unique OUTDOOR
photography
workshops
learn | capture | explore
2023 Photography Workshops
Join us for a 3 or 4 day photography course to improve your skills and capture stunning landscapes!
Small Groups • Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Portfolio Feedback
March 10-12, 2023: FULL
Cost: 1,400
In this 3-day workshop we will take the path less traveled in search of unique images. Most people come to Moab to shoot the same images that millions of others have already taken, but you will come home with images most have never seen! My goal is to challenge you to discover new and interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own.In November there is a great chance we will have snow on the La Sal Mountains!
COLORADO
SAND DUNES
PHOTO WORKSHOP
April 21-23, 2023: 2 SPOTS!
Cost: 1,200
Capture the tallest and most awe-inspiring sand dunes in North America! We will be shooting some of the most photogenic areas of the dunes with the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountain backdrop and meandering flow of the Medano creek bed. I’ve always said that these sand dunes rank as one of my top shooting destinations in the world for landscape photography.
SPRING COLORADO WESTERN RANCHES
PHOTO WORKSHOP
May 5-7, 2023: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,475
Spend 3-days shooting stunning western scenes in Westcliffe, Colorado in spring conditions. This is your chance to shoot beautiful horses running against a mountain backdrop along with old barns, cowboys, homesteads, natural grasses, streams and so much more. We will spend the mornings shooting at an authentic 4,000-acre working cattle ranch!
I envisioned that I would capture many new and breathtaking landscapes—which I did! However, what I wasn’t expecting, and what I didn’t really experience in other workshops was Dan’s philosophy of photography. I left Dan’s workshop as a more aware and calculated photographer. Dan has an unmistakable passion for photography, and he challenges his students with his philosophy to help them grow in their photographic journey. — Greg Liengswangwong
SAWTOOTHS IDAHO
PHOTO WORKSHOP
May 18-21, 2023: 3 SPOTS!
Cost: 1,450
Spend 4-days capturing the jagged and towering Sawtooth Mountains in the heart of Idaho. This lesser-known location is a landscape photographer's paradise, boasting gorgeous alpine lakes, and open countryside comparable to the Tetons. Join Dan Ballard for a weekend of photography instruction in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the US.
SAWTOOTHS IDAHO
PHOTO WORKSHOP
June 9-11, 2023: FULL (waitlist)
Cost: 1,275
Spend 3-days capturing the jagged and towering Sawtooth Mountains in the heart of Idaho. This lesser-known location is a landscape photographer's paradise, boasting gorgeous alpine lakes, and open countryside comparable to the Tetons. Join Dan Ballard for a weekend of photography instruction in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the US.
2-DAY RANCHES
PHOTO WORKSHOP
June 23-24, 2023: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,275
This workshop is the 2-day version of the longer western ranches workshops. This one is focused solely on shooting cowboys and horses at the ranch during 1 sunrise and 1 sunset, plus time in the classroom learning composition and editing before/after the shoots. We will base out of the Lamp Post Lodge in Westcliffe, CO.
The workshop filled in the gaps that I just hadn’t been able to figure out on my own. Dan’s artistic and technical expertise, patience, and ability to recognize the difficulties I was having, explain why I was having them, and provide instant solutions to those problems were invaluable. –Mike Menachof
COLORADO WILDFLOWERS
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Get ready for a 3-day photo experience in the Wildflower Capital of Colorado! Striking mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with waist-high wildflowers surround the historic small town of Crested Butte. We will journey down dirt roads that wind through the valleys in search of great images.
July 7-9, 2023: 1 SPOT LEFT!
Cost: 1,275
CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWERS
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Get ready for a 4-day photo experience in the Wildflower Capital of Colorado! Striking mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with waist-high wildflowers surround the historic small town of Crested Butte. We will journey down dirt roads that wind through the valleys in search of great images.
July 20-23, 2023: FULL!
Cost: 1,650
CRESTED BUTTE BACKROADS
PHOTO WORKSHOP
AUG 4-6, 2023: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,375
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. We’ll take the back roads to photograph crystal clear alpine lakes, aspen groves, rugged mountain vistas.
SILVERTON-OURAY COLORADO OFFROAD
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Sept. 15-17, 2023: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,375
Join me for 3-days of shooting the epic scenery of the Silverton-Ouray area in Southwest Colorado. Peaks rise in every direction with waterfalls around almost every corner... if you know where to look and have a 4WD that is! In this workshop we partner with a local jeep guide (included) to explore the dirt roads and mountain passes of these beautiful mountains.
Dan Ballard has a keen eye for great landscape photography and experience in capturing it, HOWEVER, it is his determination to share his in-depth knowledge and teach it to others that was the highlight of the weekend. He was very patient with each student and took interest in each individual’s needs and level of experience. I gained tremendous increased knowledge in my landscape shooting as well as image processing in Lightroom. This is a serious workshop for serious landscape photographers of any level. –Stan Crane
CRESTED BUTTE FALL COLOR WORKSHOP
Sept. 29-Oct 1, 2023: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,300
Join Joseph Roybal for a 3-day photo workshop in one of the top areas to shoot fall color in country! Sprawling aspen groves, rugged mountain terrain and alpine lakes define this stunning Colorado landscape. Capture intimate scenes along with sweeping mountain vistas during peak light. This is a fall color workshop you don't want to miss!
Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2023: 1 SPOT!
Cost: 1,650
Join me for 4-days of 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 focus on the dramatic scenery of the towering San Juan Mountains and venture to less known locations to create original images.
barn with fog and fall color
barn with fog and fall color
PENNSYLVANIA BARNS IN THE FALL PHOTO WORKSHOP
Oct. 20-22, 2023: 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Cost: 1,350
Hidden in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania are some of the most impressive and photogenic old barns and silos in the country. The in-use, rundown beauty of these rustic old farms blew me away. Join me for a 3-day workshop capturing the history and culture of the countryside of Pennsylvania in the fall.
Oct 22-24, 2023: NOW OPEN
Cost: 1,200
Come capture dozens of waterfalls and gorgeous fall foliage during the quiet hours at Ricketts Glen State Park. This weekday workshop will be the perfect addition to your weekend shooting fall foliage, with classroom time and plenty of one-on-one instruction in the field. Escape the crowds and take advantage of this unique learning experience.
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 knowledgeable, helpful and generous with his guidance. If you want an honest assessment of where you can improve and get to the next level, there is no better.” —Karen Berman
FALL COLORADO WESTERN RANCHES
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Nov 10-12, 2023: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,475
Spend 3-days shooting stunning western scenes in Westcliffe, Colorado in fall conditions. This is your chance to shoot beautiful horses running against a mountain backdrop along with old barns, cowboys, homesteads, natural grasses, streams and so much more. We will spend the mornings shooting at an authentic 4,000-acre working cattle ranch!
Nov 17-19, 2023: NOW OPEN!
Cost: 1,400
In this 3-day workshop we will take the path less traveled in search of unique images. Most people come to Moab to shoot the same images that millions of others have already taken, but you will come home with images most have never seen! My goal is to challenge you to discover new and interesting shooting locations that you may not find on your own.In November there is a great chance we will have snow on the La Sal Mountains!
10+ years of experience teaching
While photography is my first passion, teaching is a close second. Over the past years I’ve worked with hundreds of photographers across the globe — from beginner hobbyists to emerging pros who are striving to make it to the next level. I am fluent working with Nikon, Sony and Canon gear. These workshops are for anyone and everyone who wants to improve their photography skills!
Individualized, detailed instruction
I run my workshops the same way that I shoot personally. We will journey away from taking iconic images to discover new and interesting compositions. My goal is to guide you in creating original images while helping you see the final printed image in your "mind's eye" before you push the button.
I’ve been told by many students that my workshops are unique in the sense that I always stay with the group providing one-on-one instruction and critique. When I am shooting, it is with the aim of sharing ideas and thoughts as the light changes. You will learn about my entire process for creating powerful and dramatic images starting with where to shoot and why. We will dig into how to master composition, understand light as well as image processing in Lightroom.
