gtag('config', 'AW-1022693380');
top of page
DB-220121-colorado-00539.jpg

2 Day, Winter Ranches Photography Workshop

Jan 9-10, 2026
Cost: $725 total  |  Group size: 20

​

Join us on an action packed, 2-day winter photography workshop in the small town of Westcliffe, Colorado! We will be shooting beautiful horses running against a snow-capped mountain backdrop.

​

This workshop starts off with an intro class on shooting moving subjects Friday evening.

​

Saturday morning for sunrise has us out shooting a beautiful old barn with peaks in the background

followed by a Lightroom editing class Saturday after breakfast.

Saturday afternoon is the real highlight as we head to the ranch to shoot the running horses and

cowboys/cowgirls through sunset! 

​

I can provide location options for anyone with the energy to go shoot Sunday morning

as well to get the most from the area.

 

 Don't miss this unique winter western photography workshop!

DB-190518-colorado-00277-Edit.jpg

Experience 

Beginner - Advanced 

Both beginners & experienced photographers will benefit. 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. Light hiking in is involved, but nothing too strenuous.  *Reach out if you have any limitations.

Curriculum

Field & Classroom

We will be in the field shooting for sunrise and sunset with classroom time & breaks during the day. Learn new techniques, how to shoot fast-moving scenes in low-light, editing & more!

Group Size

20 people

These large group workshops are my way of keeping costs manageable, while still providing a great experience. Since we are behind fences most of the time, the group size isn't that important.

DB-150531-Colorado-1.jpg

Gorgeous Mountain Backdrop

We will be shooting at an authentic working cattle ranch located in the small town of Westcliffe, Colorado – nestled at the base of the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountain range.

Photo Workshop Schedule

On Friday, we will start the workshop off at 4:00 PM at the hotel with an introduction followed by a classroom session on light, composition and all the techniques needed to shoot moving subjects in low light. Time for dinner after class.

 

On Saturday morning, we will rise before the sun to capture a beautiful old barn with a mountain backdrop for sunrise. After time off for breakfast we will have a classroom session on image processing with Lightroom.

 

On Saturday afternoon around 2:30pm we will head to the ranch several hours of shooting or cowboys/cowgirls and running horses at the ranch!  Time for dinner afterwards

​

While Sunday morning is not officially part of the workshop, I can give several solid location options for anyone wanting another winter sunrise. Most likely many of you will want to join forces and go out together. 

​

It will be a jam packed two days+! 

​​​

DB-220121-colorado-00576.jpg
DB-220121-colorado-00737.jpg

Authentic Cowboys & Cowgirls

Image by Patrick Fore
DB-220122-colorado-00882.jpg

Planning Your Trip to Westcliffe, CO

Please note that transportation and accommodations are NOT included and is up to each individual participant.

 

Hotel: I have reserved a block of rooms at the Lampost Lodge, and Dark Sky Suits located just outside the charming town of Westcliffe. You will want to book a room for both Friday 9th and Saturday the 10th. 

​

Car:  We will be carpooling during the workshop to each location. If you won't have your personal vehicle, I highly recommend renting a vehicle so you can also explore on your own before/after the workshop. Driving conditions will consist mainly of paved roads, so a standard car should be sufficient. 

​

Flights: The Colorado Springs airport is the closest and is about a 2 hour drive from Westcliffe. You can also fly into the Denver airport which is a 2.5 hour drive.

​

WINTER CONDITIONS: Like every winter destination, there is the possibility of a snowstorm affecting plans. If the workshop is not possible due to inclement weather, we will officially reschedule to the following weekend. Please make travel arrangements with this in mind. We recommend travel insurance. 

DB-190519-colorado-00663.jpg

Dan will share methods for capturing the rapid movement of running horses while focusing on the composition of the cowboys and landscape. This will include composing on the move, setting up your camera, lighting conditions, safety, how to approach ranchers for permission to shoot on their land and editing western images.

NEW SKILLS IN THE FIELD

AND IN THE CLASSROOM 

Colorado Horse Ranches Photography Works

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.

fgsdf.jpg

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.

DB-210516-colorado-04076.jpg
 "Dan is an excellent teacher. His class was probably the best educational investment that I have made for my photography." 

What's Included in the Colorado Ranches Photography Workshop: 

Instruction from Dan Ballard • Classroom Courses • Running of Horses • Authentic Colorado Ranch Experience • Snacks and Water
 Not included: flights, hotel, car and food 
Anchor 1
  • 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.
TESTIMONIALS

“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 Ballard has a keen eye for great landscape photography and experience in capturing it, HOWEVER, it is his determination to match to the student’s level to share his in-depth knowledge in teaching 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 was wholly impressed with Dan on my first western landscape workshop. He has a clear, concise teaching style and was available to each of us throughout the workshop. The one thing that sets Dan apart from others is his selflessness in sharing his knowledge. He wants everyone who participates, from hobbyists to professionals, to get better at their craft.""

​

​

"I am a semi-professional photographer from Canada with my work showing in numerous galleries. On every level both Dan and his workshop exceeded my expectations. I left the workshop as a better photographer."

bottom of page