Rocky Mountain National Park Photography Workshops
with Bryan Maltais
Choose your experience; I offer several photo workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park that capture different natural events of the year, both roadside and hiking based. I share my 20+ years of experience photographing and guiding in RMNP to bring you to the right spots at the right time. RMNP is unique for photography because there’s always something amazing to shoot. With mostly evergreens and no bare season, beautiful photography is possible any time of year. In Winter you can capture the enchanting arctic landscape. Spring through early Summer is Milky Way season, and a great time to capture the mountains still snow capped. Early autumn is the peak of the Elk rut and fall colors. There’s also the chance to encounter wildlife any time of year including Fox, Coyote, Black Bear, Turkey, Bald Eagle, Mule Deer, Moose, Colorado Sasquach and Bighorn Sheep.
WildernessShots photo workshops holds an outfitter’s permit in Rocky Mountain National Park
Elk Rut and Fall Colors Sept 17-20, 2024
Transportation included. Discounted rooms reserved. This workshop combines the best of all worlds. We’ll concentrate on photographing the exciting Elk rut, do a short sunrise hike to Dream Lake, and shoot the most beautiful roadside locations in RMNP at golden hour. At this time of year there will be crimson and gold fall foliage around the alpine lakes. In addition to Elk, there’s the chance to see RMNP’s full cast of Fox, Coyote, Black Bear, Turkey, Bald Eagle, Mule Deer, Moose, and Bighorn Sheep
Price & Booking
- $1750 including a $100 discount for paying in full (the deposit period is past but you still get the discount).
- Workshop size: 6-8
For Terms & Conditions and registration please click below:
Sign-upSign-upItinerary
These weekdays avoid the peak weekend crowds. Actual itinerary will vary based on where the Elk are moving and weather.
Tues 9/17:
- Meet at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn at 3:00 for Meet & Greet and camera settings class
- Photograph Elk rut until sunset
Weds 9/18:
- Shoot sunrise at an alpine lake a short walk from the vehicle
- Photograph the Elk Rut through mid-morning
- Breakfast and Mid-day Break
- Photoshop/Lightroom Editing Session
- Photograph Elk rut until sunset
- Dinner in Estes Park
Thurs 9/19
- Hike to Dream Lake to shoot Sunrise
- Wildlife drive to west side of RMNP
- Lunch in Grand Lake
- Return to Estes Park for short break
- Photograph Elk rut until sunset
- Dinner in Estes Park
Fri 9/20
- Shoot sunrise at roadside mountain location
- Photograph Elk rut into mid morning
- Adjourn
Included/Not Included
This isn’t just a photography tour, but a true workshop where I help each student with settings.
Included:
- Transportation during workshop inside the park
- Guiding in the park and photography instruction
- Post-processing sessions
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Estes Park, and off-hours transportation
- Hotel
- Meals
Lodging and Transportation
Lodging-There’s a block of rooms reserved for our workshop at the Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn, Estes Park with a discounted rate. After registration, you’ll receive information on how to book your room. It’s up to each individual to make their own booking. The cost of the room is not included in the workshop price. Staying at this hotel is not required, though we’ll departing from and having editing sessions at this location. *The discounted block is guaranteed until Aug 17th, after that time you may have to pay the market rate.
Transportation-Transportation during the workshop within the park is included in the price. We’ll be traveling in an Econoline Van. This arrangement foregoes needing a rental car. You can take a shuttle from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. I do recommend a rental if you want to explore the area on your own during breaks, and before/after the workshop.
Physical Challenge
Moderate to Easy-We’ll be making one proper hike to Dream Lake for sunrise, the crown jewel of RMNP. This hike is 1-mile each way, and is gradually uphill at about 10,000′. We’ll leave early enough to take a leisurely pace. The rest of the workshop will be roadside and short walks form the vehicle.
If you’re not comfortable hiking to Dream Lake I can provide an alternative shooting location and you can meet the rest of the group later that morning.
Gear/Packing List
There are no photography equipment requirements to attend this workshop. You can use a cell phone or point & shoot if you desire. The following gear will let you practice all the techniques offered in this workshop
Important Photography Gear:
- Interchangeable Lens Camera
- Telephoto Zoom Lens (e.g. 100-400 or 200-600). Elk and other wildlife may be so close that a telephoto lens isn’t required, while in other situations they may be clear across a field.
- Wide Angle Zoom Lens (e.g. 16-35mm or cropped sensor equivalent). Most landscape compositions will fall within this focal range.
- Medium Zoom Lens (e.g. 24-105mm or cropped sensor equivalent )
- Sturdy Travel-sized Tripod and Ball Head-A compact tripod is needed for our sunrise hike to Dream Lake. Use whatever tripod you’re comfortable with to photograph the elk ; much of the photography will be hand-held run and gun, rather than fixed in place.
- Polarizer Filter (example)
Useful Photography Gear:
- Neutral Density Filter Set-For blurring clouds and water. I recommend an 82mm set like this with step-up rings to adapt each of your lenses
- Panoramic Leveling Head (example)-For panoramic composite images
- L-Bracket-Specific to your camera model (example), for vertical shots and panoramic composites
- Remote Shutter Release (example)
Clothing and Equipment:
In addition to what you would normally pack for a trip, these are special considerations for this workshop:
- Headlamp with red light and spare batteries
- Snacks/Water: Though we’ll return to our base midday, you should bring enough water/snacks to last you the day. I’ll have precautionary water and snacks. There are no services in parts of the park.
- Clothing: Fall in RMNP can either be warm or cold. Remember that fall in the mountains can be like winter elsewhere so as a precaution, pack an outer shell, down jacket, insulated underwear, wool cap, insulated boots, gloves and a balaclava.
- Rain Gear
August RMNP Photo Workshop Aug 12-15, 2024
Transportation included. Discounted rooms reserved. This low-impact workshop concentrates on RMNP’s beautiful roadside compositions at sunrise and sunset, and a moderate, 1-mile hike to Dream Lake. We’ll also photograph the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, and go on wildlife drives across the continental divide to the lush, west side of RMNP. In addition to the normal cadre of wildlife, this is the season when bull Elk are shedding their velvet.
Price & Booking
- $1750 including a $100 discount for paying in full
- Or pay $450 deposit up front and $1400 remainder ($1850 total) due at least 60 days before workshop
- Workshop size: 6-8
For Terms & Conditions and registration please click below:
Sign-upSign-upItinerary
Our itinerary and specific locations that we end up shooting will be based on the weather. These weekdays avoid the peak weekend crowds.
Mon 8/12:
- 3:30 pm Meet & greet at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn. This classroom session will include best settings and compositions for the park.
- Sunset Photography at select location
- Photograph Perseid Meteor Shower
Tues 8/13:
- Sleep in after Meteor Shower
- Wildlife drive to west side of RMNP
- Lunch in Grand Lake
- Return to Estes Park for Mid-day break
- 3:30 Photoshop/Lightroom editing session at meeting space
- Photograph sunset at select location
Weds 8/14
- Sunrise Photography at select location
- Mid-morning shoot based on weather
- Return to Estes Park for Mid-day break
- 3:30 Photoshop/Lightroom editing session at meeting space
- Photograph sunset at select location
Fri 8/15
- Hike to Dream Lake to shoot Sunrise
- Wildlife drive
- Adjourn
Included/Not Included
This isn’t just a photography tour, but a true workshop where I help each student with settings.
Included:
- Transportation during workshop inside the park
- Guiding in the park and photography instruction
- Post-processing sessions
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Estes Park, and off-hours transportation
- Hotel
- Meals
Lodging and Transportation
Lodging-There’s a block of rooms reserved for our workshop at the Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn, Estes Park with a discounted rate. After registration, you’ll receive information on how to book your room. It’s up to each individual to make their own booking. The cost of the room is not included in the workshop price. Staying at this hotel is not required, though we’ll departing from and having editing sessions at this location.
Transportation-Transportation during the workshop within the park is included in the price. We’ll be traveling in an Econoline Van. This arrangement foregoes needing a rental car. You can take a shuttle from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. I do recommend a rental if you want to explore the area on your own during breaks, and before/after the workshop.
Physical Challenge
Moderate to Easy-We’ll be making one proper hike to Dream Lake for sunrise, the crown jewel of RMNP. This hike is 1-mile each way, and is gradually uphill at about 10,000′. We’ll leave early enough to take a leisurely pace. The rest of the workshop will be roadside and short walks form the vehicle.
If you’re not comfortable hiking to Dream Lake I can provide an alternative shooting location and you can meet the rest of the group later that morning.
Gear/Packing List
There are no photography equipment requirements to attend this workshop. You can use a cell phone or point & shoot if you desire. The following gear will let you practice all the techniques offered in this workshop
Important Photography Gear:
- Interchangeable Lens Camera
- Fast Wide Angle Zoom Lens (e.g. 16-35mm f/2.8 or cropped sensor equivalent)
- or equivalent prime lenses
- Medium Zoom Lens (e.g. 24-105mm or cropped sensor equivalent )
- Sturdy Travel-sized Tripod and Ball Head
- Polarizer Filter (example)
Useful Photography Gear:
- Neutral Density Filter Set-For blurring clouds and water. I recommend an 82mm set like this with step-up rings to adapt each of your lenses
- Panoramic Leveling Head (example)-For panoramic composite images
- L-Bracket-Specific to your camera model (example), needed for vertical shots and panoramic composites
- Macro Lens
- Telephoto Lens (e.g. 100-400mm or 200-600mm) for candid landscapes and wildlife
- Remote Shutter Release (example)
Clothing and Equipment:
In addition to what you would normally pack for a trip, these are special considerations for this workshop:
- Headlamp with red light and spare batteries-For night shooting
- Snacks/Water: Though we’ll return to our base midday, you should bring enough water/snacks to last you the day. I’ll have precautionary water and snacks. There are no services in parts of the park.
- Clothing: Pack for warm weather during the day. Pack for cold at night, potentially down to freezing.
- Rain Gear
Spring Milky Way RMNP Workshop June 3-6, 2024
SOLD OUT!
Transportation included. Discounted rooms reserved. In early June the trails are mostly clear of snow, the wildflowers begin to bloom and the peaks still have some snow. In this hiking RMNP photo workshop we’ll capture spectacular alpine lakes at golden hour. We’ll also shoot the Milky Way in its dramatic diagonal position above towering peaks, and I’ll teach blue hour blending. During the day we’ll go on wildlife drives and do some roadside shooting. Hikes are between 1 and 3 miles (each way).
Price & Booking
- $1750 including a $100 discount for paying in full (period to pay deposit only is past, but you still receive the $100 discount).
- Workshop size: 6-8
For Terms & Conditions and registration please click below:
Sign-upSign-upItinerary
Mon 6/3:
- 3:00 pm meet & greet at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn
- 3 mile hike to glacial Lake to shoot sunset then stay in place to shoot Milky Way
- Field session on Milky Way settings and how to blend blue hour exposure
- Shoot Milky Way at dark
- Return to Hotel by 2:00am.
Tues 6/4:
- Meet at 1:00pm at Hotel Estes
- Lightroom/Photoshop Milky Way editing session
- Wildlife drive
- .75 mile hike (each way) above glacial lake to photograph sunset and Milky Way
- Return to Hotel by 1:00 am
Weds 6/5:
- Early morning wildlife drive to west side of RMNP
- Eat breakfast in Grand Lake
- Return to Estes Park for mid-day break
- 3 mile hike (each way) to another glacial lake to shoot sunset
- Return to hotel by 10:30 pm
Thurs 6/6:
- 1 mile hike (each way) to Dream Lake at sunrise and a stop at another nearby lake
Included/Not Included
This isn’t just a photography tour, but a true workshop where I help each student with settings.
Included:
- Transportation during workshop inside the park
- Discount on Reserved room
- Guiding and photography instruction
- Post-processing sessions
Not Included
- Transportation to and from Estes Park, and off-hours transportation
- Cost of hotel room
- Meals
Lodging and Transportation
Lodging-There’s a block of rooms reserved for our workshop at the Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn, Estes Park with a discounted rate. After registration, you’ll receive information on how to book your room. It’s up to each individual to make their own booking. The cost of the room is not included in the workshop price. Staying at this hotel is not required, though we’ll departing from and having editing sessions at this location.
Transportation-Transportation during the workshop within the park is included in the price. We’ll be traveling in an Econoline Van. This arrangement foregoes needing a rental car. You can take a shuttle from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. I do recommend a rental if you want to explore the area on your own during breaks, and before/after the workshop.
Physical Challenge
Moderate to Challenging-We’ll be doing 1 hike per day, up to 3 miles (each way) at up to 10,000 ft. Though each of these trails is rated moderate by Colorado standards, they can be challenging if you’re coming from sea-level.
Gear/Packing List
There are no photography equipment requirements to attend this workshop. You can use a cell phone or point & shoot if you desire. The following gear will let you practice all the techniques offered in this workshop
Important Photography Gear:
- Interchangeable Lens Camera
- Fast Wide Angle Zoom Lens (e.g. 16-35mm f/2.8 or cropped sensor equivalent)
- or Prime Lens equivalent
- Medium Zoom Lens (e.g. 24-105mm or cropped sensor equivalent )
- Sturdy Travel-sized Tripod and Ball Head
- Polarizer Filter (example)
Useful Photography Gear:
- Neutral Density Filter Set-For blurring clouds and water. I recommend an 82mm set like this with step-up rings to adapt each of your lenses
- Panoramic Leveling Head (example)-For panoramic composite images
- L-Bracket-Specific to your camera model (example), needed for vertical shots and panoramic composites
- Macro Lens
- Telephoto Lens (e.g. 100-400mm or 200-600mm) for candid landscapes and wildlife
- Remote Shutter Release (example)
Clothing and Equipment:
In addition to what you would normally pack for a trip, these are special considerations for this workshop:
- Headlamp with red light and spare batteries-For night shooting
- Snacks/Water: Though we’ll return to our base midday, you should bring enough water/snacks to last you the day. I’ll have precautionary water and snacks. There are no services in parts of the park.
- Clothing: Pack for warm weather during the day and very cold at night. We’ll be standing photographing the Milky Way late at night at 10,000 ft. Even in June it can easily drop to freezing with strong wind.
- Rain Gear
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Private RMNP Photo Workshops
Experience an individualized 1-on-1 private photo workshop in RMNP. Choose any duration from a half day to multiple days, hiking or roadside. You tell me what you want and I’ll craft an itinerary, or choose from one of the regular workshops. The private workshop experience allows deep instruction and learning virtually any techniques that are on your bucket list.
Price & Booking
- $650 for half day, or $1000 for each full day
For Terms & Conditions and registration please click below:
Sign-upSign-upDiscounts are offered for multiple attendees. Plan your own custom workshop with friends or camera club.
- 1 person – $1000 per day
- 2 people – $750 per person, per day
- 3 people – $650 per person, per day
- 4 people – $550 per person, per day
- 5 people – $500 per person, per day
- 6 people – $450 per person, per day
- 7 people – $400 per person, per day
- 8 people – $375 per person, per day
- For groups of 8, further 10% discount for each workshop day after 2 days.
Questions? Contact Me
Workshop Testimonials
- Ed-Falston, MD
- Michael-Eaton, CO
- Jason-Houston, TX
- Stacey-Fort Collins, CO
- Lily-Chicago, IL
- David-Ashburton, NZ
- Michael-Morgan Hill, CA
- Shanna-Loveland, CO
“This workshop was by far the best one I’ve attended. Bryan took us to amazing places! Even though I’m a pretty experienced photographer, he still was constantly checking in with me (and everyone) to make suggestions or check on my progress. He was flexible in changing plans to try and catch the best light. Definitely a five star experience.”
-Ed. Fallston, MD
I took a private camera settings lesson to learn how to use my Sony A6700 with the 200-600m telephoto lens for wildlife photography. Bryan tailored the lesson well and helped me understand many aspects of my camera and the skills needed to make the most of it while shooting my chosen subject wildlife. We covered so much more than I’d expected in the two hour lesson. I feel huge value was added to get the most out of the equipment and subject. Looking forward to getting out into Colorado.
-Michael, Eaton, CO
“I took an absolutely amazing private workshop with Bryan in Telluride, CO. His photography expertise is only surpassed by his knowledge of the Colorado countryside. We shot a large variety of shots including astrophotography, sunset, sunrise, pano, long exposure, starburst, eclipse, and even a little wildlife. I would recommend using Bryan anytime you want to improve your photography game and see some back country hidden gems.”
-Jason, Houston, TX
My husband and I have taken 3 private workshops with Bryan so far. I took the beginner’s camera course and 2 Milky Way workshops in RMNP. I started with the beginner’s course because we bought nice cameras, knowing we wanted to get into serious photography, but let them sit there because they seemed too complicated. In only two hours Bryan showed us how changing one setting affects the others, and how each setting makes the picture look different. I was blown away by how much I learned in just a lesson. I then booked him to take us up to a stunningly beautiful lake in Rocky Mountain National Park at night to learn how to shoot the Milky Way. What an adventure! It was a beautiful hike where we learned how to shoot blue hour along with the milky way. Bryan gave us step by step instructions of which settings to dial in and why. He let me figure them out on my own and stepped in when I couldn’t. And then, voila, I had this amazing, bright picture of the Milky Way on my viewfinder! We even witnessed SpaceX launching a bunch of satellites into orbit! It was so much fun we did it again! I felt safe and listened to the whole time and now feel like since I can take night photos I can do anything with my camera!
-Stacey, Fort Collins, CO
My husband and I have taken 2 workshops with Bryan, awaiting a third. He’s an excellent field guide and teacher! My favorite photo spots with him were landscapes in Colorado, including Crystal Lake and bent Aspens, and his macro workshop in the Ozarks to photograph frogs, insects and salamanders. For the Colorado Fall Colors tour in 2023, I was very impressed with the landscape pictures I was able to take with Bryan’s guidance, both with his technical expertise and willingness to address each student’s needs with personalized tutoring. I went with my husband who had attended Brian’s previous trips. Both my husband and son (age 15) recently attended Bryan’s Missouri Macro photography workshop in April and loved it. We appreciated the wonderful full experience that Bryan provides with from spot-on expertise and fun. Bryan’s tours are one of the best and continue to be a great value. I shoot with a Sony and I plan to buy the Sony A1 second generation camera when it becomes available in 2025. we will continue to refine our photography with his workshops.
-Lily. Chicago, IL
“My wife and I met Bryan while he was photographing the Routeburn track in New Zealand. I had just become interested in photography and he shared some impactful tips for making better landscape photos. We travelled to America a few years later for a photography trip through the western states. For our Colorado leg, we enlisted Bryan for a photography tour of Crested Butte and the Telluride area. As a fledgling photographer, it was highly educational watching and learning from a master at work. Bryan’s knowledge, hospitality and professionalism to his craft is amazing. We are looking forward to getting to the States again soon for more of the same.”
-David, Ashburton, New Zealand
“I’ve been a professional nature photographer and cinematographer for 20 years, and needed video and stills of Colorado’s best spots for a large project. Being from CA, I didn’t have time to figure this out alone. After reviewing Bryan’s website and speaking with him, I spent three highly productive days with him in the San Juan Mountains during fall colors. I captured more material than I could have hoped for. Bryan had an excellent attitude during our 18-hour days. Whenever the light or clouds changed for the worse, he knew right where to go next to suit conditions. He was even able to teach this “old dog” some new techniques.”
Michael Routh, Dreamchase on Demand
“I took a wildflower workshop with Bryan in Crested Butte and was most interested in learning how to shoot flowers in the foreground with mountains in the background. I also wanted to practice macro photography. Bryan took me to spots I would have never found, at the perfect dates for peak bloom. I needed some help with my complicated Olympus, which is a one of the systems Bryan also shoots with. I was amazed what I learned; focus stacking, super magnification, and beautiful ways to take landscape compositions. Bryan was super patient and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
Shanna, Loveland, CO