Information About Workshops
All workshops with Dawn Wilson Photography are designed to be fun, educational and professional. Each location has been scouted for comfort, ease of access and excellent photographic opportunities. All efforts will be made to provide workshop participants with the best opportunities to photograph wildlife and scenery. However, it is important to note that Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and that it is impossible for us to anticipate all or unforeseen conditions.
Private Photo Workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park
Dawn Wilson provides photography guiding services in Rocky Mountain National Park, the premier national park of Colorado. Tours are structured based on the participant's goals for their photography while in the area. Focus can be wildlife, landscape, night skies or a combination of these subjects
Testimonials
“I can’t speak more highly of Dawn and her knowledge of the Colorado Mountains. I spent the day with her as she guided me thru RMNP. Her insight into the park was fantastic. She knew right where to be at the right time to get the best shots. When it came time for some wildlife she knew where to go—Mom and baby moose were exactly where she said they would be. It was a great experience.” Greg M.
"On my recent trip to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, I contracted a photo trip with Bob Maynard’s Colorado Plateau Photo Tours. I reviewed several tour photographers before choosing Bob’s company. I have no doubt that I made the right choice. As part of my research, I examined sample work provided by each company and discovered Bob’s was hands down the best of the bunch. Bob assigned Dawn Wilson to work with me because I was mainly interested in wildlife photography which is her specialty. (They are both excellent wildlife and landscape photographers.) Dawn tailor-made my tour by focusing on what was most important to me. We started early for a sunrise shoot at Dream Lake with a gorgeous view of Flattop Mountain and Hallet’s Peak. Since I don’t have a lot of experience with landscape photography, Dawn helped with composition and settings to capture the best images. Had I done it alone, it would have taken multiple days to get the shot as she helped me find the best locations and the sun moves so fast that you only have a couple of minutes to get prime images. After working on landscape photos, we started on our search for Big Horn Sheep. The sheep did not cooperate with us that day but along the way we photographed elk, marmots, pika, (SO cute!) red tail hawks, turkey’s, some fun shots of Magpies and shots of a few waterfalls. Dawn went out of her way help me get the photos I wanted even if the animals were in hiding that day. She took extra time with me to go over the shots we captured and offered both critiques as well as processing suggestions. Dawn is an award winning photographer and I was honored to be on the tour with her as my guide.“ - Dennis M.
"A bucket list trip of mine was photographing the brown bears in Alaska. I knew this would be a once in a lifetime experience, so I wanted to make sure I went with the right guide. After doing a lot of research I selected Dawn Wilson Tours. All I can say is that I definitely made the right choice. Dawn knew all the secrets so that my experience was better than I expected. Not only did I get amazing pictures of the bears but we also got amazing pictures of bald eagles and moose. Dawn was also very helpful in suggesting compositions and camera settings. She never got tired of my questions. The lodging accommodations were also great. The meals at the lodge for the brown bears had gourmet food and they were very accommodating to our picture shooting schedule. Dawn set the perfect pace throughout the trip so we never felt rushed. I highly recommend Dawn if you are looking for a photo trip experience that most people will never experience." Gene S.
"I booked a private photography workshop and tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with Dawn Wilson with 3 loose “objectives” in mind: 1) make the most of my time in Rocky and maybe see some wildlife, 2) use more of my camera than auto-everything; and 3) reignite my passion for my art. No small ask in retrospect. Additionally, I hoped Dawn could help my teenage daughter feel more comfortable with her starter SLR and capture some images she would enjoy. All I can say is “Wow. Just wow.” In short, Dawn is cool. As a photographer, she’s off the charts. As a person, she’s an enthusiastic supporter and coach, flexible and works hard to ensure you have an awesome experience. I believe she was more excited, when we captured a good shot or figured something out than we were. She helped us with our gear, patiently explained (and re-explained on a few occasions) techniques for landscape and wildlife photography and taught us a lot about our cameras. We saw moose, mule deer, coyotes, trout, numerous birds, picas, marmots, an entire herd of elk and a snowshoe hare. She pointed out great locations for additional hikes and photography, provided maps and kept up interesting and fun conversation the entire day. As I look at the images I brought home from our time with Dawn and from our subsequent visits to recommended places in Rocky and Estes Park, I am both appreciative and thrilled. She not only tailored our experience to meet my initial objectives, she exceeded all my expectations. My daughter and I are looking forward to our next artistic adventure with Dawn. In the meantime, I’m planning on taking some photo processing lessons from her and following her images and tips on Instagram and Facebook." ~ Shannon G.
"I'm late in reviewing my 2021. Actually, in an indirect way you reminded me of that. I finally listened to the 12/21/21 Wild and Exposed Podcast. You mentioned a story about a client and a weasel and I was laughing and almost drove off the road. I got out to shoot over 100 times last year according to my Lightroom folders. Of all of those, the RMNP trip was the top. I don't know if the client with the weasel was me, but my time with the weasel is a great memory. (And, if it was me, then I think you actually said "Weasel. Weasel ! "WEASEL !!"). Actually, the entire trip was awesome." ~ Ben T.
Cancellation Policy
All workshops require two payments: a deposit and payment balance, unless other instructions are noted in the workshop details. All paid amounts, including deposits and balances, are non-refundable. Final payment due dates are approximately 45 days prior to departure and/or workshop date. Full payment can be made at the time of registration, but any payments made in full at registration are non-refundable.
If for any reason a trip needs to be cancelled by Dawn Wilson, such as due to travel conditions or lack of registrants, participants will be notified within 60 days of trip departure date. If a trip is canceled by Dawn Wilson, all funds currently paid for the trip will be returned in full. Refunds will be issued within 45 days of notification of refund amount.
FAQs
What should I expect once I register for a workshop?
You will receive a confirmation email with the registration form information. If you paid via PayPal, you will also receive an email confirming payment. Within two to three business days you will receive an email from Dawn Wilson welcoming you to our adventure along with additional instructions about the trip.
Will I be reminded about payment due dates?
Yes, Dawn Wilson will send you a payment reminder approximately a week before the due date of the trip balance.
What information will I receive before the workshop?
Approximately 30-45 days prior to the workshop, you will receive an email from Dawn Wilson with information about trip policies, equipment to bring, clothing, and travel information.
What does the workshop cost include?
All trips will have information on the specific workshop page regarding what is specifically included for that workshop. Typically all workshops include all instruction, lodging, ground transportation and meals at the workshop location. Workshop prices will not include transportation from participants' home to the workshop location, alcoholic beverages or personal items needed during the trip. Workshop prices are part of a package price and refunds will not be issued for unused services.
How many participants attend the workshops?
To keep trips small, agile and personal, participants are limited to no more than eight, including the instructor(s). Private workshops are limited to a group no larger than three people..
