Be prepared for possible temperature extremes and sudden changes in weather. Be aware that mornings can be very cold. Often we will be out in darkness before sunrise and after sunset, please bring a flashlight.

Equipment Recommendations: Bring all camera equipment including the camera's manual. We recommend having a polarizing filter to use with some photographs on this workshop. To blur cloud motion on a bright day, consider bringing a 9 or 10 stop neutral density filter, this filter can be the screw on type. If bringing this filter, also bring a cable release. Note: Many variable ND filters have issues with banding and differential darkening, Andy does not recommend using variable ND filters. Andy combines images of various exposures in post processing. Andy will be happy to teach participants his field and post processing techniques for doing so (requires a cable release with some cameras). A lens range from 18 mm to 300 mm after the lens multiplication factor is recommended. However, we think participants should bring their entire range of lenses. Bring lots of memory, 64 to 128 gig if downloading and formatting cards for reuse. 32 to 64 gig per day if not formatting and reusing cards.

One should shoot with a sturdy outdoor tripod that can adjust from standing height without cranking up a center post, to very close to the ground. This type of tripod does not have attachments connecting the legs to the center post; i.e. the legs can move independently. Please use a cable release or know how to work the camera's timer delay to avoid camera shake. Unless your camera has a built-in level, we recommend having a 2 axis flash shoe bubble level, it is the easiest way to make sure photos are level. Please buy these at a reputable dealer; they run about $35.00. Consider bringing a laptop with Photoshop.

The Fine Print We do not guarantee the weather. Workshop fee does not include transportation, lodging or meals. In order to keep workshop fees as low as possible we may overbook any given workshop by 1 space. Usually this results in 8 participants, but from time to time we may have 9 participants attending. Photo locations visited may vary year to year. We require an acknowledgment of risks be signed before going into the field. We will send the acknowledgment of risks upon registration, please return it at the start of the workshop. In the event Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. (RMRPI) cancels a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances such as inability to obtain permits, instructor injury, death… Then, RMRPI will refund fees collected by RMRPI for the affected workshop. In the event of a natural disaster, government closure or other happening of this nature that causes a workshop to be canceled, RMRPI may be unable to refund workshop fees. If this happens then funds collected by RMRPI will be applied as credit toward a future workshop of the participant’s choosing. RMRPI will not be held responsible for other expenses (airline tickets, hotel deposits, rental car…) that may be associated with any canceled workshop.

To be as prepared as possible for this workshop, please review the 2 videos, 7 lessons and 10 workshop handouts found at the link below:

Field Lessons and Handouts

 

Below please find the PDF handouts recommended for this workshop. One needs to print or download to a digital device these documents before the workshop from the link above.
 
For this workshop we recommend that participants:

*Print: Blank Workshop Locations Visited.

*Print or download to field digital device: Night Photography Rule of 400.

*Print or download to field digital device: CFDER Field Reminder (This is useful to those new to our workshops and/or trying to develop a useful field workflow.)

*Print or download to field digital device: Steps to Capture Panorama Photographs (If the tripod is properly set up before shooting, one can take panoramas of the locations we visit.)

*Print or download to field digital device: Hyperfocal chart for camera’s LMF. (Unless you already have a depth-of-field app on your smart phone.)

*Print or download to digital device: Andy’s Camera Settings (Only if unsure about what the camera’s settings should be.)

*Print or download to digital device: Tripod Tips and Techniques (Only if one is new to tripod use or are considering a tripod purchase.)

ADOBE® PHOTOSHOP® & POST PROCESSING VIDEOS

Series of video lessons teaching post processing for Landscape and Nature Photographers. Excellent for beginners and intermediate users of Adobe Photoshop.

Photoshop Video Instruction

BRING Flashlight Tripod Spare Camera Batteries Camera Manual Lots of Memory Filters Extra Shoes and Socks Rain Gear Hiking Boots Warm Clothes Umbrella (just in case) Oh Yes! Don't Forget the Camera

2022 Arches & Canyonlands Group Photo

Questions? Please call or use e-mail.

Workshop Effort Scale

This workshop is not among our most or least difficult. It is best described as on the high side of the middle. Our hike to Delicate Arch is what places this workshop on the slightly more difficult side of the middle. To reach Delicate Arch we hike about 1.5 miles, gain about 500 feet in elevation and face some exposure to heights. The arch is at 4,800 feet in elevation so most participants feel the effort is more comparable to gaining 1000 feet in elevation. Because we are often walking or standing on uneven, sloped rocks this is a workshop where having strong, sure footing is advised.

View the Arches & Canyonlands Participant Gallery

"I wanted to thank you for another excellent workshop, this time in Moab, Utah. Not only was it a fabulous location, but the experiences I had in photographing sunrises, sunsets and stars have added so much to my understanding of photography, both in the field and post-processing... I appreciated the positive teaching skills you used throughout the week. You encouraged me to think things through to help develop my own understanding, you patiently explained things I didn't know, and your genuine warmth and enthusiasm provided an optimum climate for learning. You understand that it takes time for people to master new information and you pace your instruction for each individual. For these reasons, I will continue to recommend your workshops to people I meet and sign up for others in the future... Thank you again for a fabulous week." Susie Litwinetz, Colorado

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Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks.