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2-day Photography Class 
Rocky Mountain National Park 

Estes Park, Colorado |  June 9, 2024

In this jam packed two day class or "mini-workshop", we will cover most of what is covered in a full workshop, in a shorter timeframe with a more affordable price. Saturday will be spent in the classroom working on both skills for taking better images (artistic and technical) and on Lightroom editing.  Sunset and Sunrise will be spent in the park at two stunning mountain lakes to work on camera skills hands on.  

✓ ADOBE LIGHTROOM

✓ ARTISTIC COMPOSITION 

✓ In the field Instruction

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@DanBallardPhoto (8 of 10)

Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear. All camera gear types welcome.

Powerful & Easy to Learn 

Bring your images to life without spending hours on complex editing!

Dan's process is both simple and effective. Using a few key techniques, he will show you how to create energy and drama in a photograph – while always staying true to the reality of a scene. These skills can be applied to landscapes, portraits, travel photography and beyond! 

 

The class will focus entirely on the artistic side of editing, digging into the elements of creating a great image. While we will briefly cover what certain tools do - the majority of the class will be focused on when and how to use the tools. About 90% of the class is based in Lightroom, and a small portion using Photoshop to go over a few techniques that are easy and extremely helpful.

While beginners are welcome to sign-up and will certainly go home with valuable information – this class is designed for photographers that are already using Lightroom and have a decent level of comfort with the program. We will not be covering basic things like importing, key-wording, etc. 

Dan has been teaching Lighroom for over 10 years and has developed a reputation as one of the top photo educators in the country. Known for being generous and patient with sharing his knowledge, Dan has received countless reviews from past students - some of which you can read below.

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CURRICULUMN

COMPOSITION

What does it take to create a truly powerful image? Dan will share his method for creating movement, energy and drama in a photograph – digging into how certain combinations of elements can influence the eye and mind in a profound way. He will breakdown landscape photography into a recognizable pattern that can be used as a tool to create great images. 

IMAGE EDITING

In the Field

While most LR editing courses focus on basics or a very technical side of processing – this class is different. Dan will show you how to easily and effectively process your images so that they look great, without spending hours on the computer. Dan will also cover the “why” we do a certain step in terms of the artistic value, while always staying true to the reality of a scene.

Hands on in the field instruction and help is hard to beat! Dan will go around student to student and check camera settings, offer insights and thoughts about your settings, plus give extremely valuable feedback on your composition and photo design. ​

KEY DETAILS

Date: April 20, 2024
Location: Auraria Education Center
King Center Building, Denver, CO
Time: 10:30am-4:00pm, break for lunch
Price: $175

  • ABOUT BUYING NEW GEAR
    I always tell my students that you DO NOT need expensive gear to create excellent images. Great gear does make a difference in terms of technical quality, durability, ease of use and other factors and I advise using quality products, but creating a powerful, creative image is all about the photographer and the light. While I do recommend shooting with the best gear you can afford, keep in mind this is not the most important factor.
  • CAMERA GEAR
    Camera: (preferably a DSLR or a mirrorless with the ability to shoot raw) Lenses: My ideal setup for full frame is a16-35mm, 50mm, 70-200 or 300mm. If you own a 24-70 or equivalent that is fine. As long as you have something fairly wide and a telephoto. For DX or APS-C users, any combination of lenses that gets you from at least 18mm to 200mm. Preferably from 10mm to 200mm but if you don’t already own a wide angle don’t stress. Other: A sturdy outdoor tripod is a must! Also, plenty of digital memory, extra batteries & battery charger,
 lens cleaning cloth, camera bag that allows you to easily get to your gear. You may want to consider bringing a back up camera as well. Filters: The only filter that I consider a must have is a circular polarizer. While I don't use it often — when you need it you have to have it. There can also be situations where a 10 stop neutral density or variable ND (variable neutral density) can be very useful. This is definitely not something that is mandatory but could be useful on the workshop or shooting in general. I prefer the screw on circular polarizers and ND filters. I also carry a 3 stop soft graduated neutral density filter, and although I rarely use it these days — it can come in handy. If you don't already know what this is or how to use it, don't stress about bringing one. I prefer hand holding 4x6 inch grad ND filters.
  • OUTDOOR GEAR
    We will shoot rain or shine. A rainjacket is a must and a small travel umbrella is highly recomended. Layered clothing is super important for changing temperatures — early morning can be cold with afternoons getting very warm. Consider thin gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear and sunglasses. Also helpful to have is a flashlight, sunscreen, lip balm and bug spray. For more challenging or strenuous workshops, it is helpful but not mandatory to bring waterproof boots or gators. I don't personally usually use a camera cover (I prefer an umbrella) this is something you may want to bring along.
  • CLASSROOM
    Please bring a laptop computer with a card reader for the classroom portion of the workshop. It would be best to have Adobe Lightroom software installed. We will also spend a small amount of time with Adobe Photoshop if you want to have this installed as well to follow along. I use the Creative Cloud and purchasing the Lightroom/Photoshop package which is only $9.99 a month. If you use and prefer another editing program that is not a problem at all. You will still pick up a ton of new thoughts and ideas — much of the editing is focused on the artistic side of image processing. Also, if you don't have a laptop — don't stress. You will still benefit from the ideas shared in the courses. You are welcome to borrow a laptop or share with another student. If you prefer to take written notes, it is a good idea to bring along pen and paper.
  • CRITIQUE SESSION
    We will be critiquing images taken prior to the workshop, please inlcude a section of 15-20 of your favorite images you would like feedback on. We may also have a chance to critique some images taken during the workshop.
  • INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS
    You must have travel insurance for an international workshop. I recommend bringing quite a few snacks with you. Granola bars, jerky, nuts, etc. Be sure to see what kind of plug adaptor you will need for electronics. If you are signing up from outside of the US, please be aware of VISA requirements for the country of travel.
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About Dan Ballard 

Dan Ballard is an internationally known pro landscape photographer, avid traveler and educator from Colorado.  His work has been recognized by some of the biggest names in the photo industry and he has sold images to clients around the globe - including The National Geographic Society and The Travel Channel. 

Dan's work incorporates digital editing techniques that enhance or add an artistic touch to a photograph, while always staying true to the reality of a scene. This means each image is entirely representative of a real place that can be visited by those inspired to see it with the naked eye.

With over a decade of experience shooting landscapes, people and western photography - Dan passionately shares his knowledge at workshops, speaking events and seminars.   

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Just imagine spending a day with one of the top photographers/teachers in the country. Dan is a gifted teacher, one with no agenda except what you need. He is generous with his knowledge and experience, sharing the best of both."

What Other Past Students Have to Say 

“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. I have had several teachers and mentors along the way, but Dan brought these keys points to light better than anyone else.  Dan is honest, down-to-earth, amazingly knowledgable, helpful and generous with his guidance."

"Dan is an excellent teacher. His class was probably the best educational investment that I have made for my photography."

"This was exactly what I was hoping it would be. Dan’s demonstration made it clear to me that even as an old guy who is slow to learn that I can learn and use Lightroom & enjoy it."

“I wasn't impressed with my images until I took them into Lightroom and edited them as you suggested and I am thrilled with the end product. Wow! I have had so many great comments on my photos. You were a great teacher as well as being a fantastic photographer. That's a rare combination."

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