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Fall Color Photography

Sep 30, 2023

Learn to capture a unique perspective on the spectacular fall colors of Rocky Mountain National Park with accomplished nature photographer, Bob Dean!

Each fall, Rocky Mountain National Park puts on a show as fall blankets the forest and meadows in golds, reds, and browns. In this two-part course, instructor Bob Dean will teach beginning and intermediate photographers to capture a unique perspective on fall color. The course begins with a virtual classroom session on Friday evening, followed by a full day in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday. As the creation of strong images is a combination of art and technique, participants will learn the basic creative controls on the camera, study photographic composition, and then learn how to use those controls and visualization techniques to make great photos. Participants will also have the opportunity to capture fall landscapes and more intimate autumn moments throughout the park.

The primary objectives of this course are to:

  1. Understand the creative controls on your camera or smartphone and how to use them for making strong images and how to use light to your advantage when making images.
  2. Explore basic and more advanced photographic composition.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up

When: Friday, September 29, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. AND Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Friday – Zoom (virtual), Saturday – We will meet at the Estes Park Visitor Center, located at 500 Big Thompson Ave in Estes Park, and travel together to various sites in Rocky Mountain National Park using Conservancy vehicles. Registration includes all required fees and permits.

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