fallen leaves and autumn reflections. You'll be provide with a thorough packing list when you register.
With our small group of eight photographers and two leaders, you can count on personal attention in the field and during our midday breaks.
Offered in cooperation with Rod Barbee Photo Workshops.
Learn more, see the Gallery and Register.
November 29 - December 3, 2023
BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Socorro, New Mexico
Immerse yourself in the great gathering of waterfowl in their premiere wintering grounds of the West. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers dawn-to-dusk opportunities among thousands of Snow geese, Sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.
Biologists, rangers and experienced photographers are surprised how comfortable the birds are around people here. This means we can respectfully approach usually-wary subjects and capture their natural behaviors in their native habitat.
We will photograph birds in groups and individually, in flight, while foraging and at rest. We'll be with them and ready for predawn light and the mass fly-outs in the morning. And we'll wait for them to return to their roosting ponds while they fly in against blue skies until the last light of day.
Consider this a prime location for long-lens wildlife photography. Even though many birds are tolerant of nearby viewers, some of the situations are best captured with 400mm to 600mm telephoto lenses. You'll be provided with a thorough packing list when you register.
The days include daily sunrise/morning and afternoon/sunset field trips that may be extended when conditions are good. Expect a few midday classroom sessions and image reviews as well as field lessons on location.
With our group of ten photographers and two leaders, you can count on personal attention in the field and in the classroom.
Many photographers say this powerful experience has been on their destination wish list, but it is more remarkable than they had dreamed.
Pair this wildlife workshop with the landscape trip to White Sands National Park for a complete photographic adventure.
Offered in cooperation with Rod Barbee Photo Workshops.
Learn more, see the Gallery and Register.
December 5-9, 2023
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Explore the Chihuahuan desert's graphic landscapes and intimate details among the rare gypsum sand dunes of White Sands National Park. December offers the low-angled light and desirable conditions that reveal the dunes environment's simple beauty.
The park's expansive dunes are both stark and sensual. Sweeping panoramas stretch from your toes to the horizon. Dune ridges and ripples catch the light and cast curving shadows. This landscape asks to be photographed in both color and black and white.
Our days will include morning and afternoon field trips with midday classroom sessions and image reviews. Expect to be in the park early enough to prepare for the pre-dawn glow and first light. Afternoon outings will last until the light fades over the dunes and the nearby San Andres mountains.
Consider this a landscape photography workshop. With subjects from the grand vistas to intimate details, plan on packing a wide range of lenses from wide-angle zooms to longer telephoto zooms. Add a macro lens for close ups and desert details. You'll be provide with a thorough packing list when you register.
Our small group of eight photographers and two leaders means you'll get lots of personal attention in the field and in the classroom.
Pair this landscape workshop with the wildlife trip to Bosque del Apache NWR for a complete photographic adventure. December dates and details to be announced.
Offered in cooperation with Rod Barbee Photo Workshops.
Learn more, see the Gallery and Register.
January 2024
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Nevada/California
Discover dramatic desert landscapes from the graphic sand dunes and salt flats to the rugged mountain ranges and banded bluffs at the perfect time of year.
Death Valley's terrain looks stark and barren in the midday sun. But when the light is low and angular, the landscape comes to life. That's why we will venture to classic locations for the predawn and morning light, then return for afternoon and late-day light and post-sunset skies. We even plan on a night sky session, if conditions are right. In the middle of the day, we'll head into the classroom for lessons and image reviews.
Consider this a landscape photography workshop. With subjects from the grand vistas to intimate details, plan on packing a wide range of lenses from wide-angle zooms to longer telephoto zooms. Add a macro lens for close ups and desert details. You'll be provide with a thorough packing list when you register.
Our small group of eight photographers and two leaders means you'll get plenty of personal attention in the field and in the classroom.
Offered in cooperation with Rod Barbee Photo Workshops.
Request updates as we finalize the arrangements.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS are ideal places for learning. You'll examine new photographic techniques, develop new image-making skills and test them in the field -- all while you explore great locations at the right times with like-minded people who are on their own paths of discovery.
A workshop combines all the elements of good learning. Classroom sessions introduce you to new ideas and methods. Field sessions allow you to put them into practice. Critique sessions where you view your work along with that of others give you a chance to evaluate images' strengths and places for improvement without a concern for judgment. And every step of the way, you have the benefit of instructors who are eager to help you improve your photographic skills.
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS are special opportunities to explore great places at the right times with adventurous photographers and experienced leaders. Days are filled with field trips which most often include first light, last light and all kinds of conditions in between. Instructors discuss how to approach each opportunity along the way. Tours are as close to a total immersion experience as you get.
