Absaroka Ranch, Wyoming Photography Workshop with Carl Heilman II

American West Photography Workshop

$1595 by 3/15/12 - $1725 by 6/1/12 - $1850 after (Includes Workshop / Lodging)
Intensive 5 Day / 6 Night Nature Photography Workshop / Tour
Rated Easy / Moderate - Maximum of 10 participants
August 5 - 11, 2012
Based at the Absaroka Ranch, Dubois, Wyoming

Photograph the magic and majesty of the American West in some of the most dramatic scenery in the Rocky Mountains. The Absaroka Ranch, in Dubois Wyoming, is situated at 8000 feet near the head of the Dunoir Valley. The ranch property is located near the edges of the rugged Absaroka Mountains in the Shoshone National Forest near the Teton and Washakie Wilderness areas. Yellowstone and Teton National Parks are just an hour to the west. The ranch property is circled by spectacular 11,000 foot peaks to the west, north, and east and looks out to the magnificent Wind River Range to the south. In addition to the wondrous scenery, we'll be photographing working cowboys, campfires, wildflowers, and native wildlife.

During the workshop we will cover most all aspects of outdoor photography, including wide angle, macro, telephoto, and panoramic photography, and will work with various creative techniques. We'll cover the full digital workflow - from RAW shooting techniques and HDR enhancement to cataloging and processing image files. The low student to instructor ratio will allow more time for interaction with each student so Carl can better address individual questions and concerns.

There are endless photo opps all around. We'll travel by both horseback and vehicle to nearby destinations, plus do some short hikes, to explore nearby lakes, streams, and waterfalls. With the moon in it's last quarter, there will be some stellar nighttime photo opportunities as well.

Photographer, Carl Heilman, has been photographing the Adirondack Mountainss since the mid 1970's, and has traveled to the Rocky Mountains a number of times since the 1980's. He has been working with digital image files since 1997, and digital SLR cameras since 2007. Join Carl for an intensive 5 day nature photography workshop, working to photograph some of the most spectacular landscapes in NW Wyoming. Experiment with various techniques and equipment, and enjoy interacting with fellow participants through critique sessions, informal discussions, and photo shoots. While the workshop is for photographers of all levels it will be helpful to have an understanding of basic camera techniques.

American West Photography Workshop Itinerary

Sunday evening
- 5 PM - informal gathering, get acquainted
- 6 PM dinner - followed by a brief introductory program

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
- pre-dawn and morning photo shoot
- breakfast followed by classroom instruction / photo critique / Q and A
- 12 PM lunch break
- early afternoon break / folowed by afternoon photography
- dinner / sunset and evening photography
- Friday evening - final workshop session - then attend the 8 PM rodeo in nearby Dubois

This itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather and photo shoot options.

American West Photography Workshop Lodging

This 5 day, 6 night workshop is a wonderful opportunity to travel and photograph with a small group in truly iconic locations in the Rocky Mountains. The Absaroka Ranch is a small guest ranch with a personal touch, featuring comfortable, rustic lodging in 4 person cabins. Each cabin has 2 individually heated bedrooms (2 double beds each.) with a shared bathroom. The rooms are shared with another workshop participant - a great opportunity to make a new friend! - or sign up with a fellow photo buddy. Gourmet meals are prepared fresh and are served in the main lodge near the fireplace and living room space. Click here for a few photos of the accomodations at the Absaroka Ranch.

There are also 4 extra spaces for spouses or friends that want to enjoy the ranch expereince, but won't be participating in the workshop. $825. each includes lhe lodging, meals, tax and ranch provided amenities for the 6 night stay.

American West Photography Workshop Cancellation Policy

The total balance for the workshop, room and lodging is due 60 days before the first day of the workshop.

- If you cancel before 6/5/12, the nonrefundable deposit for the workshop plus lodging is $200.

- If you cancel on or after 6/5/12, the full amount of the workshop and lodging is nonrefundable.

- AAA offers trip / travel insurance for anyone who might be interested.

- We reserve the right to cancel this workshop for an emergency situation - or up to 60 days in advance for lack of registration - and then would refund all payments back to you.

This workshop is rated EASY / MODERATE and is for beginner to advanced photographers. Most of the photography shoots will have reasonably easy access. We'll be travelling by vehicle or horseback, plus doing some walking over moderately steep, rocky terrain. The bigger issue is the altitude. The Absaroka Ranch is based at 8000 feet, and we'll be going to higher elevations to shoot. Please be prepared with proper gear for hiking and high altitude weather changes. All transportation during the workshop, including the horses, is supplied by the Absaroka Ranch.

A maximum of 10 participants allows plenty of opportunities for participant / instructor interaction during the workshop.

The workshop fee includes all instruction, workshop handouts, and rodeo fee, as well as lodging, meals and guiding services provided by the ranch, plus transportation by vehicle and horses for our workshop activities.

Not included is airfare, transporatation to and from the ranch, or other amenties not specified. Jackson Hole is the closest airport (74 miles).

Registration Form

We look forward to photographing with and working with you in the spectacular American West.
Please contact us with any questions!