WILDFLOWERS
COLORADO
Colorado Wildflowers Photography Workshop: Crested Butte
July 16-18, 2021 led by Dan Ballard: FULL
July 9-11, 2021 led by Joe Roybal: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,275 [$375 due at registration]
Join us for a 3-day photography experience in the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Rugged mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with waist-high wildflowers surround the historic small town of Crested Butte (worthy of a photo in itself). Prepared to be dazzled by Lupines, Glacier Lilies, Indian Paintbrushes, Columbines, Sunflowers, and about fifty other species of flowers. We will journey down the many dirt roads that wind through the valleys in search of spectacular images. This Colorado Wildflowers Photography Workshop is one the most enjoyable photography outings you will find!

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
Moderate
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.

Curriculum
Field & Classroom
We will be in the field shooting for sunrise and sunset with classroom time & breaks during the day. Learn composition techniques, adv camera settings, image editing & more!

Group Size
10 max
We 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.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() |
COME HOME WITH WORKS OF ART
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback Session
Discover Vibrant
Colorado Landscapes
Wildflowers Photography Workshop
This is a full on landscape photography workshop and not a tour of the wildflowers. That means we will be working nonstop to improve your photography skills, from the technical how to side of creating sharp images to compositional theory and image editing.
We will stay at the Grand Lodge where we will have classroom time and explore the surrounding area from there. Our goal is to capture the wildflowers in the best light, which means we will be out early for sunrise and again for sunset.
Your instructor 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.
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
Not Just Pretty Flowers
This workshop features Colorado wildflowers and beyond. You will learn how to use flowers as a foreground for majestic mountain landscapes.
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
We will start the workshop off at 2:30PM at the Grand Lodge with an introduction, followed by a classroom session on light and composition. We will have an early dinner at a local restaurant before heading out to shoot sunset.
On Saturday we will rise before the sun to capture the best light over the peaks and wildflowers. After breakfast and a short break, we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom. Then we will go out for any early dinner followed by the evening photoshoot.
On Sunday, the mountain vistas will be beckoning us again to shoot the early morning sunrise. We will end with a feedback 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.
​
* Exact schedule subject to change due to weather, good light, etc.
​
Planning Your Trip
​
Please note that transportation and accommodations for the Colorado Wildflowers Photography Workshop are up to each individual participant.
​
Hotel: We have reserved a block of rooms at the Grand Lodge in Crested Butte for the workshop dates. After sign-up you will receive an email with information to confirm your stay.
​
Car: If you won't have your personal vehicle, we highly recommend renting a vehicle so you can also explore on your own before/after the workshop. We will be carpooling to each location during the workshop.
​
Flight: The closest nearby airport is in Gunnison, about half an hour drive from Crested Butte. You can also fly into Denver, which is about a 4-hour drive to Crested Butte.

An historic coal mining turned ski town; Crested Butte is a place that lives and breathes outdoor adventure where the only limits are your own. An authentic destination, where crowds don't exist, zany, festive community events are a priority, and genuine family adventure awaits. With vibrant Victorian store-fronts and expressive local characters, Crested Butte remains true to its heritage and radiates an unparalleled welcoming and inviting spirit that will take you back to a simpler life and time.
​
Courtesy coloradoski.com
​
About Crested Butte
What's Included in the Colorado Wildflowers Photography Workshop:
Pro Instruction • Classroom Courses • Portfolio Feedback Sessions • 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 or Joseph Roybal, photoshoots at several locations in Crested Butte, classroom courses, snacks & water.
What about accommodation & transportation?
Please note that transportation and accommodations are NOT included and is up to each individual participant.
What if I need to cancel?
All deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another available workshop within the cancellation period (45 days prior)
What should I bring?
What wildflowers are in Crested Butte?
You can download the wildflower field guides here:
Operating under a Special Use Permit on the Gunnison National Forest. Dan Ballard Photography is an equal opportunity service provider.