Introduction to Nature Photography Workshop
This is your opportunity to photograph Rocky Mountain National Park at its most beautiful time of year with Erik Stensland, an experienced nature photographer who has spent over 20 years photographing and writing about Rocky Mountain National Park. Erik is known for his extensive knowledge of Rocky, and has photographed nearly all of its 415 square miles.
Are you interested in getting started in nature photography? This introductory course will cover most of foundational elements for nature photography. During the workshop, we'll cover key topics such as essential equipment, understanding light, evocative composition, planning your outings, and introductory editing.
We'll be learning this while also photographing the park's stunning autumn scenery. Aspen trees should be glowing in brilliant yellow, and the high mountains will likely have their first dusting of snow, creating a stunning contrast. It’s a magical time to be in the Colorado Rockies, and the perfect chance to develop your skills while immersed in nature’s beauty.
The Essentials
Workshop Dates:
- September 22-24‚ 2026
Location:
The workshop will take place at Highlands Camp in Allenspark, Colorado—a peaceful retreat nestled among nearly 300 acres of meadows and forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Located just a mile from the border of Rocky Mountain National Park and right off the scenic Peak to Peak Highway, it provides the perfect setting for creativity and inspiration. Highlands Camp is a 90 minute drive from Denver International Airport.
Price:
The total price for this workshop, INCLUDING the photo instruction, lodging, and all meals is $1,400. A $200 deposit is required to save your spot. Final payment is due on July 30, 2026
Reviews
"I have nothing but good to say about the workshops and how valuable they have been to me. The atmosphere at Erik’s workshop is extremely positive and encouraging. The instruction and guidance provided gave me confidence I was lacking and helped to show me my strengths as a nature photographer. I have attended two of his workshops and have left with valuable information that I was immediately able to use to improve my photography." - Amy Schwindt
"This course taught me to see and feel the beauty of nature in a completely new way, which was totally unexpected." - Agustin Orihuela
"The Winter Photo Workshop delivered valuable class instruction combined with exciting field sessions for hands on practice. Erik’s leadership and his keen ability to foster a supportive environment, along with the shared inspiration among attendees, made it an exceptional experience that I highly recommend!" - Gina Allison
"Erik’s workshops include iconic locations, challenging exercises that will take you out of your comfort zone and plenty of classroom time. But, his true passion is insuring you grow as a photographer and it shows in everything he does." — Pete Rigano
The Details
Experience Level
Beginner
This workshop is designed for those just getting started in nature photography. Participants should have a basic understanding of how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together and how to adjust them on their camera. Each participant should bring their own camera and tripod. A laptop with Adobe Lightroom is recommended for the editing sessions. There are several versions of Lightroom, I will try to accomodate all of them for this course, but I recommend Lightroom Classic.
Curriculum
Mixture of Classroom Instruction and Practice in the Field
Each day will have a mixture of field sessions and classroom sessions. You'll learn techniques to improve your landscape photography, including identifying compelling subjects, working with different types of light, creating strong compositions, planning for photography outings, and basic organization and processing using Adobe Lightroom.
Fitness Level
Moderate
Participants should be fit. Our field work will include several hikes on uneven terrain, with up to 60 floors of elevation gain, and you will need to carry your own camera gear. This workshop takes place at elevations ranging from approximately 8,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. The high altitude can be challenging and is not recommended for those with lung, heart, or blood pressure issues.
Group Size
This workshop is limited to just 12 participants. We will have a second instructor to provide additional hands-on assistance.
Lodging
Retreat Center rooms offer full-length twin beds, queen-sized Murphy beds, sofa sleepers, and ample space. Bathrooms have sinks, toilets, hair dryers, and showers, while room options include double sinks in rooms, desk areas, closet areas, sitting areas, couches, and comfortable chairs with sitting tables. Some rooms have connecting doors, and some have walk-out patios with a grand view of Mt. Meeker.
Linens are provided, folded neatly, and available for your group as you enter the Retreat Center Lodge. We ask that guests make their beds upon arrival and, at the end of their visit, remove the sheets and pillowcases from the beds, place them outside the door, and prop the door open.
Food
We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions when given advanced notice.
Draft Itinerary
This will be finalized as we get closer to the date.
DAY 1: GETTING THINGS ROLLING
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Arrival & Check-In
Welcome to Highlands Camp! Check in, settle into your room, and explore the beautiful surroundings.
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch
Join us in the dining hall for a relaxed, get-to-know-each-other lunch.
1:00 - 2:00 PM | Welcome & Orientation (Classroom)
Erik will officially welcome everyone, introduce the team, and give an overview of the workshop. We’ll also do quick introductions — before you come we’ll ask you to email us a favorite photo of yours which you can share with the group during the introductions.
2:00 - 3:00 PM | Seeing Light (Classroom)
Erik will dive into working with different types of light, understanding histograms, and how the mountainous terrain impacts the light we experience here.
3:00 - 3:30 PM | Break
Relax, unpack, or get to know some new friends.
3:30 - 4:00 PM | Nature First: Photographing Responsibly (Classroom)
Learn the Nature First Principles — why they matter and how they help protect the stunning locations we’re about to explore.
4:15 PM | Evening Field Session: Bear Lake Area (Field)
We’ll head to Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance. Tonight’s location is in the Bear Lake area, which is simply stunning at this time of year. We’ll see golden aspen trees, quiet mountain lakes, and we’ll be surrounded by high peaks.
• Hike: 2 miles round trip (moderate difficulty due to the elevation of nearly 10,000’)
• Sunset: 6:44 PM — headlamps recommended for the hike back.
• Dinner: Bag dinners provided (we’ll eat on the road).
7:30 PM | Drive Back to Camp
DAY 2: IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION AND LEARNING
6:00 AM | Sunrise Field Session: Lily Lake (Field)
A quick 15-minute drive to Lily Lake — a gorgeous spot with rocky hills, ponderosa forests, and dramatic mountain views. Keep an eye out for wildlife.
• Sunrise: 6:58 AM
8:00 - 9:00 AM | Breakfast at Camp
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Understanding Composition (Classroom)
Erik will break down effective composition techniques, helping you create stronger, more dynamic images.
10:15 - 11:00 AM | Equipment (Classroom)
What equipment do you actually need? What's vital and what's not? How can you make great photos on a budget?
11:00 - 12:00 PM | Hands-On Practice (Field)
Head outside on the camp property to put those small-scene techniques into action.
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch at Camp
1:00 - 2:30 PM | Free Time
Take a nap, go for a walk, or review your morning shots. Recharge your creative energy!
2:30 - 3:30 PM | Using Your Camera Effectively (Classroom)
Erik will tackle common photography mistakes — from unbalanced exposures, to getting sharper shots, and how to photograph subjects such as waterfalls, flowers, and animals.
3:45 - 4:30 PM | Planning Your Next Photo Adventure (Classroom)
Learn how Erik plans his shoots, including the tools and apps he uses to predict light, weather, and conditions.
4:45 PM | Evening Field Session: Trail Ridge Road (Field)
We’ll drive to nearly 12,000 feet along Trail Ridge Road for sweeping mountain views and jagged peaks in every direction.
• Sunset: 6:44 PM
• Suggested Gear: Tripod, wide-angle lens
• Weather: It may be very chilly — winter hats, gloves, and windproof layers recommended.
• Dinner: Bag dinners provided
7:30 PM | Drive back to Camp
DAY 3: PROCESSING AND REVIEWING
6:00 - 8:00 AM | Self-Guided Sunrise Shoot (Field)
Choose your own adventure: sleep in, explore the camp property, or drive yourself to a nearby location. Erik will provide a copy of his photo guide to help you find the best spots.
8:00 - 9:00 AM | Breakfast at Camp
9:00 - 10:30 AM | Getting A Handle on Lightroom Editing (Classroom)
Erik will walk through Lightroom Classic, covering key steps in organizing, editing, and enhancing your photos.
10:30 - 12:00 PM | Hands-On Photo Editing (Classroom)
Bring your laptop — Erik will guide you through editing one of your photos from the workshop. Each participant will export a final image to share.
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch at Camp
1:00 - 2:30 PM | Participant Photo Showcase & Feedback
We’ll host a mini gallery show — everyone shares one photo, and we will learn from all of them.
2:30 PM | Workshop Farewell
We’ll wrap up with a final reflection. What’s one skill you’re most excited to use in your future photography? We'll also give you a chance to provide some feedback to us.
(Be aware that we will adjust the field locations if needed based on weather and foliage to ensure we give you the best experience possible.There will also be some changes to the itinerary as we work out the details.)
Special Notes
What to Bring
- Camera gear: DSLR/Mirrorless camera recommended, but phones using apps with manual controls are allowed. Lenses (wide, telephoto, macro optional), extra batteries, memory cards, tripod, backpack to carry camera gear.
- Clothing: A warm hat, winter gloves, sturdy shoes, and layers for warmth including: a down jacket and a wind proof jacket or rain jacket. (The temperatures could range from 70 degrees Fahrenheit all the way down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit with strong winds at higher elevations.)
- Essentials: Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle and snacks
- Laptop and mouse with Adobe Lightroom software(for the editing session)
Preparing for Elevation
Highlands Camp sits at a high elevation, so we recommend arriving a day early and staying in the Denver area—about 3,000 feet lower—to help your body acclimate. Before your trip, be sure to watch Erik’s video on preparing for high altitudes.
Common Questions
Are spouses/partners welcome?
We can only accept spouses if they are paying full price for this workshop as the van we will be using will be at full capacity.
Will I have cell service during the workshop?
Cell signal is extremely intermittent in most of the locations we will visit. There is no cell connection at the camp, but there will be Internet access. Enjoy this time away from the constant demands of your phone.
Will the weather cancel the workshop?
Not a chance. As photographers often say, "Bad weather is good weather." Dramatic weather conditions can help us create some of the most dramatic and interesting photos. We will ensure that we don't put you in danger, but we will not let rain, cold, snow, or high winds stop us, so dress appropriately. No rain checks will be given for any weather-related circumstances.
How is transportation handled?
We plan to have a van to drive people to our photo locations, but you are also welcome to drive. Be aware that you will need a national park pass to enter with your own vehicle.
The Fine Print
Legal Compliance
We are committed to operating with integrity by securing all necessary permits, maintaining comprehensive liability insurance, and obtaining any required certifications. This ensures our workshops are conducted legally, ethically, and responsibly. We are also an equal opportunity service provider.
For this workshop, we will be operating under a Commercial Use Authorization issued by Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nature First
We believe nature photography should be practiced in a way that respects and protects the natural world. To uphold this commitment, we follow Nature First Principles, which provide clear guidance for responsible photography in wild places. These principles will be integrated into the workshop, both in practice and instruction.
Nature First is a Colorado-based nonprofit with thousands of members across more than 75 countries, all dedicated to promoting ethical nature photography.
Safety
Participant safety is a top priority. A Wilderness First Responder will be present throughout the workshop to handle any medical concerns. Additionally, we carry satellite communication equipment to contact emergency services if needed.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel 90 days prior to the workshop we will refund your initial payment minus a $100 fee.
The full balance is due 60 days before the workshop. There will be no refunds on the full amount owed. We will attempt to fill your spot, if filled there will be a 5% processing fee charged and the rest of your payment will be refunded.
There are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY, even for medical emergencies. All cancellation requests must be in writing and received either by US mail or E-mail. We encourage participants to purchase refundable airline tickets and trip cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend trip insurance to protect you in the event of an unexpected situation that prevents you from attending the workshop. We recommend Travelguard or World Nomads.
We reserve the right to cancel any workshop if the minimum student enrollment is not met. In the event we cancel a workshop, participants will be given the option to reschedule to a later date or receive a full refund. we are not, however, liable for expenses incurred such as airfare or accommodations, and for this reason we also recommend the purchase of trip insurance.
Signup
Are you ready to sign up? If so, use the button below to go to the registration page. For questions Contact Erik Stensland.