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Colorado Fall Colors

Photography Workshop – 2024

Magical Colorado Fall Colors PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Welcome to the Colorado Fall Colors Photography Workshop – your opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking autumn landscapes of the San Juan Mountains or the Elk Mountains (depending on the option you choose) and enhance your photography skills. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the ropes or an advanced photographer seeking new inspiration, this workshop offers an unforgettable experience tailored to your level of expertise.

Capture the magical beauty of Colorado’s Fall Foliage in the Mountains!

Photography Workshop Options

OPTION 1 - Crested Butte - Sep 26 - Sep 29, 2024

Duration: 4 Days
Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
Days: Thursday – Sunday
Experience Level: Beginner – Advanced
Endurance: Easy
Landscape: Elk Mountains
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants

OPTION 2 - Ridgway - Oct 3 - Oct 6, 2024

Duration: 4 Days
Location: Ridgway, Colorado
Days: Thursday – Sunday
Experience Level: Beginner – Advanced
Endurance: Easy
Landscape: San Juan Mountains
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants

Photography Workshop PackageS

Standard - $1890
Personalized Experience
Dynamic Workshop Experience
Guided Shooting Sessions
Classroom Instruction
'WHY' Post-Processing
Personal Feedback Session
Make a Difference

See details below

Premium - $2400
Everything from STANDARD + the following:
eBook
Instruction Videos & Transcripts
6 Months Support

See details below

$500 due at registration to reserve a spot | Remaining due 60 days prior to workshop

PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE:

NO OTHER workshop offers this

Upon your registration, anticipate a comprehensive questionnaire designed to gather personalized information about your preferences and skill levels in photography. By understanding your current proficiency, areas of struggle, preferred subjects, and learning styles, I aim to tailor the workshop to meet the individual needs of each participant. Even in a small group of 10, expect a customized experience based on your responses.

DYNAMIC WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE:

The workshop encompasses multiple picturesque locations and photography options, more than time will permit. Regularly, I will present the group with choices and guide them to their preferred shooting spots. Whether immersed in the heart of an aspen forest or capturing vast vistas with both mountains and aspens, the itinerary includes a variety of settings. The objective remains constant—to personalize and customize the experience to fulfill the unique needs and desires of the students.

GUIDED IN-FIELD SHOOTING SESSIONS:

Guided shooting sessions at sunrise and sunset, where you’ll practice capturing nature’s most incredible moments under the expert eye of your instructor. These sessions are designed to refine your technique in real-world settings, ensuring you walk away with not just memories but impressive photographs and new skills.

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION:

Dive deep into the art of post-processing with our classroom sessions. You’ll learn practical steps how to bring out the best in your photos, mastering techniques in editing software that can transform good shots into great ones. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your skills, these sessions are key to unlocking your photos’ full potential.

‘WHY’ NOT JUST ‘HOW’ POST-PROCESSING:

It’s easy to get lost in the countless sliders and settings of Photoshop, tweaking and twisting your images. But the true magic lies not just in the ‘how’ but in the ‘why’ and ‘how much’. You will learn the secrets behind each post-processing decision, teaching you to enhance your photos while maintaining their natural beauty. This is where you transform from someone who uses tools to an artist who makes deliberate, impactful choices.

PERSONAL FEEDBACK SESSION:

Each participant gets a personal feedback session with the instructor in the presence of the entire group for collective learning. Receive customized input on your work from the instructor. This session aims to help you identify your strengths and areas needing development, providing you the direction necessary to become a more skilled photographer.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

NO OTHER workshop offers this

As a participant in the workshop, you have the unique chance to nominate someone less fortunate to receive a complimentary registration. Out of the 10 available seats, one will be awarded to an individual nominated by the remaining nine registrants. This initiative aims to bring a positive impact to someone who has faced adversity, tragedy, or loss, providing them with an opportunity to rejuvenate amidst the inspiring landscapes of the mountains. While self-nominations are not accepted, you can nominate someone you know. Please review the terms & conditions.

EBOOK: PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS:

NO OTHER workshop offers this

You will receive my exclusive eBook, “Photography Basics,” which captures all the essential information from our very first classroom session. This handy guide serves as your go-to reference for the fundamentals of photography, ensuring you have a strong foundation to build upon.

VIDEOS & TRANSCRIPTS OF CLASSROOM SESSIONS:

NO OTHER workshop offers this

Every classroom session is recorded and shared with you, complete with transcripts. This means you can revisit any lesson on your own time, ensuring you can practice and perfect your skills at your own pace. It’s like having a photography tutor available 24/7.

6 MONTHS SUPPORT:

NO OTHER workshop offers this

You’ll have the opportunity to schedule two 30 min video calls with me within 6 months after the workshop. Additionally you will have email access to me for questions. Use this time to tackle any challenges and get additional training/support.

$500 due at registration to reserve a spot | Remaining due 60 days prior to workshop

Meet Your Instructor

My name is Lazar Gintchin and I have been photographing the Colorado fall colors since 2008. While there is always so much to explore, I have spent years navigating some of the best fall color terrains that Colorado has to offer. I am intimately familiar with many of them , as well as their weather patterns and lighting conditions, which are crucial for great photography.

The magic in Colorado during the fall season is so tangible that it is incredibly inspirational. The phenomenon of aspen leaves changing colors is an absolutely breathtaking spectacle. I feel like a kid in a candy store every year, as if seeing the majesty of this transformation for the first time. 

While on this journey with my I will not only teach you the tricks of my photography trade but also the ways to really immerse yourself and experience this magic with all of your senses.

Your Success is My Mission

When you join my photography workshop, I make your success, my mission. Your satisfaction is of utmost importance and I work hard to achieve the 3 priorities below:

1. SAFETY: Your well-being is my highest concern and all decisions will be based with safety in mind.

2. LEARNING: I aim to impart valuable and practical skills in the field and in the classroom, as I want you to walk away with tons of applicable knowledge, which will drastically improve your photography.

3. ENJOYMENT: Spending time in the mountains during the fall has always been a rejuvenating experience for me personally. I want you to be present and fully enjoy this unforgettable adventure, away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Factors beyond my control
Quality of fall colors may vary each year due to multiple factors. Additionally, mountain weather and lighting conditions may change multiple times a day. I will exercise my best judgment to navigate the evolving circumstances for optimal results and will adapt our agenda to provide the best possible experience.

Workshop Highlights

Explore the Vibrant Fall Colors of Colorado
Join us as we venture deep into the heart of the iconic Elk Mountains or San Juan Mountains (depending on your workshop choice) during the most picturesque season – fall! With landscapes ablaze in fiery hues of red, orange, and gold, this workshop promises a visual feast that will leave you in awe.

Guided Sunrise and Sunset Shoots
We understand the significance of optimal lighting in photography. That’s why we’re dedicated to chasing the magical moments of sunrise and sunset. Our expert instructor, Lazar Gintchin, with over 15 years of experience in capturing Colorado’s beauty, will lead you to the prime locations to make the most of these spectacular hours.

Classroom Immersion
While the golden hours are perfect for capturing nature’s beauty and the Colorado Fall Colors, the daytime of the workshop hours are dedicated to refining your photography skills. Our classroom sessions, led by Lazar Gintchin, will cover essential photography concepts and techniques. From composition and lighting to post-processing, you’ll gain valuable insights to elevate your craft.

Personal Feedback Session
Receive personalized feedback on your work from the instructor. This individual session is designed to help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement, giving you the guidance you need to become a more accomplished photographer.

Workshop Agenda

Day 1

Afternoon Session
Kickstart your photography journey with an immersive classroom session on photography essentials. Learn about fundamental concepts such as composition, exposure, and lighting techniques that form the foundation of capturing stunning images.

Sunset Shooting in the Field
Put your newfound knowledge into practice as we head out to the field for a sunset shooting session. Witness the magic hour firsthand and capture the rich colors and dramatic landscapes of the mountains.

Day 2

Sunrise Shooting Session
Rise and shine early to capture the sunrise over the mountains. Your expert instructor will guide you to the vantage points, ensuring you capture the first light in all its glory.

Classroom Session on Post-Processing
Back in the classroom, dive into the art of post-processing. Learn techniques to enhance your images and bring out the full potential of your photographs. From basic adjustments to creative editing, discover how to make your images truly stand out.

Sunset Shooting Session
As the day draws to a close, we’ll head out again to capture the impressive interplay of light and color during sunset. Apply your new knowledge to create images that reflect your unique perspective.

Day 3

Repeat the agenda from Day 2

Day 4

Sunrise Shooting Session
Embrace the final morning of our workshop with another inspiring sunrise shooting session. Capture the fleeting beauty of the early hours in the mountains and add to your growing collection of stunning photographs.

Wrap Up
Conclude the workshop with some closing thoughts and answering final questions.

Important
Please note that the workshop agenda is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.

I look forward to guiding you through these enriching sessions that balance classroom learning with hands-on field experience. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have a collection of stunning images but also a deeper understanding of photography and its various facets.

A panorama of a snowy and jagged mountain range with fall color aspen trees

What's Not Included In the Photography Workshop

  • Flights
  • Accommodation (hotel)
  • Transportation (car rental, etc.)
  • Food

Booking Your Spot

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative photography workshop! With a limited group size of 10 participants, be sure to secure your spot today.

Please contact me with any questions.

IMPORTANT: The beauty of nature is unpredictable, and while I strive to provide optimal conditions for photography, weather can impact our plans. I recommend participants to be prepared for moderate outdoor activity and variable weather conditions.

Join us for an unparalleled photography adventure amidst the magic fall colors of the Colorado mountains. Let’s capture the magic together!

Additional Information

Exploring Colorado's Majestic Fall Colors

Travel

Embarking on our Colorado Fall Colors Photography Workshop is an incredible journey. Regardless of your chosen path, a vehicle will be your trusted companion throughout this adventure. It’s worth noting that a standard car is perfectly suitable; there’s no need for an SUV.

OPTION 1 – Crested Butte, Colorado
Driving from Denver you have 3 routes. While not equal in length, they are all incredibly scenic. Route A is the fastest, followed by route B, followed by route C. If you are unsure and have a little extra time, you can always chose one drive on your way in and another on your way out.

OPTION 2 – Ridgway, Colorado
If driving from Denver, you’ll have the option to choose between two equally breathtaking routes, each promising a delightful drive. These routes offer not only scenic vistas but also a similar travel time. Check them out: Route A and B.

Alternatively, for those seeking quicker access, consider flying into Montrose, a mere 30 minutes away from Ridgway, the heart of our workshop.

Lodging

Finding your home away from home during the workshop is a breeze with several lodging options available:

OPTION 1 – Crested Butte, Colorado

  • Hotels – Crested Butte offers a variety when it comes to lodging. One favorite of mine is the Old Town Inn.
  • RVs and Camping – The area abounds with spots where dispersed RV and tent camping is allowed for free. Check out county roads 734 and 811.

OPTION 2 – Ridgway, Colorado

  • Hotels – Nestled in Ridgway, Ouray, and points in between, a variety of charming hotels await your stay. You can also consider Montrose, although it’s a brief 30-minute drive away.
  • RV Parks and Cabins – For those seeking a more rustic experience, Ouray RV Park and Cabins provide cozy accommodations amidst nature’s embrace.
  • Camping – Immerse yourself completely in the natural beauty by staying at Ridgway State Park, a haven for camping enthusiasts.

Recommended Camera Gear

Your journey into the world of fall photography requires just a handful of essential camera gear. Ensure you’re well-prepared with the following:

  • Camera with Manual Settings – A camera that allows full manual control is your canvas for capturing stunning autumn hues.
  • Sturdy Tripod – Guarantee sharpness and stability in your shots with a reliable tripod.
  • Ample Power – Don’t miss out on any breathtaking moments due to power issues. Pack extra batteries and a battery charger.
  • Abundant Storage – Make memories without worry by carrying extra memory cards.

Additional Items

Elevate your workshop experience with these indispensable accessories:

  • Weather-Appropriate Attire – Prepare for the cool mornings and evenings with a cozy jacket, hat, gloves, and long pants.
  • Proper Footwear – Comfortable hiking shoes are a must for our outdoor escapades.
  • Convenient Carrying – A small backpack proves invaluable for storing snacks, clothing layers, water, and personal items.
  • Digital Workspace – If you’re eager to refine your photography through post-processing, consider bringing along your laptop for in-classroom practice sessions.

Join us for a heartfelt appreciation of Colorado’s autumnal beauty, where the magnificence of nature converges with your creative perspective. Your time during the workshop should be a balanced mix of discovery, knowledge acquisition, and cherished memories.

Register

Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop 2024

– $500 due at registration to reserve a spot
– Remaining due 60 days prior to workshop