Fall Color Photography in Rocky Mountain National Park

Each fall, Rocky Mountain National Park bursts into a dazzling show of reds, golds, and browns. In this course, instructor Bob Dean will teach beginning and intermediate photographers how to capture a unique perspective on fall color in the Rockies through strong composition and essential techniques.

As the creation of strong images is a combination of art and technique, participants will learn the basic creative controls on the camera, study photographic composition, and then learn how to use those controls and visualization techniques to make great photos. Participants will also have the opportunity to capture fall landscapes and more intimate autumn moments throughout the park, with on-the-spot coaching and feedback from their instructor throughout the day.

The primary objectives of this course are to:

• Understand the creative controls on your camera or smartphone and how to use them for making strong images and how to use light to your advantage when making images.
• Explore basic and more advanced photographic composition.

Who: Participants ages 16 and up.

Program level: Easy – Appropriate for most participants. Expect frequent short walks with ample breaks. Participants will be walking on paved or hardened surfaces with moderate slopes and occasional stairs. Transportation will be in a 15-passenger transit van that requires stepping up to enter and has limited interior space. Participants may travel in vehicles to elevations above 10,000 feet.

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:00am - 3:00pm.

Where: We will meet at the Fall River Visitor Center, located at 3450 Fall River Road, Estes Park, CO 80517. In the afternoon we will travel together to various sites in Rocky Mountain National Park in Conservancy vehicles. Registration includes all required fees and permits for Rocky Mountain National Park.

What to bring:

• 10 Essentials for Field Courses
• Bag lunch
• Camera: digital SLR or mirrorless camera and lenses (wide angle lens and a short to medium telephoto zoom lens, close-up lens if you have one) OR a point-and-shoot camera OR a Smartphone with a camera
• Camera manual
• Spare batteries and memory cards
• Tripod (optional but helpful)
• Camera bag or daypack

About your instructor: Bob Dean has been exploring and photographing the outdoors for more than 50 years. Bob has been teaching and lecturing at numerous Colorado venues and has written five eBooks. His stock file includes images ranging from Alaska to Australia, South America to Europe, Asia, and Antarctica. He has extensive experience in the western U.S., especially Colorado and California. Published images and articles have appeared in magazines and newsletters including Falcon, Outdoor World, and several photo newsletters. He was an assistant editor and featured writer/photographer for First Light Monthly Newsletter for Nature Photographers.

Visit Bob’s website: Views of Nature Photo

Conservancy members get 10% off individual registration when you use the discount code in your membership email!

Not a member of the Conservancy? Learn more and join here: Conservancy Membership

If you have questions about this course, please contact the Field Institute by email at education@RMConservancy.org or by phone at 970-586-3262.