BRILLIANT FALL FOLIAGE
Brilliant Fall Foliage
Telluride, CO
October 4 - 6, 2013
$1,295 per person
John Fielder Photography Workshops
Denise Robert, Workshop Coordinator
P. O. Box 370736, Denver CO 80237
phone 303-368-5208 / fax 303-696-1929 / cell 303-570-7577
www.johnfielder.com / DeniseLRobert@comcast.net
Brilliant Fall Foliage Photography Workshop
with John Fielder in Telluride, Colorado
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
$1,295 per person
Join Colorado’s premier landscape photographer, John Fielder, on a colorful 3-day fall foliage workshop in the San Juan Mountains around Telluride, where autumn delivers layer upon layer of color. Fresh snow dusts peaks under blue skies, while golden aspens, yellow cottonwoods, orange willows and red sandstone hills add explosions of color to the high country. Follow John along his favorite backroads as vast ranches stretch out in magnificent valleys. Shoot reflection images in high altitude lakes and ponds, look up to capture the towering yellow aspens rising against blue skies, and photograph horses grazing in snow-kissed meadows. This is your opportunity to discover the heart and soul of nature’s beauty in the Colorado high country with John.
This Workshop offers a well-rounded and highly resourceful educational experience, appropriate for any level of outdoor photographer, but especially for beginners and intermediates. The program consists of a slide-based lecture, field shoots in beautiful locations and interactive critique sessions on participants’ laptop computers. A full, yet comfortable, schedule optimizes field time and helps facilitate the absorption of invaluable, professional information. John will also discuss post-processing of your images with computer programs such as Photoshop, and do live demonstrations of such.
No participant should feel that he or she is not qualified to attend. Limited enrollment gives all participants quality time with John Fielder and ensures that each person gets the specific instruction needed based on their individual level of experience. Fellow pro nature photographer, Gary Soles, assists John at most workshops, further ensuring individual attention. A group-based critique session allows students the chance to learn from others’ work, while personalized field instruction addresses the photographer’s needs related to both understanding camera functions and techniques of composition.
Transportation to field locations and some meals are included.
When
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 3, 4, and 5, 2013.
Where
In and around Telluride, Colorado
Purpose
Seeing and photographing the natural landscape and taking each participant to the next skill level, using critique and instruction
Who’s It For
Photographers of all skill levels; limited to 16 participants
What Equipment
A 35mm digital SLR camera is recommended and please bring your laptop for the critique sessions. You can use a film camera, but processing is not available; therefore, there can be no film critique. Lenses should cover the zone between no less than 18 and 135mm for most cameras, or 28 and 200mm for cameras with full size sensors, plus tripod and cable or remote release. (Your two-second shutter release is a backup plan!) See below for more information about gear.
Price
$1,295 per person includes classroom sessions, snacks in the field, meals as described in the itinerary.
NOTE: Tuition is non-refundable and all participants must sign an acknowledgment of this policy. In the event of a participant’s cancellation, tuition may be applied to a future Workshop if someone can be found to take the participant’s place. Sometimes unexpected circumstances cause cancellation or interruption of a Workshop. For that reason, we recommend trip cancellation/travel insurance, available from your travel agent or online. Please refer to the Cancellation Policy under Notes, Terms and Conditions.
Accommodations
Are not included in the Workshop. Refer to Lodging Information, below.
Approximate Schedule
Please be prompt so you won’t miss any great information.
Day 1
8:30 a.m.
Welcome and check-in. Breakfast served.
9:00
Introduction, general information, lecture and slide show presentation.
12:30 p.m.
Break for lunch.
2:00
Depth of field lesson. Depart for field shoot. Transportation provided. Beverages and snacks provided in the field.
7:00
Finish shoot, return to hotel.
Day 2
6:00 a.m.
Meet in hotel lobby. Coffee provided. Depart for morning field shoot. Transportation provided. Box breakfast provided in the field.
9:30
Return to hotel. Hot Brunch served.
10:30
Editing of photos, critique session and student digital show.
12:30 p.m.
Break for lunch.
2:30
Depart for field shoot. Transportation provided. Beverages and snacks provided in the field.
7:00
Finish shoot, return to hotel.
Day 3
6:00 a.m.
Meet in hotel lobby. Coffee provided. Depart for sunrise field shoot. Transportation provided. Box breakfast provided in the field.
9:30
Return to hotel. Hot Brunch served.
10:30
Editing of photos, critique session and student digital show.
12:30 p.m.
Book signing and adjourn.
Location
Workshop classroom sessions are held at Mountain Lodge Telluride, 457 Mountain Village Boulevard in the Town of Mountain Village, on the south side of the Telluride ski resort, overlooking some of the highest and most magnificent peaks in the San Juan Mountains.
Field shoots are in easily accessible locations in and around the Telluride area.
Getting There
Telluride and Mountain Village are 67 miles south of Montrose, 127 miles south of Grand Junction, 125 miles northwest of Durango. If you are driving to Telluride from Denver, the trip takes about seven hours in perfect weather. Add 30 minutes to one hour if you are coming from the Denver airport. The basic driving directions are I-70 West to Grand Junction, then US 50 South to Montrose, continuing to Ridgeway, taking US 62 to Placerville, and following the signs to Telluride. Then, follow the signs to Mountain Village. The headquarters hotel, Mountain Lodge Telluride, is ¼ mile beyond the guard gate, on your left.
Several airlines provide transportation from Denver to Montrose or Telluride; flight time is about an hour; and shuttles are available.
Visit http://www.visittelluride.com/ or call 888-605-2578 for more information.
Lodging
If you haven’t already made arrangements for lodging, here are suggestions.
Mountain Lodge Telluride (http://www.mountainlodgetelluride.com/ )is the headquarters hotel for Workshop classroom sessions and the meeting place for departures to field shoot locations. Call 866-368-6867. Please inquire about the John Fielder Photography Workshop group rate. Note that there is a fee for overnight parking at the Lodge.
Other suggestions:
http://www.visittelluride.com/
Transportation
Transportation to and from the field shoots is available in two SUVs that we have arranged. We may need your assistance and might ask independent drivers to take an additional passenger or two in their own vehicles, if the need arises. We don’t anticipate any difficult or hazardous driving conditions.
Booksigning and Portfolio
John Fielder will be happy to autograph any of his books or calendars that you bring to the Workshop. In addition, we will have a limited supply of his latest books available for purchase.
If time permits, John will review and critique a small portfolio of your previous work after the Workshop.
Camera Equipment
Photography is very equipment-dependent and there are many pieces to think about. You have invested a lot in this Workshop. The last thing we want to happen is that your experience comes to a halt because of an equipment failure. Although we can work through many situations with equipment problems, it is best to make sure your camera, lenses and tripod are working properly. Please run tests of your equipment, especially if it has been in storage.
The Workshop is based on using 35mm SLR camera equipment, preferably digital. We use 35mm for its flexibility, popularity, affordability and compatibility with teaching methods. SLR cameras are a requirement in learning how to take control of the picture-taking process. SLRs allow us to change lenses, and override exposure programs and auto-focusing.
Following is a list to use as a guide in packing your equipment for the Workshop.
Cameras and Lenses – Bring a 35mm SLR camera with any lenses that are compatible. Medium format is okay too. Canon and Nikon brands are best.
Bring lenses of any focal length from wide angle to telephoto, but it’s best to cover the range between 18mm and 135mm. Wide-angle zooms and telephoto zooms are best. The most sophisticated (and expensive) SLRs have larger sensors which affect choice of focal length, such as the Canon 5D Mark II. For those we recommend focal lengths at least 28mm to 200mm. However, you can achieve more extreme depth of focus, very useful for wildflower compositions, with even wider-angle lenses down to 10mm for most cameras, and 16mm for those with full size sensors. Macro lenses allow wonderful flower close-ups.
Tripod - We recommend the Bogen/Manfrotto brand for ease of use and quality. They make two sizes, the smaller of which works fine for most SLR setups, but for taller people and those using longer focal length telephoto lenses, we recommend the larger tripod. Pistol grip heads are best. Your local camera store can set you straight.
Camera Pack - Lowe Pro packs are best, but Tamrac brand runs a close second. Choose packs no larger than what you need for your camera gear. The most useful packs have a separate upper compartment for water bottle, snacks and raingear. Many have space for a laptop computer, which is great, but it will not be necessary for you to bring it into the field.
Laptop Computer - The critique sessions are important. You have a limited amount of time to edit your photos each day in preparation for the critique, therefore, you should be proficient downloading images from your camera, working with folders, and if you have time, processing your images with programs like Photoshop before the critique. (This is not mandatory!) Any brand of computer is fine.
B & H Photo online is a good reliable resource from which to get gear, but we do recommend Mike’s Camera in Denver and Boulder for a complete selection of gear. Their prices are very close to those of B & H, and they give great service and have lots of stock.
Other Things to Think About
While we like to think that we know about everything photographic, we are occasionally stumped by the odd piece of equipment. Bring your technical manuals with you, not only to the classroom, but in the field as well. Read these manuals carefully before arriving. Become familiar with your equipment prior to the Workshop because it will help you concentrate on the concepts we will teach you.
Make sure you have extra batteries and that those in the camera are fresh. Bring your charger!
Clothing and Personal Items
The most enjoyable part of the Workshop is time spent in the field. It is not only a refreshing change from the classroom, but the best classroom of all. 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.
For optimum comfort, it is best to dress in layers, which enable quick adaptation to varying weather conditions.
- Base layer (next to skin) made of moisture-wicking material. Staying dry is the most essential step in maintaining comfort. Avoid cotton.
- Insulating layer, such as fleece.
- Adequate rain/snow gear, preferably a breathable kind such as Gore-Tex to keep you dry and windproof. Hoods are great. Waterproof pants will keep you dry when kneeling or sitting in wet foliage/snow.
- Footwear that is sturdy, waterproof and comfortable. Hiking boots or trail shoes will work fine and waterproof ones will be appreciated in meadows that are wet with morning dew, rain or snow.
Also
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Fleece gloves and hat
- Cap or hat with visor
- Sunglasses
- Small flashlight or compact headlamp
- Advil or aspirin, etc.
- Water bottle
- First aid kit
More ideas
- Gaiters to keep the bottom of your pants and socks dry
- Mole skin or similar blister prevention
Altitude
If you are coming to the mountains from a significantly lower altitude, it is important to think about the potential affects of altitude on your body and to take some simple steps to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Preventative measures taken before and during your stay will help avoid problems associated with 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 aridity -- the humidity hovers around 20%.
Here are some tips
- Drink extra fluids, such as juices and Gatorade with copious amounts of water, 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.
- Avoid over-exertion and get as much rest as possible.
- Eat lightly.
- Drink a lot of water, but do it slowly.
- Limit alcoholic beverages. One drink at altitude equals two drinks at sea level; alcohol promotes dehydration.
- Ask for a humidifier in your hotel room.
About John Fielder
John Fielder is a nationally renowned nature photographer, publisher, teacher, and preservationist. In 1981, he founded Westcliffe Publishers, one of the nation's largest publishers of nature books and calendars. A former department store executive who turned an avocation into a career, he is the photographer of more than 30 exhibit format and guide books, most about his home state of Colorado.
Fielder has worked tirelessly to promote the protection of Colorado's open space and wild lands. His photography has influenced people and legislation earning him awards from most major conservation groups, including the Sierra Club's Ansel Adams Award. He is an original governor-appointed member of the lottery-related Board of Great Outdoors Colorado, and speaks to thousands of people each year to rally support for timely land-use and environmental issues. John often talks about the politics of the environment in his Workshops. If you think you might be offended by his views, you might want to consider a Workshop taught by a less committed photographer!
Notes, Terms and Conditions
Itinerary
While the basic Workshop format is set (classroom lecture and slide show, field shoots), the schedule is subject to change to meet the weather conditions or needs of the group.
Weather
We reserve the right to determine acceptability of weather conditions for field shoots. If weather interferes, additional indoor programs may be held.
Registration
Reserve Now. Space is limited. Full payment secures your enrollment and must be received to reserve space because no unsecured space is held.
Cancellation Policy
Your payment is non-refundable if you cancel for any reason. However, your payment may be applied to a future Workshop provided that we can fill your reserved space with someone from the wait list. If we cancel the Workshop, your payment is fully refundable. All Workshop participants are required to sign an Acknowledgement of the Cancellation Policy.
Sometimes unexpected circumstances cause you to cancel or interrupt your Workshop. For that reason, we recommend trip cancellation/travel insurance, available from your travel agent or online.
Arrangements for this Workshop are based on 16 persons enrolled. Should the number fall below this minimum, the Workshop may be cancelled.
Wait List
A wait list is formed on first-come, first-served basis. If space opens, we call the first person on the wait list. If that person declines or doesn’t respond, the second person is called and so on until the space is filled.
What IS included in the tuition?
- Workshop instruction, group and individual; critique sessions; materials, etc.
- Meals as listed in the itinerary, plus beverages and snacks in the field
- Transportation to field shoots
- Information on products and services
What is NOT included in the tuition?
- Transportation to Telluride
- Lodging
- Some meals
- Personal expenses, tips
More Information and Registration
Denise Robert, Workshop Coordinator
Phone 303-368-5208 / Cell 303-570-7577 / Fax 303-696-1929