COLORADO FALL COLOR
Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop
Sept. 24-26 2021 | Cost: 1,275
SOLD OUT - WAITLIST
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 spend 3-days focusing on the dramatic scenery of the towering San Juan Mountains and surrounding landscapes. Home to the largest number of aspen trees in the country, the Telluride-Ridgway-Ouray area is one of the most inspiring places to shoot fall color and we will strike aspen gold in stunning artists’ light! In this Fall Color Photography Workshop, we will venture to less known locations to create original images.

Experience Level
Beginner - Advanced
Both beginners & experienced photographers will benefit from this workshop. I will work closely with you to address strengths and weaknesses. All can expect to be challenged.

Endurance
Easy
All age levels are welcome on this photography workshop. We’ll drive to each location then walk to the best position for sunrise & sunset. *Reach out if you have limitations

Terrain
San Juan Mountains
We will be shooting gorgeous aspen valleys with majestic mountain backdrops. If we are lucky with the weather, we will get to snow on the peaks.

Group Size
10 people
I prefer to keep workshops small, ensuring that each person will have ample time for one-on-one instruction. This photography workshop is limited to 10 people.
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COME HOME WITH SPECTACULAR WORKS OF ART
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback Session
I will guide you through 3 days of shooting sunrise/sunset in the San Juan Mountains in Ridgway as we work on photography concepts — focusing on light, fall color, shadows, ridges, mountain vistas and much more. We will stay at the Ridgway Lodge and explore the surrounding area from there. Each trip out to shoot will be unique in its own way.
I will always be with the group providing thoughts, advice and real time critique as the light changes. I run my workshops the same way that I shoot personally. By keeping the group small we can react quickly to changing conditions and scout interesting locations.
MASTERING COLOR
Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop
Beyond the leaves...
While the shimming colors of the aspen groves alone are worthy of a photo, we will focus on capturing fall color in a gorgeous mountain landscape that only Colorado can offer.
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
Just imagine spending several days together one-on-one with one of the top photographer/teachers in the country. Dan is a gifted teacher, one with no agenda except what you want and need. He is generous with his knowledge and experience, sharing the best of both.
IN THE CLASSROOM
We will be out shooting and exploring during sunrise and sunset to ensure we find the best conditions. During daytime hours we will have classroom time where we will focus on photography concepts and techniques.
Photography Workshop Schedule
On Friday, we will start the workshop off at 1:00PM at the Ridgway library with an introduction, followed by a classroom session on light and composition. We will have a very early dinner at a small local restaurant before heading out to shoot sunset.
On Saturday we will rise before the sun to capture the best light over the rugged San Juan Mountains. After breakfast we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom. The group will then take a short break before we head out to shoot for the evening light. We will enjoy dinner and conversation after sunset.
On Sunday, the mountain vistas will be beckoning us again to shoot the early morning sunrise. We will end with a critique session that will break down 15-20 of your best images and give you new ideas on how to improve. We will finish up around 11AM.
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Planning Your Trip to Ridgway, Colorado
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Please note that transportation and accommodations for the Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop are up to each individual participant.
Hotel: I have reserved a block of rooms at the Ridgway Inn located just minutes from town. After sign-up you will receive an email with information to confirm your stay.
Car: If you won't have your personal vehicle, I highly recommend renting a vehicle so you can also explore on your own before/after the workshop. We will be carpooling in 3 vehicles during the workshop. ​
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Flights: There is an airport in Grand Junction and one in Telluride as well. Denver International Airport to Ridgway is about a 5-hour drive.
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A Dynamic Mountain Landscape
A dramatic section of the western Rocky Mountains, featuring deep valleys, mineralized volcanic peaks, old mines and several historic towns. The range spans across Telluride-Ridgway-Ouray and the continental divide with numerous jagged volcanic summits, 13 of which rise to over 14,000 feet!
What's Included in the Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop:
Instruction from Dan Ballard • Classroom Courses • Personal Feedback Session • Snacks and Water
Not Included: Flights, hotel, car and food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the workshop?
The cost of the workshop DOES INCLUDE: instruction from Dan Ballard, photoshoots at several locations, classroom courses, snacks & water.
Accommodation & transportation
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel your workshop the following applies: If cancellation is received at least 45 days prior to the start of the workshop, the deposit can be applied to another workshop of your choice with available space. For cancellations received 0-44 days prior to the start of the workshop, all deposits and workshop fee’s will be forfeited.
What should I bring?
Main photo gear:
Where will we be shooting?
We will NOT be shooting iconic locations in this workshop. My goal is to challenge you to discover new and interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own.
What brands of camera gear do you work with?