Rocky Moutain Landscape Photography: Creating an Artistic Eye

Some photographers just seem to know how to capture dramatic, engaging landscapes. You can develop your own artistic eye and take your landscape phhotography to the next level with us!

Join instructor Eli Vega on this three-day course, which provides an introduction to both the seven principles of effective composition and the Composition, Depth-of-field, and Exposure (CDE) model of landscape and nature photography. Together, these frameworks help photographers of all abilities create more compelling, interesting, and dramatic images.

On the first evening, participants will get an orientation to the CDE model and gain an understanding of how dramatic photography occurs where technical know-how and creative aesthetics meet. On the second and third days, participants will apply their knowledge in the field, with the opportunity to photograph numerous sites around Rocky Mountain National Park while receiving real-time guidance and coaching from their instructor. Constructive feedback on participant’s images will be provided throughout the course, allowing participants to hone their skills throughout the course. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!

Who: Participants ages 16 and up. This is a Level II course. Expect short-distance walks throughout the day, primarily on level terrain. Please plan to carry your own equipment at each location. You may leave extra gear in our locked vehicle as needed.

When: Please note that participants are expected to attend all 3 sessions.

• Thursday, July 11, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm (classroom)
• Friday, July 12, from 7:00am to 3:00pm (field) AND
• Saturday, July 13, from 7:00am to 12:00pm (field).

Where: Depart from and return to the Fall River Visitor Center, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, and field locations throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. We will travel together to various sites in Rocky Mountain National Park in Conservancy vehicles on Friday and Saturday. Registration includes all required fees and permits for Rocky Mountain National Park.

What to bring:

• Be prepared to spend a full day outdoors in Rocky Mountain National Park on Friday and a full morning in the park on Saturday. Please bring a bag lunch on Friday.
• 10 Essentials for Field Courses,
• DSLR or medium format camera of your choice,
• A variety of lenses and focal lengths (recommended),
• Tripod,
• Other optional accessories: filters, cable or remote shutter release, lens hoods, etc.

About your instructor: Eli Vega is a highly-published and award-winning photographer and author. He has written two books on the subject of photography. He has taught photography for thirty years, including field workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of The Gods, and for OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) throughout the country since 2012. He is a certified facilitator and makes his classes and workshops casual, engaging, and fun.

Visit Eli's website: elivega.net

Conservancy members get 15% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email!

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

For questions about membership, please email [email protected] or call 970-586-0108.

Host or Publisher Rocky Mountain Conservancy Education Team