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Macro Photography in Rocky Mountain National Park
Aug 26, 2023
Zoom in! Learn to create intricate, detailed images of the tiny wonders found in Rocky Mountain National Park with instructor Bob Dean.
In this two-part course, students will learn to capture dramatic images of the small world. Instructor Bob Dean will lead participants through a virtual classroom discussion of macro photography skills and techniques on Friday evening. We’ll then spend a full day in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday to capture more intimate moments throughout the park. We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center and travel together to various sites in RMNP using Conservancy vehicles. Registration includes all required fees and permits for Rocky Mountain National Park.
This course is designed for beginning and intermediate photographers, and will help participants discover the hidden world of nature. The creation of strong images is a combination of art and technique. We’ll learn to use the creative controls on a camera and the guidelines of photographic composition to capture beautiful images of flowers, insects, bark patterns, the wonderful textures of lichens, artistic shots of dynamic water features, and much more. We’ll also delve into the software tools for focus stacking (allowing a nearly unlimited depth of field), how to use light to your advantage, and various techniques for composing images.
Who: Participants ages 16 and up
When: Friday, August 25, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., AND Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Friday – Zoom (virtual), Saturday – Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, and various field locations on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park
What to bring:
- 10 Essentials for Field Courses,
- Sack lunch on Saturday,
- Camera: digital SLR or mirrorless camera and lenses (wide angle lens and a short to medium telephoto zoom lens, close-up lens if you have one) or a point-and-shoot camera or a Smartphone,
- Camera manual,
- Spare batteries and memory cards,
- Tripod (optional but helpful),
- Camera bag or day-pack.
This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day, primarily on level terrain.
Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Enter your code and select “Member Registration” tickets at checkout. Limit 2 per membership.
Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here: Conservancy Membership
For questions about membership, please contact memberprocessing@rmconservancy.org or call 970-586-0108.
For questions about the course, please contact education@RMConservancy.org or call 970-586-3262.
About your instructor: Bob has been exploring and photographing the outdoors for more than 50 years. Bob has been teaching and lecturing at many Colorado venues including the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Highlands Ranch Community Association, Arapahoe Library District, Douglas County Library District, High Plains Library District, Gardens at Spring Creek in Fort Collins, and numerous local camera clubs. He has also written five eBooks. His stock file includes images ranging from Alaska to Australia, South America to Europe, Asia, and Antarctica. He has extensive experience in the western U.S., especially Colorado and California. Published images and articles have appeared in magazines and newsletters including Falcon, Outdoor World, and several photo newsletters. He was an assistant editor and featured writer/photographer for First Light Monthly Newsletter for Nature Photographers.
Visit Bob’s website: Views of Nature