• Yellowstone Intimate Rainbow Detail
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$3,295
$3,295
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  • 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

    Consists mainly of short walks, typically up to 1 mile per outing, primarily on park boardwalks and established, relatively flat trails. Some boardwalks may have stairs or minor inclines. Requires basic walking ability.

    More Info 

  • Creative Focus

    Field Sessions & Classroom Instruction

    Field sessions focused on intimate landscapes and contemplative photography. Classroom instruction covers composition, creative techniques (focus stacking, ICM potential), and the'Rethink Landscape' processing methodology in Lightroom. Emphasis on developing projects and personal vision.

  • Group Size

    Limited to 8 Guests

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

  • Location

    West Yellowstone, Montana

    View Map 

  • Fly To

    West Yellowstone, Montana (WYS) or Bozeman, Montana (BZN)

    Check Flights 

Description

Discover the intricate beauty often missed in Yellowstone's grand landscapes. This workshop focuses on the art of intimate landscape photography, guiding you to slow down, observe closely, and craft meaningful compositions from the park's smaller scenes – thermal textures, flowing water patterns, forest details, and abstract forms.

We emphasize finding your own unique images that reflect a personal connection, moving beyond iconic viewpoints. Learn to see the potential in overlooked details and develop your eye for compelling intimate compositions.

Field sessions are complemented by classroom discussion, critique, and instruction on David's 'Rethink Landscape' processing methodology. This novel Lightroom system uses midtone contrast and targeted adjustments for natural, evocative results, empowering you to translate your vision into finished images.

Join us to cultivate a deeper way of seeing and capture the subtle wonders of Yellowstone. Please note: Our primary focus is intimate landscapes; we will not specifically target grand vistas or stop for wildlife sightings.

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:

  • Focus on Intimates: Explore Yellowstone's subtle beauty – textures, patterns, abstracts – beyond the grand scale.
  • Slow Photography: Embrace a mindful, observant approach to find personal connection and unique compositions.
  • Develop Your Eye: Learn specific techniques for seeing and composing compelling intimate landscapes.
  • Master the Rethink Workflow: Learn the 'Rethink Landscape' Lightroom methodology to naturally enhance texture, tone, and mood in your images.
  • Personalized Guidance: Receive tailored instruction and feedback in a small group (4:1 ratio) to foster creative growth.
  • Ideal Timing (September): Benefit from fewer crowds, softer light ideal for details, comfortable temperatures, and potential early autumn color.

Logistics:

  • Lodging: We have secured a block of rooms at a comfortable hotel in West Yellowstone with a special group rate of $369/night (plus tax). This serves as a convenient base near the park's west entrance. You are also free to arrange your own lodging in the West Yellowstone area if you prefer. Detailed booking information for the group rate will be provided upon registration.
  • Transportation: Participants responsible for transport to/from West Yellowstone and during the workshop. Standard passenger vehicle sufficient.
  • Carpooling Required: Due to limited parking, we must consolidate into a maximum of three vehicles for field outings. Your instructors will coordinate this. (Note: 2 spots available in instructor vehicle).

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, Orientation & Seeing Yellowstone Differently

  • Meet at 5:00 PM at the hotel (West Yellowstone) for introductions & workshop orientation on intimate landscapes.
  • Join the early group dinner nearby for informal introductions.
  • Attend the evening classroom presentation on finding and composing intimate scenes in Yellowstone.

Days 2-5: Field Exploration, Image Development & Refining Your Vision

  • Participate in the Early Morning Field Session (Pre-sunrise - mid-morning) exploring areas rich in intimate details (thermal features, forests, rivers). Focus on observation and personal composition.
  • Take a Midday Brunch/Lunch break.
  • Attend the Afternoon Image Review session for constructive group critique.
  • Learn the Rethink Landscape processing methodology in the Afternoon Lightroom Session, focusing on techniques for intimate scenes (color, contrast, texture, masking) with guided practice.
  • Head out for the Late Afternoon/Evening Field Session with provided sack dinners, continuing the search for intimate landscapes until dusk.
  • Return to the hotel after the evening field session.

Day 6: Final Field Session & Workshop Conclusion

  • Engage in the final Early Morning Field Session (Pre-sunrise), practicing learned techniques for intimate landscapes.
  • Return to West Yellowstone by 10:00 AM for wrap-up.
  • Workshop concludes around 10:00 AM at the hotel parking area.

What's Included:

  • Expert Instruction & Guidance: Field guidance and classroom instruction focused on intimate landscapes from David Kingham & Jennifer Renwick (4:1 ratio).
  • Small Group Environment: Max 8 participants for personalized attention.
  • Image Development & Critique: Classroom sessions on "Rethink Landscape" processing (intimate focus) and group critiques.
  • Collaborative Workshop Zine: A curated 8x8 keepsake featuring participant images, delivered post-workshop.
  • Select Field Dinners: Sack dinners provided for evening field sessions (Days 2-5).

What's Not Included:

  • Transportation: To/from Yellowstone area. Carpooling required during the workshop.
  • Lodging: In Yellowstone area (Group rate block available).
  • Meals: Most meals (breakfasts, lunches, Day 1 dinner).
  • Yellowstone National Park Entrance Fee: Or valid park pass.
  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended.
  • Personal Items: Camera gear, clothing, hiking essentials, reusable water bottle, etc.
Stack of Death Valley Intimate Landscapes 2024 zine workshops with textured desert landscape cover on wooden surface

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 is Authorized Permittee of Yellowstone National Park. 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

Physical Activity Level & Terrain: Easy

This workshop focuses on exploring Yellowstone's unique geothermal features and landscapes via easily accessible paths.

  • Daily Walking: Expect to walk a total of 2-3 miles spread throughout each day, broken into shorter segments as we explore various geyser basins, hot springs, and viewpoints.
  • Terrain: Our exploration will take place exclusively on Yellowstone's boardwalks and paved pathways within the geothermal areas and viewpoints. These surfaces are generally flat and well-maintained.
  • Fitness Expectation: Participants should be comfortable walking up to 3 miles total per day, broken into shorter distances, on flat and even surfaces. Standard walking shoes are sufficient.
  • Environmental Factors: Be prepared for potentially variable weather conditions, even in summer, including sun, wind, rain, or cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings. Layers of clothing are recommended. While the walking is easy, we will be at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet, which can be a factor for some individuals. Staying hydrated is important.

How to Get There

If you are flying in there are several options:

  • West Yellowstone Airport - 5 minutes to the hotel
  • Bozeman International Airport - 1h 45m to the hotel
  • Idaho Falls Airport - 1h 45m to the hotel
  • Jackson Hole Airport - 2h 45m to the hotel

We recommend using Google Flights to find the best option for where you are coming from.

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!

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