Event Phone: 479-414-6889

Colorado Gold Photography Workshop

Workshop dates are confirmed, register soon to ensure ticket availability for the train.

September 20-27

The date on this workshop will not be set until the schedule for the train is released by the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is typically around June. To insure that train tickets are available your deposit should be paid by that time. The train frequently sells out before being opened to the general public.

This is going to be a 8 day 7 night,  small group workshop with only 5 participants maximum.  The workshop will include a trip on the Durango & Silverton Fall Photo Train along with a night shoot of the behind the scenes maintenance and a photo tour of the train yard.

We will photograph the spectacular fall with Aspen trees turning brilliant yellow and gold against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. If you have never experienced the blanket of gold as the Aspens change color this is an experience you do not want to miss.  We will photograph  Ghost Towns, old gold mining sites, and historic mountain towns.  A four wheel drive trip to the famous Crystal Mill and Crystal Ghost Town will make for a complete Colorado Dream Photo Workshop.

Cost of the workshop  will be $1895 per participant, and will include the train shoots, the Crystal Mill trip,  and full instruction by Greg Disch..  Not included will be meals, lodging, miscellaneous expenses, travel expense, or gratuities.  Most of the transportation during the workshop will be by carpooling in my 4wd Ford Expedition. If you have a high clearance 4wd you may also drive it.  We will be driving off the major highways and taking some rough 4wd roads.

About the Train:

Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.

The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.

This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado’s mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Unlike the regular excursion passenger trains, Photographer Trains will allow the photographers to detrain at pre-determined locations along the route. Watch, film and photograph as the train backs up and goes out of sight. With two blasts of the whistle, the train will proceed forward and come steaming past the line of photographers. This is great for both still photography and video. We will also have opportunities to photograph the regularly scheduled D&SNG passenger trains as they roll past.

Night Shoot

There is always something magical about night photography, even more so with a live steam locomotive! Seeing and photographing the nightly operations of an active roundhouse and the use of a turntable at night is a rare opportunity! This is a working railroad and roundhouse crew are maintaining locomotives for the following day’s service. We will be respectful of the work that needs to be done and adjust photography poses to work in harmony.

We’ll meet in the Durango Depot at 6:45pm and after a brief orientation we will start shooting and set up different poses for a couple of hours. We’ll capture some blue twilight and shoot into the darkness as the light ebbs. Professional photography lighting will be set up to illuminate the locomotives.

Requirements:
~Sturdy shoes. NO open toe/open back shoes.
~A sturdy tripod and a camera capable of long shutter speeds.
~Signed “Release of Liability” form (see below). These will be required before you can pick up your ticket.
~Any participant not adhering to the direction of official staff will be escorted off the property and no refund will be given. In order to continue offering Night Shoots, safety will not be compromised. Thank you for your cooperation.

Disclaimer: The D&SNG reserves the right to change or cancel the Night Shoot if unforeseen circumstances arise. This includes but is not limited to severely inclement weather, equipment problems and schedule changes. Safety is our number one concern.

About the Workshop

Our workshops are based on digital photography, the assistance that I can provide and the immediate feedback of digital make “in the field” workshops one of the most effective teaching formats available.  Whether finding the correct exposure, looking through the viewfinder for the perfect composition, or learning how to use the equipment, you can’t beat real world experience.  Classes are kept small, it’s all about personal, individual attention. Digital offers a number of benefits for learning photography including:

1. Immediate feedback on exposure and composition
2. Immediate critique from the instructor an other participants
3. Ability to do reviews and projection
4. Automatically capturing all shooting information (Meta Data)
5. Ability to manage work flow while still on location

Workshop Itinerary

Changes to the Itinerary

In order to offer the best experience possible for the workshop participants we reserve the right to alter the itinerary when our judgment warrants it.  This could be due to unforeseen circumstances, closures, weather or other conditions beyond our control.  We may also alter due to new or unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise.

Proposed Itinerary

Friday:

Meet in Durango Colorado get acquainted dinner and go over plans for the week.

 

Saturday:

Visit Silverton and Animas Forks Ghost town and then return to Durango to do a night shoot at the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway trainyard.

Silverton is a former silver mining camp, most or all of which is now included in a federally designated National Historic Landmark District, the Silverton Historic District. The town population reached its nadir at 531 at U.S. Census 2000. It has grown since then.Silverton is linked to Durango by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark.

Animas Forks is located on a system of roads known as the Alpine Loop. The loop is a 65-mile (105 km) system of unpaved roads which connects the small mountain towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. The BLM is now the sole owner of the Townsite, and provides interpretive brochures and maps at an adjacent parking area. Entry into the buildings is unrestricted. The nine standing buildings within the Townsite have been stabilized and restored, repairing floors, walls, windows, and doors, to secure the envelope of each building.

Sunday:

We will leave on the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway photographers special train at around 7am and return at around 4 pm.  Lunch and drinks will be provided.

Monday:

We will check out and head north to visit Red Mountain Mining District, Million Dollar highway, and Ironton Ghost Town.  We will end up and spend the next few days in Montrose.

Red Mountain Mining District

Located off Hwy 550 near the crest of Red Mountain Pass—this is the site of the National Bell Mine. During its booming years, there were as many as 10,000 inhabitants living in Red Mountain Town. In all of its glory, it had over 100 businesses, a post office, jail, schools, newspapers, saloons and gambling halls. Winters were extremely rough and only the most rugged individuals stayed. Several fires between 1892 and 1937 nearly leveled the town. However, regardless how difficult the environment, over thirty million dollars in gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper has been taken out of this area. You can overlook this town site from Hwy 550 at the Idarado Mine turnoff or park your car at the Red Mountain Pass area and hike into the town site.

Ironton (aka Copper Glen) was built on flatter ground than surrounding towns. Settled in 1893, within three weeks three hundred buildings were being built. It was a staging area for supplies coming from Ouray. Ironton was a major transportation junction between Red Mountain Town and Ouray in addition to having some of its own mines. Ironton had a peak population of over 1000 and had two trains arriving daily from Silverton. There were many chain stores from the nearby cities of Ouray and Silverton. The town lived into the first part of the 20th century but slowly faded as mining operations declined. The final resident of the town, Milton Larson, died in the mid-1960s. The town site is still occasionally visited by tourists.

Tuesday:

Will head back down to Ridgway the Dallas Divide and some of the great views from the county roads.

The Dallas Divide is one of the premier locations to photograph fall colors in Colorado. There are wonderful views from the viewpoint on CO-62. County Road 9 (West Dallas County Road) road goes through Double RL ranch, a 17,000-acre ranch owned by a famous fashion designer  Ralph Lauren (note that land on both sides of the road is private). After that you can make your way through aspen groves, with great views of the north side of the Sneffels Range, including Mount Sneffels, Dallas Peak, Mears Peak, and more. The road turns into a single lane, doubletrack trail where a high clearance vehicle is highly recommended. There are a couple of places to park where some people continue on foot or mountain bike. Half a mile farther you can access the Dallas Trail, and another half a mile later the road crosses the creek; here you’ll find a wonderful view of the Sneffels Range over hillsides covered with golden aspen.

Wednesday:

Travel Last Dollar Road from Ridgway to Telluride and the Ghost Town of Alta.

Last Dollar Road

Bumpy, colorful, vast and adventurous, this hidden dirt road in historic ranching country gives stunning rewards for those willing the take the time to get around the bend.

As Last Dollar Road winds through a low valley surrounded by jagged peaks and deep-blue skies, each bend delivers jaw-dropping scenery. At one turn you’ll find yourself in a cathedral of sun-bathed aspens; at another, a flat vista with views of a quilt-like terrain of furry pines and aspens; turn again, and you’re in a wide-open grassy field, where pristine nature is the only thing between you and the San Juan Mountains.

Telluride

A former silver mining camp on the San Miguel River in the western San Juan Mountains. The first gold mining claim was made in the mountains above Telluride in 1875 and early settlement of what is now Telluride followed. The town itself was founded in 1878 as “Columbia”, but due to confusion with a California town of the same name, was renamed Telluride in 1887, for the gold telluride minerals found in other parts of Colorado. These telluride minerals were never found near Telluride, but the area’s mines for some years provided zinc, lead, copper, silver, and other gold ores.

Telluride sits in a box canyon. Steep forested mountains and cliffs surround it, with Bridal Veil Falls situated at the canyon’s head. Numerous weathered ruins of old mining operations dot the hillsides. A free gondola connects the town with its companion town, Mountain Village, Colorado, at the base of the ski area. Telluride and the surrounding area have featured prominently in popular culture, and it is the subject of several popular songs. It is especially known for its ski resort and slopes during the winter, as well as an extensive festival schedule during the summer.

The Telluride Historic District, which includes a significant portion of the town, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of Colorado’s 20 National Historic Landmarks. The town population was 2,325 in the 2010 United States Census.

Alta Ghost Town

On a forest service road that climbs high above Telluride is a collection of crumbling buildings that were once the great mining town of Alta Lakes. Constructed around the turn of the 20th century and active until the 1930s, the Gold King Mine at Alta Lakes, elevation 11,000 feet, was the first mine in the world to receive AC power. This high-altitude, scenic ghost town is accessible by four-wheel drive and still retains many of the original structures.

Thursday:

Marble and the Crystal Mill.

Friday:

Final wrap-up and critique session.

 

 

Workshop Policies and Information

Cost

The workshop fee per session will $1895.00 per participant.

What is Included

Your workshop fees include full instruction and location guiding.

Included in the workshop fee is the cost of the Photographer Special Train on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the special night shoot at the roundhouse.

What is Not Included

Transportation to and from the workshop, lodging, meals, incidental expenses, gratuities, and items of a personal nature are not included. My philosophy on lodging and meals is that by not including them in the workshop each participant is free to choose their own level of accommodation and choice of meals.  I have some participants stay in high end motels, while others prefer camping or RV’s.

Lodging

Lodging is not included in the workshop fee.  We will spend 3 nights in Durango Colorado and then move to Montrose Colorado for the remaining 4 nights.

Meals

Meals, drinks, and snacks are not provided, and are the responsibility of the participant.  We will generally plan to eat as a group, but you are free to eat on your own if you wish.

Group Size

We keep our group size small, this provides for a high degree of personal attention and a great amount of flexibility in making the workshop the best possible experience for the participants. This workshop is limited to a maximum or 5 participants.

Health and Physical Considerations

All participants should be in generally good health, walking and moderate climbing may be necessary in outdoor workshops and you will be responsible for carrying of your own equipment on location shoots.  If you are taking any medications be sure to bring a supply sufficient for the duration of the workshop. If you have any concern about your ability to participate in a workshop please contact us before registering.

Equipment Needed

To get the most from the workshop you should have a Digital Single Lens Reflex  (DSLR) or mirrorless camera, tripod and an assortment of lenses.  That being said, it is the photographer not the camera that makes the photo.  You will need a laptop computer to use, remember to bring all software, drivers, cords, and camera manuals when attending any workshop.

A good sturdy tripod is an essential piece of equipment for doing night and landscape photography along with a cable release or timer to keep the shutter open.   For photographing star trails and the milky way a very wide angle lens is recommended.  We have a great variety of subjects and shooting situations so a good selection of lenses is suggested.  Be sure to bring a camera backpack or bag to carry and protect your equipment.

Registration, Payment, and Refund Policy

You can register any way you like, just so I get your information, you can use the online registration, the contact form, email,  postal mail, or call me on the phone (479-414-6889) either to register or just ask a question.  Registration is done on a first come basis, so register early to secure your space.   A deposit of $500 is required to reserve your space, and full payment is due 30 days prior to the workshop. Enrollment is limited in our workshops, so once you have been accepted your participation is important to us – we are counting on you to attend. If you must withdraw from a course, we must receive written notice of your cancellation, and then apply the following refund policy:   We do not make refunds on workshop fees. We do not make partial refunds for unused portions or services of a workshop for any reason whatsoever. If we are able to fill your space in the workshop we will give full credit towards another workshop. If we are not able to fill your space we will issue 50% credit towards a future workshop.  If there are openings I will accept last minute registrations when possible.

We can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in the services to be provided. We reserve the right to change our arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the workshop due to exceptional circumstances.

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid, in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or an e-mail to you at least 14 days prior to the beginning of a workshop other than an emergency. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely matter due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation. All workshops have a minimum participation level which must be met or the workshop may be canceled.

Non Photographer (Spouse, significant other, or friend)

We welcome spouses to join you on the workshop experience however “workshop activities” are limited to registered, paid attendees.  You may have a non photographer accompany you to all activities but they must pay for the workshop.  If they wish to accompany you on the trip but not attend the workshop activities, but stay with you, finding other activities during the day,  and  meet for meals and social type events that is perfectly acceptable.

Liability Waiver

All participants will be required to sigh a liability waiver before beginning a workshop.  As there is always an element of risk in any adventure associated with the outdoors, participants must read the liability release form carefully. Participant’s signed/dated release will certify that said participant is physically fit and capable of participating in outdoor photography exercises in field locations, and is fully and completely aware of any associated risks created by field locations and weather.

A liability release is also required for the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Weather

The more the better, at least as far as the photography goes.  Workshops will not be canceled and no refunds will be made due to weather, we will not be responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred by weather delays or cancellations due to weather, flight delays, or other. Participants should come to the workshop prepared for all weather conditions. This time of year in Colorado it could be 80 degrees and sunny one day and 30 degrees and snowing the next.

Trip Extensions

We may be able to extend your trip in the area, if you would like more time and personal instruction.  Please contact us for more information and rates before the workshop.

Smoking

We prefer that you do not smoke, however if you must please abide by the following guidelines.  Smoking is not allowed in or near vehicles, during instructional sessions, during group meals, or at other times when in close quarters with other workshop participants.