Field Workshop

Dates Jul 16–22, 2006
Leader Cliff Zenor
Fee $1,995 from Gunnison, Colorado
Deposit $300
Limit 8
Terms and Conditions

Located 8,885 feet high in the south central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the tiny village of Crested Butte is surrounded by rocky peaks, verdant meadows, dense forests, cool alpine lakes and a grand display of dazzling wildflowers. This century-old mining town is nestled between two impressive mountain ranges and five spectacular US Wilderness Areas. Today, the character of Crested Butte still contains the essential elements of the old American West. In 1989 the town
was designated the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” and the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival was launched to celebrate the incredible host of exuberant flowers that bloom in the area.

Our photo tour commences just as the Wildflower Festival concludes: the profusion of blossoms is at its peak, but the throng of tourists drawn to the festival diminishes. For six nights and five full days, we will be able to explore the wildflower-carpeted meadows of the region. Alpine valleys offer brilliant botanical displays in incredible abundance. And above it all are the peaks spiking brilliant blue skies. Participants will want to bring wide-angle and short zoom lenses for landscapes
and a macro lens for blossoms. The flowers can be so abundant that we often shoot vast scenics or minute details while wandering within a few colorful acres. Crested Butte itself offers some interesting photography, as it's an old semi-restored mining town and its Victorian houses comprise a colorful National Historic District. The Crested Butte area offers all sorts of distinct wildflower habitats, from high alpine meadows to aspen woods and wet meadows to dry prairie. And, in midsummer, we can easily find a variety of different flowering plants by simply changing elevation.

Crested Butte is an ideal setting—uniquely situated to supply endless hours of photography in the field and offering comfortable accommodations that we return to each evening. Acclimatization to the higher altitudes is necessary and some short hiking will enhance your photo opportunities. Join Cliff Zenor for a remarkable week among the wildflowers.


Day 1
Participants fly to Gunnison, Colorado. A shuttle (cost not included in the tour fee) is available from the airport to Crested Butte. We meet for dinner this evening. (D)

Days 2–6
We devote our time on these days to wildflower photography. Colorful landscapes and a profusion of flowers will be our subjects, as interwoven in photography as they are in nature. We’ll hone our macro photography skills using flash, diffusers and reflectors—enhancing nature’s patterns and our composition. (BLD)

Day 7
After breakfast, participants return to Gunnison airport for flights home. (B)


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