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July 9-12‚ 2025 - Sold Out!

Select the dates below to join the waitlist

July 8-11‚ 2026 - 2 Spots Available

Workshop Dates

Note: Transportation in Jeeps provided during the workshop

$3,295
$3,295
Sale Sold out
Learn More and Sign Up

  • Experience Level

    Beginner to Advanced 

    This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. You'll receive personalized guidance to build on your strengths and overcome weaknesses. Expect to be challenged and grow, regardless of your starting point.

  • Fitness Level

    Easy to Moderate

    Features relatively short hikes, but the significant factor is high elevation (often above 9,000 feet). Even mild exertion can feel strenuous and cause shortness of breath more quickly than at lower altitudes. Participants should be prepared for the effects of altitude and comfortable walking on mountain trails which may be uneven or muddy.

    More Info 

  • Creative Focus

    Field Sessions & Classroom Instruction

    Field sessions focus on wildflower landscapes (grand scenes to intimate details). Classroom instruction covers composition, field techniques (DoF, focus stacking), and the'Rethink Landscape' processing methodology in Lightroom for vibrant, natural results.

  • Group Size

    Limited to 6 Guests

    We keep our group sizes small to ensure the individual attention you deserve.

  • Location

    Crested Butte, Colorado

    View Map 

  • Fly To

    Gunnison (GUC), Montrose (MTJ), or Denver (DEN)

    Check Flights 

Description

Immerse yourself in the vibrant wildflower spectacle of Crested Butte, the 'Wildflower Capital of Colorado'. This workshop goes beyond the blooms, guiding you to develop your creative vision amidst the stunning high-alpine environment.

Leveraging our extensive experience, we'll help you interpret the landscape – from intimate floral compositions to grand scenes featuring waterfalls, lakes, and peaks. Our focus is on slowing down, observing light and form, and finding unique perspectives that resonate personally, rather than chasing standard shots.

Field sessions are balanced with classroom critique and learning David's 'Rethink Landscape' processing methodology. This novel Lightroom system uses midtone contrast and targeted adjustments for natural results, empowering you to craft images aligned with your vision.

Join us to deepen your connection with the mountains and push your creative boundaries in this inspiring setting. Access to remote locations via instructor-driven Jeeps included.

Meet Your Creative Guides

  • David Kingham

    David is an accomplished professional photographer renowned for his evocative nature imagery. His work showcases intimate landscapes, stunning nightscapes, and masterful black-and-white photography. As the founder of Exploring Exposure, David is dedicated to mentoring aspiring photographers, helping them refine their skills and develop their artistic vision.

    View David's Portfolio 

  • Jennifer Renwick

    Jennifer is a professional photographer renowned for her captivating abstract and small scene imagery. With a keen eye for detail, she uncovers the hidden stories within grand landscapes. Jennifer is passionate about helping fellow photographers discover their unique style and guiding them to express their vision through meaningful projects.

    View Jennifer's Portfolio 

Visual Inspiration

Workshop Highlights & Creative Focus:

  • Beyond the Blooms: Develop your vision amidst peak wildflower season, focusing on creative compositions from grand scenes to intimate details.
  • Mastering Mountain Light: Learn techniques for floral landscapes, wide-angle to macro, harnessing dynamic alpine light.
  • Refine with Rethink: Learn the 'Rethink Landscape' Lightroom workflow to naturally enhance colors, tones, and textures in your images.
  • Expert Jeep Access: Benefit from included transportation in instructor-driven Jeeps to remote, high-elevation meadows and basins, maximizing field time away from crowds.
  • Personalized High-Altitude Guidance: Receive tailored instruction (3:1 ratio) on composition and technique in a challenging but rewarding environment.
  • Peak Season Access (July): Experience Crested Butte's renowned wildflowers and access high mountain passes typically open this time of year.

Logistics:

  • Lodging: Group block secured at a Mt. Crested Butte hotel. Book directly using info provided upon registration.
  • Transportation: Transportation during the workshop is included via instructor-driven Jeeps. Participants responsible for transport to/from Crested Butte. No personal 4x4 needed during the workshop.
  • Altitude Acclimatization Crucial: Arrive at least one day early to acclimatize to high elevation (town ~8,900 ft, field locations 9,000-12,000+ ft). This is vital for comfort and participation. Stay hydrated.
  • Road Exposure: Be aware that accessing locations involves travel on potentially exposed mountain roads. Comfort with heights is necessary

Itinerary

Preparation: Upon registration, a comprehensive itinerary will be sent to you, ensuring all the details are at your fingertips to help you plan your travel arrangements seamlessly.

Day 1: Arrival, Alpine Vision & Sunset Exploration

  • Meet at 2:00 PM in Crested Butte for introductions, orientation, and discussion on high-altitude photography.
  • Attend the afternoon classroom session (~2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) on seeing and composing in the alpine landscape.
  • Enjoy an early group dinner (~4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) at a local restaurant.
  • Embark on the first evening field session via Jeeps (~6:15 PM onwards) for sunset light on peaks and meadows.

Day 2: Intensive High Country Exploration

  • Depart pre-dawn via Jeeps for the Early Morning Field Session capturing first light on peaks and meadows.
  • Take a Mid-Morning Break (~10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) in town for rest and meals (on own).
  • Head out via Jeeps for the Afternoon Field Session (~1:00 PM - 5:00 PM), exploring different high-alpine basins.
  • Return for a Dinner Break (~5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) in town (on own).
  • Go on the final Evening Field Session via Jeeps (~7:00 PM onwards) for sunset/twilight compositions.

Day 3: Diverse Environments & Continued Exploration

  • Start with the Early Morning Field Session (Departing pre-dawn via Jeeps) focusing on specific wildflower areas or features.
  • Transition to a Late Morning Field Session exploring nearby complementary scenes (textures, forests).
  • Take a Midday Break (~10:30 AM - 1:00 PM) for lunch (on own) and rest.
  • Explore different subjects (lakes, waterfalls, reflections) in the Afternoon Field Session via Jeeps (~1:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
  • Return for a brief Dinner Break (~4:00 PM - 5:00 PM) in town (on own).
  • Embark on the final Evening Field Session via Jeeps (~5:00 PM onwards) for sunset/alpine glow.

Day 4: Final Shoot & Image Critique

  • Take the last Early Morning Field Session via Jeeps (Departing pre-dawn) for sunrise.
  • Return for a Breakfast Break (~8:00 AM - 9:00 AM) in town (on own).
  • Participate in the Morning Image Critique Session (~9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) for constructive feedback on workshop or portfolio images.
  • Workshop concludes around 12:00 PM.

What's Included:

  • Expert Instruction & Guidance: Field guidance and classroom instruction from David Kingham & Jennifer Renwick.
  • Small Group Environment: Max 6 participants for personalized attention (3:1 ratio).
  • Transportation During Workshop: Via instructor-driven Jeeps to all field locations.
  • Image Development & Critique: Classroom session on "Rethink Landscape" processing and group critiques.
  • Collaborative Workshop Zine: A curated 8x8 keepsake featuring participant images, delivered post-workshop.
  • Permits & Land Use Fees: For planned shooting locations.

What's Not Included:

  • Transportation: To/from Crested Butte, CO.
  • Lodging: In Crested Butte area (Group rate block available).
  • Meals: All meals are the responsibility of the participant.
  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.
  • Personal Items: Camera gear, clothing suitable for variable mountain weather (layers!), reusable water bottle, etc.

Your Commemorative Workshop Zine

As a special part of your Exploring Exposure workshop, we create a unique, tangible keepsake: a custom-designed 8x8 Zine featuring images from you and your fellow participants. It’s a beautiful way to remember the shared adventure and the landscapes explored.

More than that, the process encourages you to mindfully review your work, finalize your processing, and select your most meaningful images for inclusion. About a month after the workshop, you’ll share your selections with us. We then handle the curation, layout, and printing, sending you this beautiful collective memory to hold onto. It’s one more way we support your creative journey, even after the workshop ends.

Our Teaching Philosophy

At our workshops, we are dedicated to helping you discover and develop your unique creative style through personalized training tailored to your skill level and photographic interests. Our goal is to provide you with a rigorous learning experience, both in the field and the classroom, to elevate your photography to new heights.

Your growth and satisfaction are our top priorities. We put your interests first, focusing solely on your learning experience. Throughout the workshop, we will take photographs alongside you to demonstrate how we approach a scene, share techniques, and foster a sense of camaraderie within the group. However, we will never leave you to pursue our own photographic endeavors. Our attention will always remain on you and your progress.

We regularly check in with each participant to provide helpful feedback and advice on your work, without being overbearing. Our biggest goal is to see you succeed and learn, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

We recognize that each participant joins our workshops at different stages of their photographic development. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced photographer, we are here to guide and assist you. We firmly believe that there is always room for growth and improvement in photography, and we are committed to helping you refine your skills and find your unique creative vision.

Above all, we strive to create a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for you. Our small group sizes allow us to build strong connections with our clients, fostering a sense of community and belonging. We are driven by our love for photography and find immense joy in witnessing our participants' growth and artistic development.

Join us on this exciting journey of photographic discovery, and let us help you unlock your full creative potential.

Safety First

Your safety is our utmost priority, especially when exploring remote locations. As certified Wilderness First Responders, David and Jennifer are prepared to handle any situation, big or small. We also carry satellite communication devices to ensure we can request rescue assistance if needed in areas without cellular coverage.

Responsible

As proud members of Nature First Photography, we are committed to responsible nature photography practices. We abide by and promote the seven principles of this movement to our clients, encouraging them to join us in preserving the natural world we capture through our lenses.

Join Nature First

Legal Compliance

At Exploring Exposure, we operate with the highest level of integrity. We obtain all necessary permits, carry comprehensive liability insurance, and acquire any required certifications to ensure our workshops are conducted legally and ethically.

For this workshop Exploring Exposure operates under a Special Use Permit on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. We are also an equal opportunity service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spouses/partners welcome?

Our workshops are designed as immersive group learning experiences. Participation in all activities, including field excursions and instructional sessions, requires full registration and payment of the workshop fee. Therefore, spouses or partners who wish to join must register as participants.

Will I have cell service during the workshop?

In many remote areas we visit, cell service and Wi-Fi can be extremely limited or non-existent during field excursions. Expect potential periods of being offline. Service is typically available at our accommodation, but cannot be guaranteed everywhere. We carry a satellite communication device for emergency use.

Will weather cancel the workshop?

Often, dramatic weather provides the best photographic opportunities! We prioritize participant safety, but the workshop will proceed in most weather conditions. Locations or schedules might be adjusted if conditions pose a significant safety risk (e.g., hazardous roads, extreme events). We encourage embracing the elements! Please note that no refunds or rescheduling are offered based on weather circumstances.

Do the instructors photograph during workshops?

Our commitment is first and foremost to your learning and creative exploration. While you might see us create some images during our time in the field, it's always with an educational purpose in mind. We might photograph to:

  • Walk you through how we evaluate and compose a scene, sharing the excitement and challenges together.
  • Demonstrate a specific technique (like focus stacking, long exposure, or ICM).
  • Make images during our field sessions that reflect the specific locations and conditions you're experiencing. This provides highly relevant examples for demonstrating the Rethink processing workflow, directly applicable to the images you're creating on the trip.

Engaging in the creative process alongside you can be instructive and helps foster a shared experience and connection within the group. However, this never takes precedence over providing personalized attention and ensuring you have the support you need to develop your vision. Our focus remains squarely on you.

Detailed Fitness Requirements & Terrain

Moderate (Primarily due to Altitude and Exposure)

  • Hiking: Short walks (<1-2 miles RT) from vehicles on potentially uneven/muddy mountain trails or meadows. Hiking difficulty itself is low.
  • Primary Challenge - Altitude: Significant time spent above 11,000 ft. Acclimatization is crucial. Not recommended if highly susceptible to altitude sickness.
  • Primary Challenge - Road Exposure: Travel on unpaved, narrow mountain roads with steep drop-offs is necessary. Not suitable for those with a significant fear of heights or driving exposure.
  • Fitness Expectation: Comfort walking short distances at very high altitude and tolerance for exposed mountain roads are the main requirements. Prepare for variable mountain weather (layers essential). Contact us if concerned about altitude or exposure tolerance.

How to Get There

Fly into:

  • Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC): ~45-minute drive. Closest option, limited flights.
  • Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): ~1.5 to 2-hour drive. More flight options than GUC.
  • Denver International Airport (DEN): ~4.5 to 5-hour drive. Most flight options, longest drive.
  • Rental car needed to reach Crested Butte from the airport.

Cancellation Policy

We put a lot of care into planning intimate, high-quality workshop experiences. Because our group sizes are small and significant logistical planning begins well in advance, we must adhere to a firm cancellation policy. We strongly encourage you to purchase trip insurance to protect your investment should unforeseen circumstances arise.

  • Initial Payment: An initial payment is required to secure your spot in the workshop.
  • Cancellation More Than 90 Days Out: If you need to cancel your registration more than 90 days before the workshop start date, we will refund your initial payment, minus a $100 administration fee.
  • Cancellation Between 60 and 90 Days Out: If you cancel fewer than 90 days but more than 60 days before the workshop start date, your initial payment becomes non-refundable. However, should we successfully fill your spot from a waiting list or new registration, we will refund your initial payment, minus a 5% payment processing fee.
  • Automatic Final Balance Payment: The remaining balance for the workshop will be automatically charged to the card used for the initial payment 60 days prior to the workshop start date. We will send a courtesy reminder email a few days before this charge occurs. It is your responsibility to ensure your payment information is up-to-date. If you need to use a different card for the final payment, please contact us well before the 60-day deadline.
  • Cancellation Within 60 Days (After Automatic Final Payment): If you cancel fewer than 60 days before the workshop start date, after the final balance has been automatically charged, all payments made (initial payment and final balance) are non-refundable. This is why we strongly recommend trip insurance. However, should we successfully fill your spot from a waiting list or new registration, we will refund your total payments, minus a 5% payment processing fee. We will make a reasonable effort to fill the spot but cannot guarantee it, especially close to the start date.
  • Process & Policy Understanding: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or US mail. Please understand that this policy applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, including medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances. There are no exceptions.
  • Trip Insurance is Highly Recommended: Again, to safeguard against unexpected events (personal/family emergencies, illness, travel delays, etc.) that might prevent you from attending, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This can help cover your workshop fees and travel expenses should you need to cancel within the non-refundable period. These are just suggestions, and we have no affiliation with them, but you might consider providers like TravelGuard, World Nomads, or Allianz Travel. Please research plans carefully to ensure they meet your needs.
  • Workshop Cancellation by Exploring Exposure: We reserve the right to cancel a workshop if the minimum participant enrollment is not met or due to other unforeseen circumstances (e.g., leader illness, park closures). If we must cancel a workshop, you will be notified as soon as possible and offered the choice of transferring your registration and payments to a future workshop or receiving a full refund of all payments made directly to Exploring Exposure. Exploring Exposure is not liable for any other expenses you may have incurred, such as airfare, lodging, or rental cars. Trip insurance can often cover these associated costs in case of workshop cancellation by us, providing another reason for its purchase.

Have Questions?

Feel free to reach out, we are happy to help!

Customer Reviews

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Pat Polacek
Shared passion and skills in a breath-taking location!

The Crested Butte Wildflower Workshop by David and Jennifer exceeded my expectations! I especially appreciate their gentle manner of individualized instruction, and desire to see us improve our skills artistically and/or technically. They are very knowledgeable of the area, and took us to sites that they researched in the days prior to the workshop to take advantage of the best locations for the variety of scenes we would be photographing: wildflowers vistas and close-ups, sunrise / sunset on a mountain or range, an aspen grove, lake (pond) reflections, and waterfalls. Often, they would shoot a scene with their cameras, and show me how they saw the scene through their lens, and the settings, filters, focal length, etc they used to accomplish that. I had fun with Jennifer showing me some techniques to get abstract images, and both of them pointed out good composition opportunities. Their teaching approach is balanced between time in the field shooting, and classroom processing techniques. I came in with a love for the art of photography, and they elevated my skills so I will enjoy my lifetime passion even more! Overall, it was such a fun and rewarding photography workshop, and a highlight of my photography experiences!

We're thrilled to hear that you had such a rewarding experience at the Crested Butte Wildflower Workshop! It was a joy for Jennifer and me to share our passion and techniques with you. We loved exploring those beautiful locations together and are so glad to hear that our individualized instruction helped elevate your photography skills. We hope to see you again on another adventure and continue this creative journey together!

W
Warren Diggles
Sunrise to Sunset: Fun-Filled Jeep Adventures in Landscape Photography

I recently attended my first photography workshop led by David Kingham and Jennifer Renwick of Exploring Exposure. From sunrise to sunset, our days were long but incredibly rewarding. This workshop exceeded my expectations in several ways.

One of the standout features was that the instructors rented 4x4 jeeps to transport us to various locations. This allowed us to access remote areas and cover much more ground than we could have by driving to trailheads and hiking. The combination of extensive hours and enhanced mobility enabled us to capture a wide range of light conditions across diverse landscapes. It was both fun and practical, maximizing our shooting opportunities throughout the day.

David and Jennifer were excellent instructors - approachable, knowledgeable, and attentive. They made sure to spend time with each participant, offering personalized guidance. While they provided helpful technical advice on camera settings, I found their insights on composition particularly valuable. The principles they shared will undoubtedly influence my approach to photography across various genres.

A highlight for me was the processing session led by David. Despite my years of experience in photography and post-processing, I learned new techniques that will streamline my workflow, improve my results, and save time. These are definitely going into my regular editing routine.

Overall, this workshop offered a great balance of in-field shooting, technical instruction, and post-processing guidance. The instructors' expertise, combined with the unique locations we were able to access, made for an enriching and memorable experience. I highly recommend Exploring Exposure workshops to photographers looking to elevate their skills and explore beautiful landscapes.

Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that our workshop not only met but exceeded your expectations. The Jeeps definitely do add a unique element, allowing us to reach those hidden gems, and we're glad you found both the technical and composition advice valuable. It was a pleasure having you, and we look forward to possibly seeing you in another workshop soon! Keep capturing those stunning landscapes!

j
jacob makhinson
Crested Butte Wildflowers Workshop

Hi David,

I was not going to mention this but since you asked...not really a complaint but an observation.
The Nordic Inn does not have Microwaves in their rooms (as far as I can tell). Most people could care less but I do. So I made a reservation in a hotel across the street (at the Grand Lodge). Not a problem - within an easy walking distance :-)

Thanks!

Jacob

G
Gregory Trainor
An Amazing Experience

I just got back from an amazing workshop in Crested Butte with Exploring Exposure, and I had a great time. David and Jennifer took us to beautiful places and I got some portfolio photos. They were very helpful with setting up compositions and provided excellent feedback. The workshop group size was small so David and Jennifer were able to provide a lot of personal attention to each participant. Plus they were truly nice people to hang out with. I highly recommend Exploring Exposure workshops!

We're thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic experience in Crested Butte! It was a pleasure exploring those stunning vistas with you and being part of your photographic journey. We're glad our guidance and feedback were helpful, and we thoroughly enjoyed the small group dynamic too. Thank you for the high recommendation—hope to see you on another adventure soon!

K
Keith Lisk

The Crested Butte Wildflowers workshop was the third workshop I have attended with David and Jennifer. All three provided a professional learning experience, not only from a photography perspective, but also from being taken to locations that are off the beaten path that I would never have found on my own. This has real value for me. David and Jennifer complement each other perfectly with their own sets of specialized knowledge. If you have an interest in abstracts, Jennifer is your go-to person. If night landscapes are your thing, David is the expert. Between the two of them, all the bases are covered, including post-processing. I especially enjoy the critique sessions during the workshops, which offer valuable advice and direction to composition skills and post processing. I hope to be able to attend more workshops with David and Jennifer in the future.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with our workshops! We're thrilled to hear that you found such great value in the locations we take you to and the specialized knowledge we bring. Your kind words about our complementary skills mean a lot to us. We look forward to having you join us on more adventures and helping you continue to grow your photography!

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