We’re having a great time at our Texas Bird Photography Ranch Workshop in Uvalde, TX right now! We are at La Lomita Bird Photography Ranch, a 240-acre property with a large stand of Mesquite trees, shrubs, cactus, wildflowers and grass, making it one of the last natural habitats in the City of Uvalde. We’ve finished up with our first group of photographers and are now into our workshop for group #2. Despite the forecasts of rain, the weather has cooperated very nicely for our groups!
Sometimes noted as the “Father of the National Parks,” naturalist John Muir is often quoted as saying “The mountains are calling and I must go.”
That is truly the way I feel about the mountains. The fresh air, the spectacular mountain vistas, the pristine waterfalls, wildlife encounters, all keep me coming back again and again.
I invite you to join me in one of the nation’s most magnificent national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, this Summer or Fall for a true photographic adventure.
I’ll lead you on some memorable adventures to numerous locations in the park at the best times of day for optimal photographs of landscapes, waterfalls, cascades, wildlife, sunrises, and so much more.
This is the ultimate destination photography workshop!
I especially want to highlight this class that is relevant to every photographer regardless to the type of camera you use, smartphone to DSLR’s. You will SAVE $50 if you register by January 1st!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! Whatever this day means to you, I hope you have a wonderful day.
I am grateful to all of you who have participated in my various photography classes and workshops and destination trips over the many years. I am blessed to know you all.
Note I have several great classes coming up with Early Registration Discounts that End Today (12/25)!
Check out my upcoming class lineup here: CLICK HERE
The Best Photographic Gift You Could Give Yourself
Workshop options and lodging options are filling up for our 2020 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop. Some options are already sold out.
Participant Comment: “The Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop was an amazing experience! The success of the workshop begins with the organization and preparation of the instructor. Kevin and Gail were superbly organized and prepared! It was a treat to be lead to the best spots at the optimum time of the day to photograph the spectacular beauty and wildlife in the park. They demonstrated great flexibility and adaptability in meeting the needs of the group with the ever changing clouds, weather, and wildlife. It was also an incredible learning experience having a photography professional available to coach and instruct on the best methods for creatively composing a scene, capturing stunning images, and the correct use of a wide range of photographic equipment. Not only can I wholeheartedly recommend this workshop, but I’m already scheduled for a Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop with Kevin!”
We have so many great photography learning opportunities for you in 2020! Make sure you tell Santa (and that he signs you up by December 25th) to get great discounts!
YES any of these class options can be given as a gift to someone else (or YOU)!
Finding Your Way – Photography Workshop Saturday Feb 1st, 2020 9am – 6pm
Whether you are just starting out in photography or you have years of experience, this class will meet you where you are and help you find new directions to head to discover your unique artistic expression in photography!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CLASS FOR ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! Register by December 25th and SAVE $50!
Photography 101 – Fundamentals of Great Photography Tuesday Daytime Classes Begin January 21, 2020 10am-Noon(ish) Tuesday Evening Classes Begin January 21, 2020 7pm-9:10pm
Start your photography learning with this class! Register by December 25th and SAVE $50!
Photographers Weekend Boot Camp
Learn the important fundamentals of photography in one weekend!
All day Saturday + Sunday afternoon
Register by December 25th and SAVE $40!
Light & Photography Workshop Weekday Daytime Class Wed/Thurs January 29+30, 2020 9am-5pm Highly recommended for anyone serious about wanting to improve their photography!
This course is a comprehensive look at light in its various forms, both natural and artificial and we look at the many ways we photographers can control and manipulate light to create great photographs! If you have taken Photography 101 or our Photographers Weekend Boot Camp, this is great next step! Register by December 25th and SAVE $70!
Adobe Lightroom Classic CC Weekend Workshop
Weekend Workshop Feb 8-9, 2020
Learn Adobe Lightroom Classic! This is an excellent program for helping photographers organize and create outstanding photographs! Register by January 1st and SAVE $$!
Adobe Photoshop CC for Photographers Weekend Workshop
Saturday/Sunday February 22-23, 2020
Learn this essential powerful tool for editing photographs.
Very hands-on learning in a small class environment. Register by January 1st and SAVE $50!
Texas Bird Photography Ranch Workshop Weekend Class Friday-Sunday March 13-15, 2020
ONLY ONE SPACE LEFT!
Sharpen your photography skills in bird photography at a fantastic wildlife ranch.
Some options are already sold out. Don’t wait any longer to register! It is better to register early to reserve your spot in the workshop since space is limited, AND you have more choices for room selection (lodging fills up early)!
We have had participants come back to repeat the workshop 2, 3, even 4 times, it is so much fun!
“This is a workshop you can’t afford to miss! I came to the workshop with a goal of never using Auto settings again… I achieved that and more. Kevin is such a great teacher and is able to work with photographers of all levels. He made everyone comfortable, I am from Virginia and did not know anyone in the group (as were several others) by the end of the work shop I had made a group of new friends! We were able to get so many landscape and wildlife pictures. The whole experience was amazing. I’m ready to sign up for the next workshop! Thank you Kevin”
If you have any questions, just contact Kevin () . If there are any reasons you are hesitating to sign up, just talk to Kevin. We really want this to be an outstanding experience for you and we want you to be with us to join in the fun.
Don’t just trust our word on how great this experience is!
Scroll past the photos below, and read what previous participants have said about the workshop.
“The Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop turned out to be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Rockies while learning with a small group of incredible photographers. I learned every day both from Kevin and other photographers in the small group. I cannot imagine a better opportunity than this workshop for photographers who love nature and want to hone their skills.”
“Kevin guided us to a variety of great photographic places when the lighting was ideal. We were able to photograph beautiful lake and mountain sunrises, a lot of wildlife including moose and many herds of elk. Kevin knew when to be at different areas when there were the best chances to see wildlife. Thanks Kevin for a great trip.”
“Kevin is an excellent workshop leader. He takes you to the best spots at the right time and gets you set up to get your best photos. Highly recommend.”
“The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to Kevin and Gail’s knowledge and experience in photography. We were presented with multiple shooting locations and lighting situations from which to learn. Kevin was always available to provide advice and help resolve any problems with camera settings or answer questions. The availability of daily photo reviews permitted one to make any adjustments to shooting techniques before the next day. This was the most hands-on learning experience I have had and I look forward to more with Kevin.”
“This workshop provided a broad depth of experiences in the RMNP because Kevin is so knowledgeable about the area and about the best way to photograph it. I really appreciated the care given to maximize each student’s experience, no matter their skill level. I will definitely consider taking other trips with Kevin and Gail.”
“Could not be happier with how the workshop turned out. Everyone involved was so nice and easy to get along with. Kevin was an excellent teacher – patient, explained well, relaxed and never felt rushed or that I may be holding others back. It was very rewarding and would highly recommend Kevin’s workshops!!”
“Kevin is a natural-born teacher and superbly facilitated the group while providing one-on-one attention. I learned a lot without feeling overwhelmed with technical details and had fun in the process. I highly recommend this workshop!”
“This exceeded all my expectations!”
“The natural beauty of RMNP was enhanced by Kevin’s knowledge of the park and locations that were custom picked for great photographic shots. Kevin’s calm, patient and knowledgeable teaching style meant that everyone, at whatever level they were at, felt comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, learning from them and then getting immeasurably better pictures as a result. The improvement in my photography from Day 1 to Day 4 was unbelievable. I came thinking the auto settings on my camera really took better pictures than I did, and I left seeing and believing that the pictures I now understood how to take were vastly superior to anything the camera could capture in auto mode. It was a 5 star experience from beginning to end.“
“This is a workshop you can’t afford to miss! I came to the workshop with a goal of never using Auto settings again… I achieved that and more. Kevin is such a great teacher and is able to work with photographers of all levels. He made everyone comfortable, I am from Virginia and did not know anyone in the group (as were several others) by the end of the work shop I had made a group of new friends! We were able to get so many landscape and wildlife pictures. The whole experience was amazing. I’m ready to sign up for the next workshop! Thank you Kevin” – Barb
“The Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop was an amazing experience! The success of the workshop begins with the organization and preparation of the instructor. Kevin and Gail were superbly organized and prepared! It was a treat to be lead to the best spots at the optimum time of the day to photograph the spectacular beauty and wildlife in the park. They demonstrated great flexibility and adaptability in meeting the needs of the group with the ever changing clouds, weather, and wildlife. It was also an incredible learning experience having a photography professional available to coach and instruct on the best methods for creatively composing a scene, capturing stunning images, and the correct use of a wide range of photographic equipment. Not only can I wholeheartedly recommend this workshop, but I’m already scheduled for a Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshop with Kevin!”
“Thanks for another spectacularly successful workshop in Rocky Mountain National Park! The conditions were even more challenging than last Summer, yet everything progressed flawlessly. We were at the right place at the right time to capture some incredible images. Thanks for everything!”
If you have any questions, just contact Kevin () . If there are any reasons you are hesitating to sign up, just talk to Kevin. We really want this to be an outstanding experience for you and we want you to be with us to join in the fun.
The “Black Friday” special has ended, but you can still sign up for this retreat weekend and save $50 if you register early!
More Info About the Photographers Spring 3-Day Weekend Getaway:
At beautiful Mo Ranch Retreat Center in the Texas Hill Country
A fun 3-day weekend of photographing on this beautiful 500 acre ranch
Arrive on a Thursday evening, depart on Sunday
It’s a photographer’s paradise on the North Fork of the Guadalupe River with hiking trails and habitats including aquatic, riparian areas, grasslands, oak-juniper woodlands and limestone hills
Don’t think of it as a workshop. Think of this as a fun photographers “retreat” to get away and just have fun exploring with other photographers.
This place is beautiful and a perfect location to retreat from daily life.
We’ll do a “photographers’ scavenger hunt” to put everyone on a search to photograph specific things
Mo Ranch offers lodging in motel-style rooms with two full-size beds and a full bath
Shared dining in their dining hall offering a wide variety of savory and fresh buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner options, prepared daily by their culinary staff who use only the freshest ingredients
Explore the fascinating architecture of the many buildings and old chapel on the ranch
Participants can capture images of wildlife and birds throughout the property and along the river
The wildflowers at Mo-Ranch and the nearby Hill Country habitat include Bluebonnets, Wine Cups, Indian Paintbrushes, Indian Blanket, Antelope Horn Milkweed, Milk Vetch, Spiderwort, Texas Lantana, Drummond’s Phlox, Texas Groundsel, Texas Vervain, White Prickly Poppies, Pink Evening Primrose and many, many more
Weather permitting, we will also try to capture some beautiful sunrise photos and for those willing to stay up late, we’ll show you how to create great images of the beautiful night sky and Milky Way
Let’s have some fun with outdoor “light painting” techniques also!
Try out some HDR photography techniques, if you want to learn that
Attend/take the workshop with a photographer friend and you can share a room to reduce costs
Bring along a non-photographer spouse/partner on the trip, and only pay a nominal added fee
If you are wanting to improve your photography, it is sometimes hard to decide what classes to take, and which ones to take first!
Maybe this will help:
*** Note: Early Registration Discounts End soon! ***
START HERE – Be Creative!
If you don’t know what to do next to advance your photography and your creativity, I suggest you start with this fantastic class. Some people have even said they didn’t fully realize just how much they needed this class until after they took it! I sincerely urge you to consider this class, regardless of your current skill level, whether you are just starting out, or are a seasoned photographer!
Finding Your Way – Photography Workshop Daytime Class Tues/Thurs Nov 12-21, 2019 10am-Noon Participants in this workshop are saying: “Great inspiration and offerings to stretch my thinking …” — “a rousing, creative program that really enabled me to visualize a host of new directions for me move that will give me more joy in my photography” — “He helped me ‘take my blinders off.’ Now it’s apparent that there is a universe of new ways to help make my photos more meaningful TO ME!” — “I like the stimulation to get out of my photographic rut(s)” — “I have been on a number of workshops with Kevin, which were all amazing, but this was exceptionally different.” Register by Oct 22nd and SAVE $50!
THE FUNDAMENTALS
Every photographer needs to have a firm understanding of the fundamentals of photography! The better you know the fundamentals, the more creative control you will have in all of your photography!
Photography 101 – Fundamentals of Great Photography Daytime Class Mon/Tues/Wed Oct 14-23, 2019 10am-Noon Evening Class Tues/Wed/Thurs Oct 15-24, 2019 7pm-9:10pm
Start your photography learning with this class! Morning and evening classes beginning in October! Register by Oct 1st and SAVE $30!
Photography Beyond the Basics – Mastering the Fundamentals
After taking Photography 101 or my Photographers Weekend Boot Camp, this is a good next-step to further grow in your photographic/camera knowledge and skills! Afternoon weekday classes in November! Register by Oct 1st and SAVE $50!
HAVE FUN
If you understand the fundamentals, this class will open the door to some fun creativity! So many people agree, this class is a blast!
Photography Painting with Light Evening Class Wed/Thurs Nov 20-21, 2019 6:30pm
The most fun photography class you’ll ever take! Register by Oct 20th and SAVE $30!
LIGHT – THE KEY INGREDIENT IN EVERY PHOTOGRAPH!
Once you understand the fundamentals, you will benefit tremendously by becoming a student of LIGHT. This class will help! Does flash photography frustrate you? You need this class!
Light & Photography Workshop Weekday Daytime Class Mon/Tues Nov 4-5, 2019 9am-5pm Weekend Class Sat/Sun Nov 16-17, 2019 9am-5pm 1 Space Available! Highly recommended for anyone serious about wanting to improve their photography!
This course is a comprehensive look at light in its various forms, both natural and artificial and we look at the many ways we photographers can control and manipulate light to create great photographs! If you have taken Photography 101 or our Photographers Weekend Boot Camp, this is great next step! Register by Oct 1st and SAVE $70!
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020
Join us for fun photographic adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado! This is an excellent way to put all of your photography knowledge into practice in a gorgeous national park!
We had a great time! So many wonderful photo opportunities: landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, sunrises. Combine that with the fellowship of a fun group of photographers, this was another fantastic photographic adventure for us all.
Note our 2020 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops are open for registration and SOME OPTIONS ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT! Register soon and save up to $400!
What do you do when a huge bull elk stands in the road, on your only way up a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park? (Oh, and by the way, the car that did try to pass was attacked.)
What you do is wait. You put your car in park and wait… and take photos!
We are in Estes Park Colorado for our Rocky Mountain Fall Photography Workshops! Gail and I come up a couple of days early to scope out the area, check water flow levels in the rivers, look for wildlife, check on the status of the coming Fall colors. Here are a few pre-workshop photos I took over the past couple of days.
It’s mating season up here, and you’ll see the male elk gathering females into their individual ‘harems.’ And the males exercise their “manhood” around other males, to get them to keep their distance.
Big bull elk in the upper elevations, at 11,000 feet.
Magpies taking flight in Moraine Park
The Fall colors are just barely starting to “turn” in the park. You have to know where to look to find them! The colors will continue to turn over the next couple of weeks.
We had a close encounter with this big fella. In fact we were out looking for him, but he found us first! He was upon us before we even saw him, so we moved to a safe distance quickly and cautiously. This is not his best angle, but you can at least appreciate the size if this bull moose. Bull moose can weigh as much as 1500 pounds!
Looking forward to leading our 2019 Fall Workshops over this next week! Our 2019 Rocky Mountain Workshops have been sold out for months! Registration is now open for 2020! Note that our 2020 workshops are already half full with some options already sold out! So, now is the time to register, while also taking advantage of early registration discounts that can save you up to $400!
Happy Picture Taking!
Kevin Gourley
Kevin Gourley Photography Workshops, Austin, TX – Austin Photography Classes
We have so many great photography learning opportunities for you in 2020! Make sure you tell Santa (and that he signs you up by December 25th) to get great discounts!
