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Experience level:
This workshop is for anyone with a zest for adventure and amazing natural environments who owns a cellphone with a camera. We pride ourselves on meeting you wherever you are in your photography journey, and have led experiences for everyone from first-day beginners to seasoned professionals on our tours and workshops.
Details:
Classes run from 10am-4pm (6 hours)
Physical Requirements:
Although the hiking trails we will be on are not very challenging per se, higher elevation environments can be very physically taxing on your cardiovascular system. You should not hike over 8,000’ with uncontrolled heart conditions, severe pulmonary disease, or active respiratory infections (like pneumonia), or severe anemia.
High-Risk Medical Conditions:
Consult your doctor before attending if you have any of the following:
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Decreased oxygen can lead to chest pain (angina) or heart failure. Patients must have stable function and exercise capacity to travel to moderate elevations.
Severe Lung Conditions: Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension drastically reduce your baseline blood oxygen.
Severe Anemia: Because you have fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, you will feel the effects of hypoxia much faster.
Pregnancy: Traveling to high elevations can affect fetal heart rates; discuss limits with your OB-GYN.
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How to get the most out of your smartphone camera using built-in features and settings
Understanding natural light and how it affects mood, color, and detail.
Essential composition techniques, including the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, balance, and perspective
Training your eye to notice compelling subjects, patterns, textures, and details in nature
Creating depth and dimension in landscape photographs
Techniques for photographing wildflowers, trees, water, wildlife, and expansive scenic views. Tips for photographing moving water, changing weather, and seasonal landscapes.
Using focus and exposure controls to achieve the desired look
Creative techniques such as reflections, silhouettes, panoramas, close-up (macro-style) photography, and intentional framing
Simple storytelling through images to create photos with greater impact and meaning
Ethical nature photography practices, including respecting wildlife and following Leave No Trace principles
Basic mobile photo editing techniques to enhance color, contrast, exposure, and composition without over-processing
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Fully Charged Smartphone
Portable Smartphone Tripod (if have, not required)
Food and Water (1-2 gal per person/day)
Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes
Layered clothing options. The weather can change fast in the mountains, so make sure to bring options for both sides of the temperature spectrum
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This workshop is led led by Courtney Risdon, whose photographic expertise, decades of backcountry exploration, and instructional experience form the foundation of this immersive photography class.
Why learn with Courtney?
Multiple Time Award-Winning Photographer with a deep love of nature, and endless passion for the art of “drawing with light.”
Former Ansel Adams Gallery Yosemite Photography Guide who’s led hundreds of public and private photography tours for guests of all skill levels.
Courtney learned, developed under, and is still actively mentored by two world-class National Geographic photographers.
40+ years of backcountry, camping, and hiking experience throughout the Sierra Nevada and beyond.
Thousands of guided outdoor experiences led, including off-road, photography, and mushroom tours.
Certified Interpretive Guide (2024) through the National Association for Interpretation, with specialized training in effective communication, education, and creating engaging outdoor learning experiences.
Deep knowledge of Sierra Nevada backroads, forest ecology, and local history, developed through a lifetime of exploration and continual learning.
CPR and First Aid Certified, with a safety-first approach to every training session.
Every workshop is tailored to your experience level, your goals, and—most importantly—the photographic vision you have.
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Do I need a professional camera?
No you don’t. As long as you have a fully charged working smartphone with a built in camera you are good.
Can beginners attend?
This workshop is for anyone with a zest for adventure and amazing natural environments. We pride ourselves on meeting you wherever you are in your photography journey, and have led experiences for everyone from first-day beginners to seasoned professionals on our tours and workshops.
Is transportation provided?
No. You will need to provide your own transportation to, around, and from the location.
What if it's cloudy?
Nature is unpredictable, which makes natural photography that much more exciting and dynamic. Clouds can provide some amazing composition options if that situation arises.
Can I bring a friend who doesn't photograph?
Unfortunately since this is a small group event (max 8 ppl), non-photographer guests are not allowed. This workshop is limited to registered participants to ensure the best learning experience for everyone.
Are restrooms available?
We will be visiting multiple locations during this class. We may or may not pass or be near any public restrooms, so make sure you take care of that prior to your class.
Is there cell service?
Sometimes you will get limited cell service near mountain peaks, but you should assume you will be out of reception once you leave the meetup location, and prior to your return.
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Maximum group size is 8 people.
Classes run rain or shine at the specified time. The only reason class would be canceled is a local current lightning storm.
No refunds will be given once payment has been processed. If you are unable to make your scheduled workshop for any reason, we will transfer that credit to another workshop, or offer an awesome private workshop that works for everyone involved.
Click here for our → CA Liability Waiver