Photography
Workshop and Tour
in Crested Butte, Colorado
July 16-19, 2023
Join me for one of the most beautiful 3 full-day photography experiences ever, in Crested Butte, the Wildflower Capital of Colorado.
Gorgeous mountain peaks and rolling hills covered with wildflowers surround the historic small town of Crested Butte. You will be dazzled by up to 50+ species of wildflowers, including Lupines, Glacier Lilies, Indian Paintbrushes, Columbines, Sunflowers, and many more. And, due to heavy snowpack this year, it may be a banner year for blooms!
However, the flowers are not all we will be photographing. This workshop will include a whole range of landscape photography techniques, from beginner to advanced, to capture some of the best images you have ever taken.
The workshop will include chances to photograph three sunsets and three sunrises plus night sky shooting one night, weather-permitting! You will journey down the many dirt roads that wind through the valleys in search of spectacular images. We will likely encounter some wildlife, too, for even more variety.
These are long days, and you can expect to be tired, but you will leave with some of the best photos you have ever made and a lot more photographic knowledge, as well as the experience of being in the middle of the glorious wild in a safe and structured setting.
Due to the small group size, there will be lots of one-on-one teaching, as well as focused computer-based lessons, and even a personalized critique session if you desire.
WORKSHOP dATES:
Begins 3:00 PM SUNDAY JULY 16, 2023 and ends 10:00 AM on WEDNESDAY JULY 19, 2023.
Tentative Daily Schedule:
Sunday Afternoon and evening:
We will meet up in Mount Crested Butte at the Grand Lodge common area for a meet-and-greet around 3:00 PM for introductions. Then we will have a short intro talk about composition and light. Consider having an early dinner or eat a quick snack if needed before we head out to shoot sunset. Then get some good rest, as we will be up early.
Monday and Tuesday:
Eat an early breakfast on your own, as we will set out before sunrise to capture the best lighting, as the sun rises over the mountains and wildflowers. We will be out touring and photographing until at least 10 AM exploring the area for photographic opportunities during the best light. We will likely return to the condo around 11 AM during the midday for a talk about a photographic subject of interest or a live editing session if the group chooses. We will have an optional critique and feedback session that will go over several of your favorite images, either from this trip or prior images, and give you new ideas on how to improve. Lunches, the mid afternoon hours, and dinners or touring the cute town of Crested Butte will be on your own. We will regroup by 4:30 PM to head out for more exploring and to capture the evening light. Weather-permitting, we may stay out to photograph the stars for a several hours after dusk. Then rest up, as we will be up before sunrise again tomorrow.
Wednesday Morning:
On our final morning together, we will once more head out early to shoot the sunrise. We will finish up around 10 AM.
*Schedules are subject to change depending on weather and lighting conditions as well as safety of the participants and hosts.
COVID-19 restrictions
may be in place for 2023, depending on local guidelines and mandates at the time of the workshop, which may require you to wear a mask whenever we are in an enclosed building, or if riding in automobiles with other workshop attendees outside of your own household. When outside, we will follow safe practices of staying at least 6 feet apart while the pandemic persists. If you have been vaccinated or have a recent negative COVID-19 test and have no symptoms of illness, you can ride in the SUV with Melissa and the group, or if not, you may follow the lead vehicle in your own vehicle.
Investment
The 3 full-day, July 2023 workshop is offered at a price of only $999.
Repeat customers at our workshops have a discount of $100 off their workshop!
Terms and Conditions
If we do not receive your full balance by by May 31, 2023, we reserve the right to cancel your workshop and/or fill your spot off of a wait list. In the event of such a cancellation, no refunds will be provided.
No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, flights, or other events beyond our control, either before, during, or after your workshop. We are not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to delays or cancellations.
All workshop schedules and plans are subject to change at our discretion depending upon weather, health and safety considerations, or any other factor related or unrelated to photographic opportunities as we see fit. Full refunds of all monies paid will be made if a workshop is canceled by us or if the workshop is rescheduled and you are unable to attend on the new date. Melissa Lipton Photography is not responsible for any other costs which participants may have incurred, including but not limited to travel, car rental, lodging, insurance, photographic purchases and/or rentals. Traveler's insurance is highly recommended.
You will receive a confirmation email soon after booking your workshop registration. Then you will receive another email within 60 days prior to your workshop which will contain full workshop details, as well as several forms to sign acknowledging you have read and agree to the terms, as well as understand and accept any risks involved with the workshops, and provide a brief pertinent medical history and emergency contact information, which all must be returned prior to the workshop start date.
Photography Experience Level
Both beginners & experienced photographers will benefit from this workshop. I will work closely with you to address strengths and weaknesses. All can expect to be challenged.
Group Size
I prefer to keep workshops small, ensuring that each person will have lots of one-on-one instruction. Each workshop is limited to 8 people plus our instructors and drivers.
Lodging, Transportation, and Meals
You are responsible for your own lodging and meals while in the Crested Butte area. Transportation to and from the town of Crested Butte is also your responsibility. New this season, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will all be driving in our own automobiles, caravan-style, to our photo locations. Our home base for the computer-based talks and editing sessions will be the The Grand Lodge at 6 Emmons Loop, Crested Butte , CO , United States, next door to a large public parking lot.
Choose your own hotel, condo, or rental home in Mount Crested Butte, as most are within walking distance or a short drive. Hotel discount codes are often available. There is also a free shuttle bus through the town which goes back and forth to Crested Butte for meals or shopping, etc.
ABOUT BUYING NEW GEAR
You DO NOT need expensive gear to create excellent images. Great gear does make a difference in terms of technical quality, and durability, but creating a powerful, creative image is all about the photographer and the light. While I do recommend shooting with the best gear you can afford, keep in mind that the gear is not the most important factor.
CAMERA GEAR
-
Camera: (preferably a DSLR or a mirrorless with the ability to shoot raw and change lenses)
-
**Bring your Camera Manual**: While we have used and are knowledgeable about a wide variety of cameras from various manufacturers we don't pretend to know how to access the many functions of your camera, so having your manual with you is very important.
-
Lenses: My ideal setup for full frame camera is a wide angle lens (16-50mm), and a longer telephoto lens (70-300mm). For DX or APS-C crop sensor users, any combination of lenses that gets you from around 10mm to 200mm will work fine.
-
Other: A sturdy outdoor tripod is a must! Also, plenty of digital memory cards, extra batteries & battery charger, lens cleaning cloth, and a camera bag that allows you to easily get to your gear. You may want to consider bringing a back up camera as well.
-
Filters: A circular polarizer is very useful in landscape and flower photography. Graduated neutral density filters are often useful in landscape photography. There can also be situations where a mulit-stop neutral density or variable ND (variable neutral density) can be very useful.
-
A camera cover is optional, but may be helpful if rain is in the forecast
To get the most from your photo tour you should have a good working knowledge of your own camera, its lenses, accessories, and your tripod.
CLASSROOM
Please bring a laptop computer with a card reader for the classroom portion of the workshop. It would be best to have Adobe Lightroom software installed. We will also spend a small amount of time with Adobe Photoshop if you want to have this installed as well to follow along. I also occasionally use the Nik Collection and/or Topaz software plugin packages as well which have some neat premade filters you can modify and Denoise capabilities.
I have the Adobe Creative Cloud with the Lightroom/Photoshop package for $9.99 a month.
If you prefer to take written notes, it is a good idea to bring along pen and paper.
CRITIQUE SESSION
We will have optional critique sessions of images taken prior to or during the workshop, so prepare to bring of up to 10 of your favorite images you would like feedback on.
OUTDOOR GEAR, Clothing, and Personal Items:
We will be in the field at different times of day and in various types of weather.
It is important to bring the right kind of clothing to remain comfortable. Creativity, mental focus and productivity are greatly affected by physical comfort.
Weather in the Colorado mountains can change several times during the day. Be prepared.
We will shoot rain or shine. A rain jacket and a small travel umbrella is highly recommended.
For optimum comfort, it is best to dress in layers, which enable quick adaptation to varying weather conditions. A base layer (next to skin) should be made of moisture-wicking material. Staying dry is the most essential step in maintaining comfort. Avoid cotton. Include an insulating layer, such as fleece.
Have adequate rain gear, preferably a breathable kind such as Gore-Tex to keep you dry and windproof. Hoods are great. Rain pants will keep you dry when kneeling or sitting in wet foliage.
Footwear should be sturdy and comfortable. Hiking boots or trail shoes will work fine and waterproof ones will be appreciated in meadows that are wet with morning dew or rain.
Bring hiking shorts for hot days and long pants for cool evenings and mornings. Consider the convertible pants that have zip-off legs, and gaiters and/or waterproof boots.
Also:
-
Sunscreen
-
Thin gloves
-
Cap or hat with visor
-
Sunglasses
-
Small flashlight or compact headlamp; have a red light or a red gel to cover the light for night shooting
-
Bug repellant
-
Lip balm
-
Any medications you need, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, etc.
-
Refillable water bottle
-
First aid kit
-
Mole skin or similar blister prevention
Fitness Level
All age levels are welcome on this photography workshop. We will drive to each location then walk to the best position for sunrise, sunset, or night shoot. Some light to moderate hiking carrying your equipment may be required.
Terrain
The type of terrain we will experience is variable, with the possibility of loose dirt and rocks, wet surfaces, steep hills, and uneven terrain. You should be able to maneuver through brush, trees, mud, and thigh-high grasses and wildflowers without difficulty. We also will visit several streams and lakes, so wet and slippery conditions may exist.
Altitude
If you are coming to the mountains from a significantly lower altitude, be sure to consider the potential affects of altitude on your body and to take some simple steps to remain comfortable and avoid altitude sickness. Although most people may only experience some shortness of breath with a little exertion, others are more prone to headaches and sleep disruptions, fatigue, nausea and decreased appetite. You will also notice the very dry climate.
Here are some tips:
-
Try to arrive 24 hours ahead of your workshop to acclimate
-
Drink extra water and fluids a few days before and during your entire stay. Staying well hydrated in the dry mountain environment is very important to offset the effects of altitude. Drink a lot of water, but do it slowly.
-
Avoid over-exertion and get as much rest as possible.
-
Eat lightly.
-
Limit alcoholic beverages.
-
Ask for a humidifier in your hotel room.
Assumption of Risks
You will receive a confirmation email within the first 48 hours after booking your workshop reservation and paying the deposit. This email will contain a form to sign acknowledging you have read and agree to the terms, as well as understand and accept any and all risks involved with the workshops. Though Melissa Lipton Photography will take steps to ensure the safety of all members of the workshop, certain risks are inherent in each activity and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. These waivers must be signed and returned before participating in the workshop.
Bookmark this page to refer back to for workshop information!
If workshop is full, or you want to have a larger group workshop or want a solo private lesson, contact me directly.
A waiting list for spots is available in case there is a cancellation.
Email me with any questions!
© Melissa Lipton Photography
Fine Art Photographer based in Vail, Colorado
Contact us for any special requests, such as oversized prints, different materials, or a commissioned work.
* Images may not be copied or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the copyright holder. *