Introduction to Smartphone Photography

Smartphone photography is probably the most common way people document their time in Rocky Mountain National Park, and smartphones are easy-to-use and are full of technical features that can improve your images. But having that technology in your hand is just part of what it takes to make strong, interesting images that are a cut above average snap-shots.

In this class, we’ll look at various smartphone features and explore how to set up the camera and how to use some of the features to make your images stand out. Additionally, we’ll spend quite a bit of time on the “ART” of photography - the perspective and technique that the photographer, not the camera, brings to the image making process. If you’d like to improve your scenic, panorama, wildlife, and close up images, this class is for you!

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect frequent short walks with ample breaks. Participants will be walking on paved or hardened surfaces with moderate slopes and occasional stairs. Participants may travel in vehicles to elevations above 12,000 feet.

This program has a remote classroom session and a field session.

When: Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm via Zoom and Field Session Friday, September 5, 2025 from 8:00am to 1:00pm

Where: Thursday- Meet via Zoom, link will be sent out two weeks prior to the course.

Friday- Meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517, and travel together to various locations within RMNP in Conservancy vehicles. All required fees and permits for park entry are included in your registration.

What to Bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Institute Courses.
• Your smartphone
• Lightning to USB A OR USB C to USB A cable compatible with your smartphone (to connect to a computer)

About Your Instructor: Bob Dean holds degrees in electrical engineering from San Jose State College (B.S. 1968) and Stanford University (M.S. 1975). While working in the fast-paced High-Tech world, he found relaxation in nature and wildlife photography. Over the years he honed his skills and in the early 2000’s took the step to become a part time professional. Since his retirement from the corporate world he and his wife Nadine have focused on nature, wildlife and travel photography, mostly teaching in the classroom and holding workshops in the field. Bob has been teaching and lecturing at many Colorado venues including 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 written four eBooks on photography and was an assistant editor and featured writer/photographer for First Light Monthly Newsletter for Nature Photographers.

Refund Policy:

Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of the course are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund.

Our programs proceed rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for inclement weather. However, should we decide to cancel a program due to unsafe weather or emergency conditions, we will notify participants by email and automatically issue full refunds.

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email! Limit 2 per membership.

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here:

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at [email protected] or by phone at 970-586-3262.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team