Chase the wildflowers of Colorado on this photography workshop with Jess Santos and Ryan Oswald. Explore the Rocky Mountains with us and photograph fields of wildflowers with the iconic Rockies as the perfect back drop!
This workshop is designed to capture the pastel blues of the Colorado columbine and vibrant reds of Indian paint brush in their peak bloom... amongst other flourishing native wildflowers backed by glorious peaks. We will be photographing these surreal landscapes during sunset, sunrise and under the stars.
Using advanced photography techniques such as focal length blending, exposure blending, focus stacking, composites, blue hour blends etc. We will show you how to analyze and capture the scene from start to finish to tell your story. You will also learn how to use wide angle lenses to create depth and dimesion and really bring the viewer into the photograph.
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TRIP DATES
July 23 - 27, 2025
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to an extremely small group size of 8 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
All experience levels are welcome.
HIKING REQUIREMENTS
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 1 miles) through Rocky terrain and high elevations.
MOUNTAIN TOP CABIN RETREAT
This cabin is no ordinary lodging spot. It's perched at a breathtaking 12,000 feet above sea level in Picayune Gulch, giving you jaw-dropping views of the Animas River headwaters and the ghost town of Animas Forks. Who needs cable TV when you've got nature's own blockbuster right outside your window?
Sure, the Ritz might have fancy amenities and all, but can it make your heart race as you explore the untamed beauty of the San Juan Mountains? I think not! This cabin is the real deal, where the views are so mind-blowing, you'll forget all about room service and pillow mints.
ITINERARY
Pre-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
Prior to the start of the workshop, we will hold a zoom classroom session. We will show examples of images from the locations we will be visiting so you know what to expect and how to best compose images using advanced techniques, focus blending and other tips and tricks to make for the best composition. We only get to visit each place once and we want you to be fully prepared so you can get the best images possible while in these iconic places.
Day 1
Our workshop begins at 2:00pm with a meet and greet in Silverton, CO. We will set out for our cabin retreat, after getting settled, we make the journey through the peaks to our first sunset location.
Day 2
After some free time in the morning we will kick off our first editing session at our mountain top retreat. Following lunch we will head out to our sunset shoot capturing another epic view of these jagged peaks and fields full of color.
Day 3
Another morning to enjoy the accommodations and nature right at your feet. Then we settle in for another editing session. After we perfect our photos we head off again for sunset & starry night shoot in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
Day 4
After a morning of relaxing, as we near the end of our adventure we make sure to finish up any editing projects started during the week. Then back out in the mountains for our final sunset shoot of the workshop.
Day 5
Our Last day will end with a sunrise shoot of our unique cabin, then its a group breakfast, packing up and heading back to civilization.
* We will be chasing conditions and constantly monitoring the weather. The itinerary may change based on what conditions are during the workshop.
Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
We will hold some of our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on seeing the best and most iconic places Colorado has to offer, we chose to prioritize locations over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will hold live online classroom sessions answering any questions you may have. These will also be screen recorded for you to be able to finish your images at your leisure.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Planning your shoots
Scouting and evaluating conditions
Composing an image to grab the viewers attention
Composing an image with a person in frame to show scale tell a story
Utilizing apps for more efficient planning
Choosing the right lens and filters for the job
How to shoot with plan or vision or editing
Capturing your image
How to capture intimate details and abstract images
Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images
Exposure control - how to use ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed in different scenarios
Bracketing, Perspective Blending and Focus Stacking
Long Exposure - how to capture blue hour
Bringing the image to life
Lightroom and Photoshop - learn our post-processing workflow
Luminosity Masks
Dodging and Burning
Blue-hour Blends
Understanding layers and masks
Finishing touches using clone stamp and removing distractions
Creating Orton glows and painting with light
Build Social Media Presence - how to maximize engagement
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
All Lodging Accommodations
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop.
All Photo Instruction
From the field to the computer, we will cover it all. We will teach you techniques to capture better images and our unique workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Pre & Post Zoom Sessions
Spend more time in nature. Then come back to relive those moments with a session in the digital dark room.
MEET THE TEAM
Jess Santos
She calls the desert her home and first love, but she is a wanderer at heart and is constantly on the road to the next adventure.
Her photography is driven by a desire to share the stories of these wild places and her experience through her imagery. She spends sleepless nights chasing the vibrant colors of desert landscapes and the distant glow of the Milky Way.
She is very proud to belong to the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective as a Sony Alpha Brand Ambassador and an official B&H Creator. As well as Slik Tripods, Cokin Filters and F-Stop Camera Bags.
Ryan Oswald
Ryan is a full time travel photographer & digital artist based out of St. Louis, MO, but is constantly on the move. He is often on the road for months at a time exploring the back roads and capturing iconic views.
His love for the outdoors and endless wanderlust has fueled his obsession for photography. Pursuing his passion has led to traveling extensively all across the globe and teaching photography workshops. Whether it’s chasing that perfect light or the Milky Way, Ryan is in his happy place as long as a camera is in hand!
Our goal is to leave you confident, motivated and passionate about photography with a new set of ideas and perspective! We will teach simple and actionable techniques to scout out incredible compositions and the process of how to approach and execute unique photos in any environment or conditions. The classroom portion of this adventure will teach you combination of Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and methods that allow you to create some powerful images we decided to keep the group small and intimate, thus allowing us to focus and give you much more access to the 3 instructors and 1-on-1 attention. Instructors will be with the group providing thoughts and real time critique as the light changes from sunset to the enchanting night skies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Nearest Major Airport
Albuquerque, NM
Durango Airport and Montrose Airport are smaller, but much closer
Meeting Location
Silverton, CO
5 hour drive from Albuquerque Airport
1.5 hour drive from Durango Airport & Montrose Airport
4x4 High Clearance Vehicle is REQUIRED
These are backcountry roads, this means a High Clearance Vehicle with 4 Wheel Drive is REQUIRED. We are helping attendees source capable and equipped vehicles if they do not own their own, please contact us if you need assistance in securing a capable vehicle. No previous dirt road driving experience required.
Rental fees are NOT included in the tuition cost of the workshop and can range from $199 - $300 per day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Transportation
Flights and car transportation are not included.
We are helping attendees source capable and equipped vehicles if they do not own their own.
If you would like help finding a suitable vehicle, please let us know.
Meals & Drinks
You will be responsible for your own food and drinks during the duration of the workshop.
Travel Insurance
With any trip/adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies.
Cost: $2,999
Deposit: $900 to reserve your spot
Space is limited and filling up quickly on a first come, first serve basis. With two photography instructors present for the duration of the workshop, you will have plenty of opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction to improve the skills you feel you need to work on!
Join Our Tribe and Invest in Your Passion!
* Please read the workshop F.A.Q. section to learn more about cancellation policies or if you have any other questions.