BACK ROADS
CRESTED BUTTE
Crested Butte "Back Roads" Photography Workshop
Aug 4-6, 2023
Price: 1,400 total [$400 due at registration]
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 in Colorado’s backyard. We’ll take the back roads to photograph crystal clear alpine lakes, aspen groves, rugged mountain vistas and lush green vegetation. This is a Colorado photography workshop you don't want to miss!
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-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
7-10 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.
COME HOME WITH WORKS OF ART
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback Sessions
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Capture Rugged Mountain Landscapes
- what to expect -
We will be shooting in exciting and beautiful locations. But we will also working nonstop to improve your photography skills, from the technical how to side of creating sharp images to composition theory to image editing.
We will stay at the Nordic Inn where we will have classroom time and explore the surrounding area from there. Our goal is to capture each scene in the best light, which means we will be out early for sunrise and again for sunset.
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.
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
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.
Image Composition
Learning how to compose an image is one of the most important elements of photography and probably one of the hardest to master. Starting with this class and continuing throughout the workshop, I will teach you simple and actionable skills that will help you find amazing compositions in any environment.
Creative Editing
We will go through my editing process from beginning to end using a combination of mostly Lightroom with some fairly easy but extremely powerful Photoshop to finish it off. My editing method is very artistic and effective for beginners and advanced users alike. It is always one of the highlights of the workshop.
Portfolio Feedback
Getting honest and constructive feedback about your images is extremely hard to find. At the end of every workshop I will dig into 15-20 of your best shots to give you insightful critique on how to improve. While these sessions are honest, I guarantee you will go away inspired with new ideas and thoughts on making great images.
"Dan led us off the beaten path taken by other photographers, with spectacular results. His enthusiasm is infectious."
"I learned a ton on the workshop and the scenery was absolutely spectacular! Your workshop was well-organized and it's amazing just how much we packed into those three days."
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 knowledgable, helpful and generous with his guidance” -Karen Berman
Photography Workshop Schedule
On Friday, we will start the workshop off at 2:30PM at the Nordic Inn 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. 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 based on weather, good light, etc.
Please note that transportation and accommodations for the Crested Butte Back Roads Photography Workshop are up to each individual participant.
Hotel: We have a block of rooms held for our group at the Nordic Inn on Mt. Crested Butte during the workshop dates. After sign-up you will receive more information.
Car: We will coordinate having 4WD vehicles for carpooling to our locations during the workshop. You will need to arrange your own transportation to/from the workshop - most people rent a vehicle at Gunnison Airport or drive themselves.
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.
Planning Your Photo Trip
About Crested Butte, Colorado
"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." [Mentioned by coloradoski.com]
What's Included in the Crested Butte Photography Workshop:
Instruction from Dan Ballard • 4WD Vehicles • Classroom Courses • Portfolio Feedback Sessions • Snacks and Water
Not Included: flights, hotel, food, transit to/from the workshop
Operating under a Special Use Permit on the Gunnison National Forest. Dan Ballard Photography is an equal opportunity service provider.