TRIP DATES
SEPT. 23RD - SEPT 26TH, 2027
These dates were chosen specifically to give the best chance for peak fall colors.
TRIBE SIZE
We only accept 4 students per workshop to give our students more 1-on-1 guidance.
Once it's full, it's gone!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This photography workshop is open to all experience levels, from beginner to advanced all are welcome.
HIKING
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 2 miles) through rocky terrain sometimes at altitude.
COLOR THEORY
Learn color theory as painters understood it. Understanding hue, tone, mood and harmony in every frame.
COMPOSITION
Compose your frame with intention and learn the visual structure that guided the master painters long before photos.
LIGHT STUDY
Harness the mood shaping power of light. Using techniques like chiaroscuro or the impressionist glow.
STORYTELLING
Tell a story that resonates and create images that stir more feeling, not images that just follow the rules.
ITINERARY
This Itinerary is subject to change as with any landscape photography adventure weather plays an important role in our shoots.
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Day 1 – Finding Inspiration: We’ll meet at 10 AM in Salt Lake City, Utah, beginning with a visit to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to explore how painters use light, color and composition. From there, we'll head into the Wasatch Mountains for our first field study, photographing autumn colors in a mountain meadow beneath Mount Timpanogos at sunset.
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Day 2 – Color & Harmony: Our morning classroom session focuses on color theory and how different color relationships influence the mood of an image. We'll also explore visual pathways and composition before putting those ideas into practice during a sunset shoot overlooking an alpine lake surrounded by fall colors.
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Day 3 – Patterns & Storytelling: We'll spend the morning exploring the elements of art and design, focusing on balance, rhythm, movement and visual storytelling. In the evening, we'll head into the aspen groves of the Wasatch Mountains, looking for intimate compositions, repeating patterns and creative ways to photograph autumn foliage.
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Day 4 – A New Perspective: Our final sunrise takes us to a mountain overlook with sweeping views of the Wasatch landscape. We'll put everything we've learned into practice, exploring how light, layers and perspective can bring a photograph together. After our shoot, we'll wrap up with questions, feedback and farewells.
LOGISTICS
NEAREST AIRPORT
You will want to fly into
the Durango Airport, We suggest you arrive theday before the workshop to get settled
MEETING LOCATION
Durango, CO, after a couple stops along the ay we will head to our retreat base in Ridgway, Co for the remainder of the workshop.
ADVENTURE INCLUSIONS
ALL LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop. Each person will have their own designated room.
PHOTOGRAPHY
INSTRUCTION
In field photography instruction, Post processing instruction and photo critiques are the best part!
PRE & POST
ZOOM SESSIONS
Spend more time in nature. Then come back to relive those moments with a session in the digital dark room.
NOT INCLUDED
TRANSPORTATION
Flights / car transportation are not included we are helping attendees source capable, fully equipped vehicles
TRAVEL INSURANCE
With any adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies
MEALS & DRINKS
You are responsible for all your meals and drinks during the workshop. Hotels may include a mini fridge and microwave.
PRE ZOOM & POST
EDIT SESSIONS
Before your photography workshop, we’ll meet on Zoom to review gear, preparation and what to expect in the field. After the workshop, you’ll receive a recorded editing tutorial tailored to your specific workshop, delivered through Dropbox, to help you refine your images and develop your post-processing skills at your own pace.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
CREATING A VISUAL STORY
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Finding inspiration and developing a creative concept.
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Creating photographs that tell a story and evoke emotion.
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Using visual pathways, framing and perspective to guide the viewer's eye.
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Choosing lenses and techniques to support your artistic vision.
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Planning your composition with the final image in mind.
ART & DESIGN PRINCIPLES
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Understanding the elements of art: line, shape, form, color, value, texture and space.
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Applying balance, contrast, movement, rhythm and pattern to your compositions.
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Using color theory to create visual impact.
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Working with light and shadow to establish mood and depth.
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Discovering natural patterns and abstract compositions.
CREATIVE POST PROCESSING
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Developing a fine art workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop.
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Using layers, masks and luminosity selections for precise adjustments.
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Dodging and burning to the viewer's direct attention.
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Exposure blending, focus stacking and removing distractions.
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Color grading, Orton glow and creative finishing techniques.
RECOMMENDED CAMERA & PERSONAL GEAR
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DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Body
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Wide, Fast Camera Lens (16mm - 35mm or Similar)
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Mid-Range Camera Lens (24mm - 70mm or Similar)
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Telephoto Lenses are optional, but useful for distant details, summer storms, wildlife or timelapse.
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Sturdy Tripod and Ballhead
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Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
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Intervalometer (Wired or Built into your Camera)
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Rain Cover for your Camera and Camera Bag
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Laptop for Morning Editing Sessions
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External Hard Drive for your Photos
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Charger for Camera and Laptop
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Opportunity for drones so if you have one bring it
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Sturdy Hiking Boots, Hiking Socks, Long Pants
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Rain Jacket and/or Warm Jacket, it can get chilly!
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Headlamp (preferably with a white light)
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Sunscreen and Bug Spray
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Hat & Sunglasses, Beanie & Gloves
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Water Bottle
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Hiking Poles if needed
MEET THE TEAM
Be sure to check out our ABOUT page to learn more about our guild masters and your future favorite teachers ever!
JESS SANTOS
Jess is a lifelong creator who brings the magic of wild places and the night sky to each and every workshop.
YOUR ADVENTURE IN UTAH STARTS HERE
Spots for our Utah Fall Photography Art Retreat Workshop are limited and filling fast. With such a small group size you’ll get personalized guidance, one-on-one time and the support you need to take your photography to the next level. Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable adventure.
All workshops close once full!
