unique OUTDOOR
photography
workshops
Beginners • Hobbyists • Semi-Pros
2019 Landscape Photography Workshops
2020 Schedule Coming Very Soon!
Join pro Dan Ballard for a 3-5 day photography trip to improve your skills and capture remarkable landscapes.
Small Groups • Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback Sessions
*LAST 2019 WORKSHOP WITH SPACE: WIND RIVER ON HORSEBACK
Sept 18-20, 2020: NOW FULL
Cost: 1,100
Spend 3-days shooting stunning western scenes in Colorado. This is your chance to capture beautiful horses running against a mountain backdrop along with old barns, cowboys, homesteads, natural grasses, streams and so much more. We will spend the mornings shooting at an authentic 4,000-acre cattle ranch!
I have been shooting for 30 years and one day with Dan has literally changed the way I shoot, select and edit and my photos forever. [He] is honest, down-to-earth, amazingly knowledgeable, helpful and generous with his guidance. If you want an honest assessment of where you can improve and get to the next level, there is no better.” —Karen Berman
The workshop filled in the gaps that I just hadn’t been able to figure out on my own. Dan’s artistic and technical expertise, patience, and ability to recognize the difficulties I was having, explain why I was having them, and provide instant solutions to those problems were invaluable. –Mike Menachof
COLORADO OFFROAD
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Sept. 11-13, 2020: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,375
Featuring dates during fall color! Join me for 3-days of shooting the epic scenery of the Silverton-Ouray area in Southwest Colorado. Peaks rise in every direction with waterfalls around almost every corner... if you know where to look and have a 4WD that is! In this workshop we will explore the dirt roads and mountain passes of these beautiful mountains.
Sept. 25-27, 2020: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,275
Join me for 3-days photographing horses running through lush green fields set against an enormous, snow-capped mountain range along with the beautiful Wyoming landscape. Traditionally dressed cowboys and cowgirls will make the perfect subject as the sun rises behind them. Located outside of Jackson Hole, WY!
Sept 4-6, 2020: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,475
I recently spent the day with Dan Ballard. He is the real deal. He not only takes breathtaking shots, but he knows how to teach others how to do the same thing. I learned a lot from Dan, he has an easy to understand style and takes the time to explain many other aspects about making your photos marketable.”
—Susan Humphrey
COLORADO WILDFLOWERS
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Get ready for a 3-day photo experience in the Wildflower Capital of Colorado! Striking mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with waist-high wildflowers surround the historic small town of Crested Butte. We will journey down dirt roads that wind through the valleys in search of great images.
CRESTED BUTTE BACKROADS
PHOTO WORKSHOP
July 24-26, 2020: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,375
Join Dan for a 3-day photography workshop in the charming small town of Crested Butte, tucked away in the remote Elk Mountain Range. Old mining roads from the late 19th century make this the ideal place to explore and find unique landscapes. We’ll take the back roads to photograph crystal clear alpine lakes, aspen groves, rugged mountain vistas.
I have been shooting for 30 years and one day with Dan has literally changed the way I shoot, select and edit and my photos forever. [He] is honest, down-to-earth, amazingly knowledgeable, helpful and generous with his guidance. If you want an honest assessment of where you can improve and get to the next level, there is no better.” —Karen Berman
August 28-30, 2020: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,175
Capture the tallest and most awe-inspiring sand dunes in North America! We will be shooting some of the most photogenic areas of the dunes with the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountain backdrop and meandering flow of the Medano creek bed. I’ve always said that these sand dunes rank as one of my top shooting destinations in the world for landscape photography.
MOAB OFFROAD
PHOTO WORKSHOP
March 15-17, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
COST: 1,275
In this 3-day workshop we will explore 4WD dirt roads and literally take the path less traveled in search of great photographs. As you may know, Moab is one of the most intriguing places in the world, with countless unique red rock formations and mystic landscapes — yet most people only see a small part of it!
April 11-14, 2019: SOLD OUT
Cost: 1,525
Join me for 4-days in Torres Del Paine to photograph one of the most impressive landscapes on earth. Patagonia will leave you speechless with its jagged peaks, blue waters, emerald forests and vast plains. We will be shooting on the eastern spur of Chile's Andes Mountains, rising high above the desert plains.
Dan Ballard has a keen eye for great landscape photography and experience in capturing it, HOWEVER, it is his determination to share his in-depth knowledge and teach it to others that was the highlight of the weekend. He was very patient with each student and took interest in each individual’s needs and level of experience. I gained tremendous increased knowledge in my landscape shooting as well as image processing in Lightroom. This is a serious workshop for serious landscape photographers of any level.
–Stan Crane
May 17-19, 2019: SOLD OUT
Cost: 1,385
Spend 3-days shooting stunning western scenes in Colorado. This is your chance to shoot beautiful horses running against a mountain backdrop along with old barns, cowboys, homesteads, natural grasses, streams and so much more. We will spend the mornings shooting at an authentic 4,000-acre cattle ranch!
May 31-June 2, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
Cost: 1,425
Join me in photographing horses running through lush green fields set against an enormous, snow-capped mountain range along with charming old barns and homesteads. Traditionally dressed cowboys and cowgirls will wrangle the herd as the sun rises behind them, setting a spectacular western scene. Located outside of Jackson Hole, WY!
The workshop filled in many of the gaps that I just hadn’t been able to figure out on my own. Dan’s artistic and technical expertise, patience, and ability to recognize the difficulties I was having, explain why I was having them, and provide instant solutions to those problems were invaluable.
–Mike Menachof
April 22-24, 2022: COMING SOON!
Cost: 1,300
Join Pro Photographer Joseph Roybal for a 3-day photography workshop in and around White Sands National Park to improve your skills and capture incredible landscapes. In late April, the desert bloom should be in full swing with great opportunities to shoot photogenic cacti with the Organ Mountains as a gorgeous backdrop. Learn from Joseph both in the classroom and in the field for this desert workshop!
June 6-9, 2019: SOLD-OUT
Cost: 1,575
Join me for 4-days of shooting the hidden gems of Iceland. No crowds and no buses! I will take you to unique locations that are off-the-beaten-path, including epic waterfalls, jagged peaks, black sand rivers and more. During this time of year we will have the midnight sun which makes for optimal shooting conditions.
BANFF, CANADA
PHOTO WORKSHOP
June 20-24, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
June 27-30, 2019: SOLD OUT
Cost: 1,575
Imagine spending several days shooting epic mountain scenes that are less-photographed and coming home with unique works of art. I guarantee you will be blown away by the massive snow-capped peaks, glistening glacier lakes and sweeping vistas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff.
I have been shooting for 30 years and one day with Dan has literally changed the way I shoot, select and edit and my photos forever. [He] is honest, down-to-earth, amazingly knowledgeable, helpful and generous with his guidance. If you want an honest assessment of where you can improve and get to the next level, there is no better.”
—Karen Berman
COLORADO WILDFLOWERS
PHOTO WORKSHOP
July 19-21, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
July 26-28, 2019: SOLD-OUT
Cost: 1,075
Get ready for a 3-day photo experience in the Wildflower Capital of Colorado! Striking mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with waist-high wildflowers surround the historic small town of Crested Butte. We will journey down dirt roads that wind through the valleys in search of great images.
Aug 8-11, 2019: SOLD-OUT
Cost: 1,575
Discover the jaw-dropping landscapes of Norway in this 4-day photography workshop. Magnificent peaks, quaint villages and crystal clear fjords set the scene for a fascinating experience. This year we will be shooting in Senja — a true hidden gem, with dozens of exceptional shots and significantly less crowds.
August 22-25, 2019: ONLY 2 SPACES!
Cost: 2,900 *all inclusive
Spend the weekend shooting in Wyoming's stunning Wind River Range, making the backcountry trek by horseback. We will set-up camp below the towering granite peaks and explore the serene wilderness from there. This is an incredible opportunity to photograph an area that normally takes miles and miles of hiking with tons of gear on your back to get to, without the work or planning.
I recently spent the day with Dan Ballard. He is the real deal. He not only takes breathtaking shots, but he knows how to teach others how to do the same thing. I learned a lot from Dan, he has an easy to understand style and takes the time to explain many other aspects about making your photos marketable.”
—Susan Humphrey
COLORADO OFFROAD
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Sept. 20-22, 2019: SOLD-OUT
Cost: 1,275
Now featuring dates during fall color! Join me for 3-days of shooting the epic scenery of the Silverton-Ouray area in Southwest Colorado. Peaks rise in every direction with waterfalls around almost every corner... if you know where to look and have a 4WD that is! In this workshop we will explore the dirt roads and mountain passes of the San Juan Mountains.
Sept. 27-29, 2019: SOLD-OUT
Cost: 1,075
3-days of winding mountain roads, aspen filled valleys and bursts of orange and gold…. Fall color in Colorado is sure to inspire. But that’s not all this photography workshop is about. We will focus on the dramatic scenery of the towering San Juan Mountains and venture to less known locations to create original images.
PENNSYLVANIA BARNS IN THE FALL PHOTO WORKSHOP
Oct. 11-13, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
Oct. 18-20, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
Cost: 1,075
Hidden in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania are some of the most impressive and photogenic old barns and silos in the country. The in-use, rundown beauty of these rustic old farms blew me away. Join me for a 3-day workshop capturing the history and culture of the countryside of Pennsylvania in the fall.
I envisioned that I would capture many new and breathtaking landscapes—which I did! However, what I wasn’t expecting, and what I didn’t really experience in other workshops was Dan’s philosophy of photography. I left Dan’s workshop as a more aware and calculated photographer. Dan has an unmistakable passion for photography, and he challenges his students with his philosophy to help them grow in their photographic journey.
— Greg Liengswangwong
Nov. 1-3, 2019: SOLD-OUT!
Cost: 1,275
In this 3-day workshop we will take the path less traveled in search of unique images. Most people come to Moab to shoot the same images that millions of others have already taken, but you will come home with images most have never seen! My goal is to challenge you to discover new and interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own.
COLORADO RANCHES
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Nov. 8-10, 2019: SOLD-OUT
Cost: 1,385
Spend 3-days shooting stunning western scenes in Westcliffe, Colorado in beautiful winter conditions. This is your chance to shoot beautiful horses running against a mountain backdrop along with old barns, cowboys, homesteads, natural grasses, streams and so much more. We will spend the mornings shooting at an authentic 4,000-acre working cattle ranch!
Join me for 3-days photographing horses running through lush green fields set against an enormous, snow-capped mountain range along with the beautiful Wyoming landscape. Traditionally dressed cowboys and cowgirls will make the perfect subject as the sun rises behind them. Located outside of Jackson Hole, WY!
June 2022: COMING SOON!
Cost: 1,475
Why Take One of My Workshops?
Over 10 years of experience teaching photography.
While photography is my first passion, teaching is a close second. Over the past years I’ve worked with hundreds of photographers across the globe — from beginner hobbyists to emerging pros who are striving to make it to the next level. I am fluent working with Nikon, Sony and Canon gear. These workshops are for anyone and everyone who wants to improve their photography skills!
I run my workshops the same way that I shoot personally. We will journey away from iconic locations to discover new and interesting landscapes. My goal is to guide you in creating original images while helping you see the final printed image in your "mind's eye" before you push the button.
I’ve been told by many students that my workshops are unique in the sense that I always stay with the group providing one-on-one instruction and critique. When I am shooting, it is with the aim of sharing ideas and thoughts as the light changes. You will learn about my entire process for creating powerful and dramatic images starting with where to shoot and why. We will dig into how to master composition, understand light as well as image processing in Lightroom.
Take one of my workshops and you will come home not only with beautiful photos, but a deeper understanding for creating remarkable works of art.