Photo Workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park (SOLD OUT!)
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.
During the workshop, you'll practice key photography techniques while capturing the park's stunning autumn scenery at its peak. Aspen trees will 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 refine your craft while immersed in nature’s beauty.
SOLD OUT!!!
(If you would like to be put on the wait list, send me a message.)
The Essentials
Workshop Dates:
- September 30th -October 2nd‚ 2025
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 education, your accommodation, food, and transport to and from our photo locations is just $950. A $200 deposit is required to save your spot, or you can pay in full. Final payment is due on July 30, 2025.
Use the button below to sign up on the Highlands Camp website. For questions regarding accommodations or for help with registration please contact Highland’s Program Coordinator, Anna Judy, at [email protected] or 303-747-2888 x104
The Details
Experience Level
Early Intermediate
This workshop is designed for early to intermediate photographers who have a grasp of the basics and want to develop their skills in landscape and nature photography. Participants should understand 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 Lightroom Classic is recommended for the editing sessions.
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, overcoming the unique challenges of mountain photography, planning for photography outings, and Lightroom processing and organization.
Fitness Level
Moderate
Participants should be moderately fit. Our field work will include several short hikes of less than a mile, along with one longer hike that is about two miles total. The terrain will often be uneven, with up to 500 feet 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 13 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.
Itinerary
DAY 1: GETTING THINGS ROLLING
11:00 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 | Mastering Mountain 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 | Composition Masterclass (Classroom)
Erik will break down effective composition techniques, helping you create stronger, more dynamic images.
10:15 - 11:00 AM | Small Scenes, Big Impact (Classroom)
Explore the art of capturing intimate, compelling nature scenes — from intricate textures to tiny, overlooked details.
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 | Common Photo Pitfalls & How to Fix Them (Classroom)
Erik will tackle the most overlooked photography mistakes — from distracting elements to getting sharper shots and managing movement.
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 | Lightroom Editing Masterclass (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 neededbased on weather and foliage to ensure we give you the best experience possible. Also, there may be some slight changes to the itinerary as we work out the final 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 with Lightroom Classic (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.
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.
90 days before the start of the workshop, we will refund your initial payment only if we can fill your spot, less a 5% processing 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 on the Highlands Camp website. For questions regarding accommodations or for help with registration please contact Highland’s Program Coordinator, Anna Judy, at [email protected] or 303-747-2888 x104