GREAT SAND DUNES
Colorado Sand Dunes Photography Workshop
August 28-30, 2020
| Cost: 1,175 [$375 due at registration]
Weather: High of 75°F and Low of 50°F
Join me on a 3-day photo workshop to capture the tallest and most awe-inspiring sand dunes in North America! Late August has nice cooler weather for exploring. We will be shooting some of the most photogenic areas of the dunes with a stunning mountain backdrop. The combination of desert scape in the dawning light, spectacular mountain scenery and meandering flow of the Medano creek bed will give ample opportunities for creating remarkable works of art. I’ve always said that these sand dunes rank as one of my top shooting destinations in the world. Their mysterious and ever changing landscape is sure to inspire any level of photographer.
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
Somewhat Challenging
You should have good balance and feel comfortable walking on steep and uneven surfaces. Please see explanation below *Reach out if you have questions or limitations.
Terrain
Sand Dunes & Peaks
We will be exploring the ever changing landscape of the desert sand dunes featuring a dramatic backdrop of snow capped peaks.
Group Size
8 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 8 people.
COVID UPDATE: Great Sand Dunes National Park is officially open. This workshop is a go, with a number of steps being taken to maintain a safe environment. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
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"On every level both Dan and his workshop exceeded my expectations. I left the workshop as a better photographer." - Mark Brodkin
MASTER LIGHT & SHADOWS
what to expect on this photo workshop
I will guide you through 3 days of shooting sunrise/sunset in the sand dunes as we work on photography concepts — focusing on light, shadows, ridges, variations in sand, mountain vistas and much more. We will stay at the Grand Sand Dunes Lodge and explore the dunes from there. Each trip out to shoot will be unique in its own!
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.
COME HOME WITH SPECTACULAR WORKS OF ART
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Personal Critique Sessions
Schedule Overview
We will start the workshop off at 2:00PM 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 the first trip into the dunes to shoot sunset.
On Saturday we will rise before the sun to capture the best light over the dunes. After breakfast at the lodge we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom. The group will then take a short break, followed by early dinner then a return to the dunes for sunset.
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.
I have pre-booked rooms at the Great Sand Dunes Lodge, located at the base of the dunes with great views. It is less than a 10 minute drive to the dunes from here. After sign-up you will receive information on how to confirm your stay.
Please note that transportation and accommodations for the Sand Dunes Photography Workshop are up to each individual participant.
The closest large airport to Alamosa is in Colorado Springs, which is about a 3-hour drive away. Albuquerque is a 4-hour drive and Denver is about a 5-hour drive. Great Lakes airline has a daily flight from Denver to Alamosa. Driving conditions from Alamosa to the Great Sand Dunes will consist of mainly paved roads, so a standard car will be sufficient.
Planning Your Photo Trip
What fitness level is this workshop?
Many people ask what the fitness level on the workshop is. If you are comfortable walking on fairly steep and uneven terrain for less than half a mile, then I’d say it’s a good fit for you. If you do not feel comfortable climbing stairs it may not be. While the terrain can be a bit challenging for some - it is certainly not difficult. We won't be going to the very top of the dunes and will hike at a slow and steady pace for shooting with time for breaks. Don’t be afraid to sign up if you are older, as long as you have good balance. Please reach out if you have any questions!
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
About The Great Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes began forming around 440,000 years ago, after a large inland lake that once covered the San Luis Valley - named "Lake Alamosa" dried up due to climate change. The predominant southwest winds blowing toward a low curve in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains helped form the sand dunes, and they still do today.
Many people have passed through, over and around the Great Sand Dunes for thousands of years and the oldest evidence of human inhabitants on the dunes dates back nearly 11,000 years. From Native American traditions from the Navajo, Apache and Ute Tribes, to European and American settlers and homesteaders, these sand dunes have provided home and wonder to many groups over the centuries.
Courtesy of Alamosa.org
