ABOUT THE COLORADO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Revel in the breathtaking tapestry of Colorado's fall foliage during our photography workshop—a journey where time fades away and the thrill of discovery ignites your soul.
Colorado, especially in autumn, is a symphony for the senses. Imagine: vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red painting rugged landscapes, deep blue skies contrasting with snow-capped peaks, and the crisp, musky scents of fall mingling with the distant bugle of elk. It's a landscape photographer's dream, a place where finding the perfect shot feels like striking gold. And through it all, Andy Cook will be by your side, not to capture his own images, but to guide you in discovering yours. This workshop is designed for fun, for levity, and for building friendships as you lose yourself in the pure joy of photography.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Learn from Andy Cook, an experienced photographer dedicated to fostering your growth. He'll offer personalized tips both in the field and during post-processing, helping you capture the unique beauty of Colorado's fall.
VARIETY OF LOCATIONS
Explore both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, venturing off the beaten path to photograph some of Colorado's most picturesque and inspiring locations.
SUNRISE & SUNSET
Capture the magic of the golden hours, framing stunning foregrounds against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
DETAILED CLOSE-UPS
Discover the intimate beauty of autumn, from frosty leaves and vibrant aspen forests to the captivating details that make this season truly special.
OPTIMIZE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS
Elevate your photography through a blend of refined shooting techniques and comprehensive post-processing instruction. Master essential skills for capturing Colorado's vibrant autumn landscapes, including creating visually engaging compositions, mastering precise auto exposure bracketing, crafting panoramas, and using proper aperture selection and focus distance to achieve razor-sharp images.
Join us for an unforgettable Colorado photography workshop and elevate your landscape photography skills amidst the stunning autumn scenery.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
DAY 1, SUNDAY, Sept. 28, 2025:
7:00 PM WELCOME & INTRODUCTION: Join us in the hotel breakfast area for an overview of the workshop, meet fellow photographers, and discuss the exciting agenda ahead.
INSTRUCTOR LODGING: Chipeta Lodge, 304 S. Lena St, Ridgway, CO 81432. 970-626-3737.
ALTERNATE LODGING: MTN Lodge Ridgway, 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO 81432. 970-626-5444.
Check-in: Sunday, Sept. 28th, 2025
Check-out: Friday, Oct. 3rd, 2025.
DAYS 2-5, MONDAY-THURSDAY, SEPT. 29-OCT. 2, 2025:
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS: Capture iconic and hidden locations, focusing on vibrant fall foliage, scenic landscapes, and intimate nature details.
FINAL SUNSET SESSION: The workshop concludes with a breathtaking sunset shoot on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
EXTENDED STAY OPPORTUNITY: Since peak autumn colors may extend beyond our workshop dates, we encourage participants to consider extending their stay to continue capturing Colorado's stunning landscapes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING SESSIONS: Each morning, we'll embark on a pre-dawn adventure to capture the serene beauty of Colorado's landscapes as the first light kisses the mountains. We'll linger through sunrise, ensuring ample time to capture breathtaking shots and savor the magic of the moment. Occasionally, we'll venture to another prime location before sharing a hearty breakfast and camaraderie.
MIDDAY ACTIVITIES: On select days, we'll gather for insightful post-processing sessions filled with lively discussions and hands-on demonstrations. Andy will provide personalized guidance, helping you translate your artistic vision into stunning images. One of our favorite topics is how to work with the rich hues of autumn, guiding you to refine them to match your unique perspective. Bring your laptop with Photoshop installed for tailored assistance and to dive deep into the art of image enhancement. It's a time for learning, sharing, and laughter.
EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY: As the afternoon unfolds, we'll return to the field, chasing the golden light until sunset. Three evenings will feature group dinners at local restaurants, fostering friendship and shared experiences. One evening is left open for you to explore Ridgway's culinary delights at your leisure. Each session is designed to be as much about the joy of photography and friendship as it is about capturing incredible images.
Don't let this season pass without capturing the magic of Colorado's autumn. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where you'll not only elevate your photography but rediscover the pure joy of creating amidst breathtaking landscapes. Sign up today and make this autumn one to remember with our Colorado Autumn Photography Workshop!
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT $300 USD
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WORKSHOP DETAILS
EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Suitable for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Photographers.
The Colorado autumn photography workshop is designed for all skill levels—whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics, an intermediate photographer seeking to refine your techniques, or an advanced artist aiming to capture stunning autumn landscapes, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration here.
GROUP SIZE: 8
This workshop targets a group size of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a collaborative environment. This small group size allows for in-depth instruction and opportunities to connect with fellow photography enthusiasts while exploring stunning autumn landscapes.
EFFORT LEVEL: Easy - Ideal for Most Photographers.
This Colorado workshop features easy access, with walks primarily along roads and scenic paths. While the walking surfaces can be uneven, participants are encouraged to wear hiking boots for comfort and stability. Enjoy the beauty of autumn without the need for strenuous hiking, making it perfect for photographers of all abilities.
CONDITIONS: Prepare for Variable Fall Weather.
Participants should be ready for changing weather conditions. Autumn mornings in the Colorado high country can be quite chilly, often resembling winter temperatures. Dress in layers to ensure comfort while capturing the stunning fall scenery, and be prepared for the beauty that varied weather can bring to your photographs.
ELEVATION: Photography Locations from 7,000 to 11,000 Feet.
Our photography workshop is held high in the Rocky Mountains where we'll find breathtaking shooting locations at significant elevation. It's essential to stay properly hydrated at these higher elevations to ensure your comfort and well-being while capturing stunning fall landscapes. Prepare for an exhilarating experience in the heart of Colorado's vibrant autumn scenery!
GETTING TO THE WORKSHOP
AIR TRAVEL: For those flying to our Colorado photography workshop, the best options are Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) or Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ).
DRIVING TIME:
Grand Junction to Ridgway, CO: Approximately 2 hours.
Montrose to Ridgway, CO: Approximately 45 minutes.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: Typically, the roads to the workshop locations are a mix of paved highways and non-4-wheel-drive dirt roads. However, if the season has been particularly wet, the dirt roads may become muddy and rough, requiring a higher clearance vehicle such as an SUV. Road conditions can vary year to year, so we recommend using an SUV for the best experience.
Whenever possible, during the workshop, we encourage participants to carpool to minimize our impact and foster camaraderie among attendees.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
LENS RANGE: For our Colorado fall colors workshop, we recommend a lens range of at least 28mm to 400mm (full frame, consider the lens multiplication factor) to effectively capture the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant fall colors.
POLARIZING FILTER: A polarizing filter is highly recommended for this workshop. It helps reduce glare from water and wet surfaces, enhances color saturation, and increases contrast in the sky. Using a polarizing filter will allow you to capture the rich hues of autumn foliage and stunning mountain vistas more vividly.
NOTE: The vibrant fall colors in the San Juan Mountains typically reach their peak during the last week of September and the first few days of October. However, please be aware that weather conditions can occasionally cause the leaves to drop earlier than expected. This timing is unpredictable and beyond our control.
