More Workshop Information

Panorama of a group of photographers at their cameras on tripods in a green field next to a stream, capturing the vibrant colors of sunset. In the background, dramatic snow-capped mountains stand tall under stormy skies, which are beginning to break open, revealing the warm hues of the setting sun.
Rocky Mountains

The details below apply to all of our workshops. Please read carefully to ensure a smooth experience.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS


INSTRUCTION: Our workshops provide hands-on, field-based instruction, with Andy available to guide you through landscape photography techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, Andy will assist you at your skill level. This support includes help with camera settings, exposure, focus, composition, and post-processing. For more experienced photographers, Andy is also happy to offer guidance as needed or simply give you space to work independently.

LODGING: Participants are responsible for directly booking their own accommodations. Please contact the lodging provider to reserve your room(s).

WEATHER: Weather conditions may impact our itinerary and affect access to certain locations. We encourage flexibility, and participants may find it beneficial to stay additional days to take full advantage of optimal shooting conditions.

Three photographers standing at their cameras on tripods, capturing a dramatic sunset on a black rocky shore in Kauai. Below them, waves crash against the cliffs as a stormy sky looms overhead. The sun begins to break through, casting vibrant yellow and orange hues across the sky, creating a powerful and dynamic scene during an outdoor photography workshop.
Kauai Sunset

MORE WORKSHOP INFORMATION


FOOD / WATER: We will provide snacks for your enjoyment during the workshop. However, participants are responsible for bringing their own water bottles. Please remember to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

MEDICAL: While you don't need to be in perfect physical condition, your overall experience will be much more enjoyable with good health and preparation. We recommend consulting with your doctor before attending to ensure you're ready for the physical demands of the workshop.

HIGHER ELEVATIONS: At higher elevations, proper hydration is crucial. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, loss of energy, and even severe headaches. To avoid these issues, it's important to drink regularly, even before you feel thirsty.

A group of photographers participating in a photography workshop, capturing the vibrant autumn colors. Some are focused on their cameras, while one smiles at the camera. Behind them, aspen trees with beautiful yellow leaves stand tall, and an old-style log fence adds a rustic touch to the autumn landscape.
Autumn Workshop Group

PHOTO EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS


Please bring all essential camera gear, including your camera's manual.

LENSES: We recommend bringing your full range of lenses to cover a variety of shooting situations. This will allow you to be ready for any opportunity that arises during the workshop.

POLARIZING FILTER: A polarizing filter is highly recommended for most workshops. It helps reduce reflections, enhance contrast, and deepen skies for more dynamic shots.

ND FILTERS FOR WATER: To create long exposure effects—such as blurring streams or waves into a mist—bring a 6-stop (1.8) or higher neutral density (ND) filter. A screw-on type will work fine. Andy carries both a 6-stop (1.8) and a 10-stop (3.0) ND filter, which are especially useful for coastal scenes. This filter allows you to create smooth, compelling long-exposure photographs. If you bring an ND filter, also remember to pack a cable release to trigger the shutter without causing shake.

ND FILTERS FOR CLOUDS: If you'd like to blur the motion of clouds on a bright day, consider bringing a 9 or 10-stop ND filter (screw-on type). Again, a cable release is recommended for best results.

Note: Many variable ND filters suffer from issues like banding and differential darkening. Andy recommends avoiding variable ND filters for the best results.

MEMORY: Be sure to bring plenty of memory cards—64GB to 128GB if you plan on downloading and reformatting them during the workshop. If you're not reformatting, aim for 32GB to 64GB per day of shooting.

TRIPOD: A sturdy outdoor tripod is essential. It should be adjustable from standing height (without cranking up the center post) all the way down to very low to the ground. Ideally, it should have independent leg movement, without attachments linking the legs to the center post. This gives you greater flexibility for various compositions.

NO SHAKE: To avoid camera shake, please bring a cable release or make sure you're familiar with your camera's timer delay function.

LEVEL: If your camera doesn't have a built-in level, we recommend a 2-axis bubble level for the hot shoe. This is the easiest way to ensure your shots are level. You can find these levels from reputable dealers, typically priced around $40.

AEB - BRACKETING: Andy often combines images with varying exposures during post-processing. He will be happy to teach participants his field techniques (some cameras may require a cable release) and post-processing methods for this technique. If you'd like to follow along, please bring a laptop with Photoshop installed.

Two photographers standing in a blustery, snowy winter landscape, capturing the scene with their cameras. The weak sun casts warm light, backlighting the photographers as mist and windblown snow swirl around them. Wind blows snow off distant hills, and a long lens compresses the photographers in the foreground against the wintery background, creating a dramatic visual effect.
Photographing Iceland

PARTIAL GEAR LIST


  • GPS for Vehicle
  • Flashlight
  • Tripod
  • Spare Camera Batteries
  • Camera's Manual
  • Lots of Memory
  • Filters
  • Extra Shoes and Socks
  • Camera
  • Rain Gear
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water Bottle
  • Warm Clothes
  • Umbrella
A photographer in a red jacket capturing the lush, moss-covered trees of a Pacific Northwest rainforest during a photography workshop. The vibrant greenery and atmosphere of the forest provide an enchanting setting for nature and landscape photography.
Pacific Northwest Rainforest

PRE-WORKSHOP PREPARATION


To ensure you're fully prepared and get the most out of our workshop, please review the following materials before the event:

2 VIDEOS (Overview and techniques you may use in the workshop)

7 LESSONS (Essential skills and concepts to refresh before the workshop)

7 WORKSHOP HANDOUTS (Detailed resources to help guide you through the topics that may be covered)

Two photographers standing on a small hill in the foreground, capturing the stunning sunset sky and dramatic sculpted hills of the Badlands. The photographers focus on the landscape as the warm hues of the sunset fill the sky, creating a breathtaking scene during a photography workshop.
Photographing Badlands

Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.

Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. is authorized by the National Park Service, US Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Badlands National Park, Olympic National Park, Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, Death Valley & Joshua Tree National Parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Bend National Park and Acadia National Park.

Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. is a permittee of the Uncompahgre National Forest.