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!
Yes indeed there are reasons to be thinking about Summer 2020 NOW!
Our 2020 Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops are now open for registration! All 2019 options for Summer and Fall have been sold out for months. Now is actually the time to be thinking about 2020! In fact our 2020 workshop options are already almost half full, and some options are already sold out! So don’t wait until it’s too late!
Summer and Fall are both fantastic times to join us in Rocky Mountain National Park on our fun workshops. In this blog post, I just wanted to mention some of the reasons to consider the 2020 Summer options.
Before all options fill up, you could plan the trip where several of your photographer friends all join you. It is an especially fun group experience!
The weather is spectacular in the Summer!
Planning ahead ensures you get the best options for the workshop date choices and lodging options. (Remember this is also a popular vacation spot.)
Wildflowers! Popping up everywhere, lots of wildflowers and grass is green as the park awakens from its snowy Spring.
Wildlife are up in the higher elevations and you can get some great shots in the early morning light.
We have a lot of experience in going to the right places at the right times of day to get the best light for photography and increase the chances of encountering wildlife. Also, we tend to find more moose in the Summer. We see them in the Fall, but even more in the Summer. We’ll also see elk, deer, marmots, pika, chipmunks, squirrels, possibly big horn sheep, a variety of birds, and although less likely, you might see a bobcat, or coyote, or bear!
Waterfalls and cascades will be flowing more heavily in the Summer due to the snow melting in the mountains.
All roads are likely to be open because there is less chance of having an early snowfall in July, and roads have been cleared of any remaining snow from the late Spring.
Sunrise happens early in the Summer, and we go out very early (before sunrise). Now you might not think getting up early sounds all that enticing, but hey you can take a nap in the afternoon. By getting out really early, the lighting is gorgeous, the wildlife are out, and we almost have the whole park to ourselves while the crowd of vacationers are still asleep in their cabins back in Estes Park. Also it is typical to have rains come over the mountains in the early afternoon. We are back to the cabins by the time the vacationers start crowding into the park AND before the rains happen. This is one very attractive feature of the Summer workshop simply because sunrise happens so early. Believe me, this is a REAL benefit! You’ll see what I mean!
Here are some photos from our previous Summer workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park:
We will soon be announcing our 2020 Rocky Mountain Workshop dates! 2019 is totally sold out. We’d love to have you join us in 2020, but even if you can’t, come and hear more about our fun adventures on Monday night. 🙂
For those who are interest in going with us in 2020, you can be added to a special email list and you will get an early chance to register before the general public, AND you’ll get a special discount price!
We’re back from our Rocky Mountain Summer Photography Workshop! What a fun time!
They say “a picture is worth a thousand words” so rather than writing at length about what we saw and experienced, here are a few shots from the trip! Note all the landscapes, scenics, waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife (including elk, moose, marmots, squirrels, birds, muskrats, bobcats, and coyotes).
You can read more about the 2019 workshops CLICK HERE
2019 options are all sold out, but we will be announcing our 2020 options soon!
Participant Comment: “This workshop is great for photographers with any and all skill levels. Kevin and Gail not only knew exactly where to take us for the ideal pictures, but were also available at all times to help us. Taking this workshop from someone who knows the park as well as these two do, makes for the perfect photo opportunities, and an all around incredible trip.”
Participant Comment: “What an amazing trip! My daughter and I had a wonderful time meeting new friends, experiencing RMNP with such a fun and knowledgeable guide, and of course, taking loads of gorgeous photos. It doesn’t really matter what your photography experience level is, Kevin leads you step by step to producing fantastic photos. The itinerary is set up so there is plenty of time to enjoy the park at a leisurely pace without the crowds, free time in the afternoon, and optional dinner with your new-found friends! Kevin is such a patient instructor and is available for individual help as needed throughout the workshop. Highly recommend!”
Participant Comment: “This workshop includes two can’t miss parts, Rocky Mountain Natl. Park and Kevin Gourley. On one hand, there is the natural stunning beauty of the park and on the other Kevin. The trip is designed to place the students in the right spot at the correct time which is essential. Kevin’s is available for help or suggestions at all times including editing during our breaks. He can help you with any brand of camera. It is a very complete package.”
To all of you photographers out there, whether you are just starting out, or you are pretty skilled in your photography, we want to highlight our Summer and FallRocky Mountain Photography Workshops coming up in July and September!
(lodging options are filling up fast!) EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS STILL AVAILABLE!
As one of last year’s Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop participants said, it was “truly an unforgettable experience.” Over the years, many of our participants have made similar comments, some returning 2, 3, even 4 times!
We go as photographers and we come back as good friends.
It happens every time!
Gain great skills, create some great images,
and share in this fun experience.
We go to a lot of excellent photography locations at the best times when the lighting is optimal and when wildlife photo opportunities are most likely, but also a part of the fun is simply being around others who love photography. Plus Kevin will be there to help you with camera settings and suggestions on how to get the best shots.
We have a great time together! The shared experience of getting up early and going out into this magnificent national treasure called Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking together, photographing wildlife, waterfalls, mountains, and sunrises makes the experience truly memorable.
I have included a few photographs (below) of some of our previous participants enjoying this fun experience.
“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 reviewspermitted 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.”
“A 5 star experience from beginning to end…”
“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”
“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!”
“I am a true beginner to photography. I took Kevin’s Photography 101, which I highly recommend for beginners, which explained a lot of the technical side of photography. I am a hands on/visual learner and being able to apply what I had learned in the 101 class at this workshop really helped me be able to take better/sharper pictures. Kevin is an extremely thorough and patient instructor. This workshop provided fantastic learning opportunities everyday with breathtaking views. I look forward to the next workshop.”
“Attending a workshop with Kevin is absolutely wonderful… so wonderful in fact that I did the same workshop twice. Kevin is very knowledgeable of the park as well as techniques to make us capture the best photos we possibly could. Kevin is very patient, kind, funny, passionate about teaching others how to take the best photos, considerate, extremely organized, etc. You won’t find a kinder, patient, and talented person to not only plan an awesome itinerary for the group, but to also be a tour guide of the park and provide facts about the different sights… AND provide constant photographic tips and instructions and reminders that were extremely helpful. Thank you Kevin. The workshop is worth the expense.”
If you are thinking about joining us, NOW is the time to sign up because lodging options will also be filling up very shortly. So this is the time to finalize your plans on joining us!
You will have abundant opportunities to photograph beautiful majestic mountain vistas, sunrises, waterfalls, cascades, lakes, wildlife including elk, deer, moose, marmots, and birds in one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
I will be with you to help you with all your photographic questions, to ensure you get the best shots possible.
We’ll go to the right places as the right times of day to get the best shots.
This is not just a photography workshop. This is an incredibly fun adventure! You’ll have a great experience with fellow photographers, and we may go as photographers but we leave as friends who often stay in touch, and many come back multiple years!
Your adult spouse/partner is welcome to join us on all of our adventures, at no additional charge, if they are not using a fancy camera (DSLR, mirrorless camera, etc.). They can join us for all of our activities in the park, all of our adventures, hikes, etc.! Many participants take advantage of this opportunity.
We have two pre-trip meetings that you can either attend in Austin, TX OR you can watch on video to prepare you for the trip.
Still not quite convinced?
Well here is what other participants have said about this workshop:
“The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to a 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.”
“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!”
If you are still “sitting on the fence” and just haven’t decided to sign up yet:
Email me at . Let’s talk about this and see if I can help you with any of the barriers that might be preventing you from signing up. I really believe you will LOVE this experience! Some participants come back 2, 3, even 4 times!
I ran across an old photo today (at the top of this article). It was taken in the Summer of 1970. That’s me and my dad, in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We were on vacation. I think I had been there maybe one other time earlier when I was littler. I don’t recall.
This was the trip where I fell in love with a place. At the age of 10, I fell in love with Rocky Mountain National Park.
I have since been there many many times, and see it almost as a second home to me now. Back then, as a 10 year old, and then later as a teen, I saw it as a place of transcendent magical beauty. To put it mildly, I was in awe of it’s allure and mountain majesty.
By the time I was 17, I fell in love all over again.
This time, I was in love with photography.
Here I am at age 17, with my brand new Pentax KX SLR camera, photographing my favorite national park with Kodachrome 64 Slide Film.
I can’t imagine of a better place to explore and photograph. My love of Rocky Mountain National Park keeps me coming back year after year.
I know the park, I know the wildlife (some even by NAME). I know the mountains, the trails, the rivers, the waterfalls, the lakes, the best stands of Aspen in the Fall, the places where we are most likely to find the moose, elk, bighorn sheep, bears, pika and marmots.
Words are inadequate to really express what this park means to me. It is not just a place I love. It is a part of me, from childhood memories, travels with my mom and dad who are no longer alive, to more recent years where I have had countless wonderful experiences with the many people I have led through the park on our Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops.
I feel particularly blessed and honored to have had so many people allow me to introduce them to the park I love, as we have gone out and photographed the this place in all of its beauty.
We have gotten up very early (and I mean VERY EARLY) to photograph sunrises from the side of a mountain, and elk in the early morning light. We’ve had occasional unexpected close encounters with wildlife (safe, but the experiences made it a bit exciting). We’ve sat on boulders on the shoreline of a mountain lake in the middle of the night photographing the Milky Way. We’ve thrown snowballs at each other. We’ve hunted “Bullwinkle” (as some folks have called the bull moose). We’ve enjoyed meals together, and cookouts on Fall River, shared a few beers/wine while relaxing as we shared stories about our day’s experiences. We have grown as friends, with many folks returning multiple times. We’ve hiked together, laughed together, and sometimes even cried together.
I am grateful beyond words for the many opportunities I have had to introduce people to the place I love and help them with the art I love.
If you have not yet joined me on a Rocky Mountain Photography Workshop, I invite you to join me. I will introduce you to my first love, and my second love. I want you to love them too.
This is the perfect gift for any photographer, and that photographer might be YOU! In these fun photography adventures, we spend four full days in magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is truly a national treasure and a photographer’s paradise!
In addition to the four days we spend photographing the park, we also have two pre-trip meetings (which you can view online, if you don’t live near our studio). In these meetings, we fill you in on what to expect on the trip, travel plans, info about the park, as well as important camera settings to use to get the best shots.
“The workshop was outstanding because we had total access to a 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.”
“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.“
TOO LATE! SOMEONE SIGNED UP TO FILL THIS VACANT SPACE IN THE CLASS. (But let us know if you’d like to be placed on a waiting list in case there is a cancellation.)
It is very rare to be able to get into this workshop at this late date, especially since lodging options are also sold out by now. BUT if you sign up ASAP you can take the available spot and we have a space available for you at the lodge. We just can’t hold this space for very long.
To attend the workshop, you would need to plan on arriving on July 7th and departing on July 12th. The workshop is four full days of photography in one of the nation’s most beautiful national parks. Plus we have two pre-trip meetings to prepare you for the trip, providing information about our adventures and how to plan your travel, and a session on photography tips to get better photographs while we are up there. I also offer an option where you can choose an add-on option with an online teaching session where I show my tips how to best edit your photographs from the trip using Adobe Lightroom.
We’d love to have YOU in our next group photo there in Rocky Mountain National Park!
The following are a few photographs from our travels there.
We stay at a wonderful little lodge right on the banks of Fall River, just 2 miles outside the park.
There are so many majestic views within the park.
We’ll experience a few sunrises.
And a few waterfalls.
And moose.
And wildflowers.
And marmots.
And possibly big horn sheep.
And you’ll be experiencing the trip with others who love to photograph nature.
While the wildlife look down over you and watch.
There are so many beautiful rivers, cascades, and waterfalls in the park!
We’ll do some hiking together.
And we’ll do a cookout on Fall River (weather permitting).
And more sunrises.
And more wildflowers, butterflies, moths, etc.
Imagine your happy face added to this group shot.
There is nothing like watching a sunrise from the side of a mountain as the park awakens to a new day.
Ducks!
Happy Photographers!
Crazy photographers up very early to photograph sunrise!
Elk in the early morning light (one of the reasons we get up early)!
Long’s Peak towers over the park.
More happy photographers
Fog in the mountains. So peaceful!
More big horn sheep!
Sometimes when the weather conditions are just right, the layers of mountains and clouds can be so beautiful!
More wildlife (confession: I love moose!)
More cascades. This is Copeland Falls.
You need to sign up so you can experience all this!
The wildlife are waiting for you.
The mountains are calling you.
The trails are waiting for you.
I hope you will join us. It is a wonderful photographic adventure!
If you can’t but happen to know a photographer who might be interested, PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG TO THEM. They will thank you!
Several of our participants have come back a 2nd or 3rd time!
Here are what other photographers have said about this experience:
“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!”
One thing I have loved the most about our various adventures into Rocky Mountain National Park for my photography workshops has been the people. The park is one of my favorite places on earth, and there are so many great photo opportunities, but what I think has meant the most to me personally has been the opportunity to share these experiences with so many wonderful people.
The adventures we shared, the memories we made together, are what make each adventure extra special. I just wanted to express my gratitude to all who have joined us on one of my Summer or Fall Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops. We’re so much looking forward to this year’s great experiences.
Here are just a few photos of our various participants at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Kevin Gourley Photography Workshops, Austin, TX – Austin Photography Classes
