Sunrise, sunset, midday, maybe nighttime sessions in the field. Oh, plenty of fun!

Rodney has been exploring the world professionally for over 29 years, and you’ll get to join him and learn from his experience. His job is to get you to the right place at the right time. You’ll be learning everything from composition to how to capture the “wow factor.” Each step along the way Rodney will be there to answer your questions and give you pointers.

While we spend a fair bit of time and emphasis on creativity, we will delve into the technical elements as well.

You’ll experience photographing right alongside (and learning from) the master.

Participants will need to provide for their own ground transportation. Though we do encourage carpooling whenever possible. This workshop may take us off road, just so you know.

Over the years we have leaned, when it comes to where folks want to lay their heads at night, varies greatly. Because of this you need to book your accommodations to suit your own needs.

We will provide snacks and water while in the field.

Lodging: But we can help you in booking a place, just give us a call. Airfare, ground transportation, and meals are not included.

CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Grand Junction Regional - GJT which is 98 miles away. La Plata County Airport in Durango DRO is just at 70 miles away. The closest regional airport is located in Montrose MTJ roughly 35 miles away.

Once you have booked your spot we will send you a detailed workshop PDF. There’s a ton of useful information there!

BUT FOR NOW THIS WILL GET YOU STARTED

As you embark upon the rugged terrain of the Rockies in the crisp embrace of late September, there are a number of essential layers that will make you much happier.

Layered clothing, can be a tapestry of warmth and versatility. It can be your shield against the chill of the high-altitude winds. By embracing this artistry of attire, each garment is a brushstroke on your canvas of comfort.

Convertible mittens, the chameleons of hand attire, seamlessly transition between warmth and dexterity, ensuring your fingers remain nimble amidst the frosty embrace of a cold morning.

The alchemy of chemical hand and toe warmers, casting their gentle warmth upon frost-kissed extremities is a testament to human ingenuity in the face of nature's embrace. I’ve been doing this my whole life, and I don’t like being cold.

If you want to see what you are doing in the dark, your phone can work, but the headlamp, with its luminescent halo, will guide your nocturnal wanderings amidst the shadowed valleys and craggy peaks a lot better. With extra bulbs and batteries, let its radiance banish the darkness that seeks to obscure your path. Don’t forget your hands will be free as well.

Boots or really good day hikers are stalwart guardians of a weary traveler. Choose wisely, wear them in, for they are the steadfast companions upon your journey.

Wool or synthetic socks, woven with care and craftsmanship, shall cocoon your feet in warmth and comfort, warding off the chill that lurks in the mountain air. Bring extras, for in their abundance lies the promise of enduring solace.

You are going to want/need sunscreen, it is your guardian against the ephemeral dance of UV rays upon exposed skin. You may be a ‘redneck’, but don’t get a redneck.

Snacks, the sustenance of body and spirit, especially when they are yummy. Choose with discernment, for they are the fuel that ignites the flame of creativity within.

A refillable water bottle or bladder, will quench your thirst and nourish your soul. Let its bounty flow freely, for within its depths lies the elixir of life itself. Literally.

In essence, with each provision, you forge a deeper connection to the rhythm of the wilderness, harmonizing with its melody as you still its essence with every snap of the shutter.

Heck you don’t even need one if you don’t want; but you might want to bring the best one you can because you’re gonna want to hang at least one of the images on your wall when you get home.

Here is a list of things you may wish to consider though: DSLR, mirrorless, or 35mm to 8x10 film camera (with manual). Lenses (wide, normal, tele). A real tripod (not a cheap one - they alway break). 2 Stop Graduated Neutral Density filter with lens mounting abilities. Charger and extra batteries.

Honestly I’ve done so much of both, feel free to bring both, one, none, either or…we will be spending a great deal of time working on how to see, and then we will be working on how to get it in the ‘can’.

Yep. After all we’ve worked so hard to get the image, we ought to at least know how and what to do with it later. It will not just be editing we will be discussing, color theory, prep work for output, sizing, sharpening, profiling…don’t worry, you’ll be all set to go make something worthy of your wall.

Each location is different, but I am a ‘wilderness’ landscape photographer, so there is absolutely hiking involved. Our family often refers to ourselves as ‘Lazy Hikers’. Over the years I’ve learned how to read the lay of the land and how to take full advantage of the terrain.

It won’t be the hiking most likely though, it’ll be making oxygen choices…do I breath or do I talk? ;-) It’s the alititude.

All that said, it shouldn’t be all that hard. My goal is to put us in the right place to increase our likelihood for the best possible shot. We will be doing what has successfully worked for me over and over again.

Normally these workshops fill up fast, which then leads to a waitlist. With that in mind our policy has always been if you cancel within 45 days of the workshop you will be assessed at 50% cancellation fee (unless we are able to fill your spot). If it is less than 45 days before the workshop there is no refund (which is due to the fact most people have made other plans).