Colorado Fall Photo Workshop

Sept 30-Oct 4, 2026

Oct 5-9, 2026 - Sold Out

Join us for an unforgettable Colorado Fall Colors Photo Workshop, timed perfectly for peak aspen color in the heart of the Rockies. Capture golden groves, rugged peaks, and alpine reflections with expert photo instruction and carefully scouted locations. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, this immersive experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, education, and creative inspiration.To simplify logistics, we provide round-trip transportation from Denver International Airport, so you can focus on the photography and enjoy the journey!

Tuition

$2495
Loyalty Members
Save 10%

Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Shane McDermott
Kevin McNeal

Physical Intensity

Highlights

🍂 Timed for peak fall color in the awe-inspiring Colorado Rockies

🚌 Round-trip transportation provided from Denver International Airport for stress-free logistics

📸 Small group size of just 8 students ensures plenty of 1-on-1 instruction

👥 Led by 2 professional photographers with expert local knowledge

🌄 Photograph stunning alpine lakes, golden aspen groves, wildlife, and dramatic mountain vistas.

🔧 In-field and classroom instruction focused on composition, light, and creative post-processing techniques.

Book Now Sept 30-Oct 4

Itinerary

Our itinerary will be flexible to account for weather and current fall color conditions. We will make best use of our time together. Post-processing and image critique sessions will be scheduled during midday hours.

Day 1: The workshop begins with a 9:30 AM pickup at Denver International Airport. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic drive deep into the high country, where golden aspens and rugged peaks await. After checking into our hotel in Crested Butte, we’ll head out for our first sunset shoot, capturing dramatic light on colorful hillsides and a prominent mountain rising above a winding alpine valley.
Day 2: We’ll start the day with a sunrise shoot overlooking a wide river valley lined with glowing aspens and backed by craggy peaks. After a midday break and time to recharge, we’ll head out in the afternoon for one of Colorado’s most iconic fall color drives, photographing a landscape of towering mountains, dense aspen groves, and gentle curves that glow in the late-day light.
Day 3: We’ll catch the first light along a quiet stretch of road framed by vibrant ridges and sprawling groves that stretch to the horizon. Afterward, we’ll travel west toward our new base near Ridgway, nestled beneath some of Colorado’s most dramatic mountains. For sunset, we’ll explore a scenic high pass dotted with towering rock formations, golden forests, and quiet meadows.
Day 4: This morning’s shoot takes us along a classic Colorado backroad with sweeping vistas, rustic fence lines, and layered mountain peaks that light up at sunrise. After a midday break and optional image review, we’ll spend the evening photographing a remote valley where aspen-covered slopes and mountain silhouettes come together in spectacular form.
Day 5: We’ll wrap up the workshop with a final sunrise session in the Sneffels Wilderness region, choosing from several scenic backroads that offer dramatic views and brilliant color. After breakfast and hotel checkout, we’ll make our return journey to Denver International Airport, arriving around 5:00 PM. Guests can book an evening flight home or stay overnight near the airport for added flexibility.

Book Now Sept 30-Oct 4

Logistics

To make things easy for you, we will provide round-trip transportation to/from the Denver International Airport. We will meet up at 10AM on Day 1 and return around 5PM on Day 5.

If you do not wish to meet in Denver and will have your own vehicle, you can meet us the afternoon of Day 1 in Crested Butte, Colorado. We'll finish around 11AM on Day 5 in Ridgway, Colorado.

A couple months before the workshop we'll hold a zoom meeting with all participants where we'll cover travel logistics, camera gear, clothing needs, and more. We'll make sure you are well prepared for the outing.

Moderate levels of hiking will be required to reach certain locations. Participants should be comfortable walking a cumulative 2-3 miles per day while carrying their camera gear and tripods.

The fall colors are amazing from the ground, but they can be even more impressive from an aerial perspective. Most of the areas we visit are drone friendly. This is definitely a workshop where it would be worth your while to get a drone and learn how to use it before you come. It will pay dividends in the types of shots you can take.

The weather can vary considerably in early Oct. Expect cold mornings, with temps often below freezing. Snow is always a possibility. Daily highs will likely be in the 50's-60's, so dressing in layers is a must. See the gear list further down for more suggestions on what to bring.

Four nights of hotel lodging have been pre-paid for our group, two nights in Crested Butte and two nights in Ridgway. During checkout you will add your lodging package based on either single or double occupancy. See the Pricing section for more details.

Time will be set aside for post-processing and image critique throughout the workshop. There is no need for you to bring a laptop unless you want to download and edit your images. All levels of photographers are welcome on this workshop and we'll tailor the instruction to the unique needs of the group.

Pricing

$2495/person + Tax

Save 10% by Joining Our Loyalty Program

Trip Includes:

6 Day Intensive Photo Workshop with max 8 participants and 2 pros.
All ground transportation to/from the Denver International Airport.
Photography guiding and instruction throughout the trip.
Post-processing and image critique sessions.
Park Entrance Fees and Permits.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting.
4-night lodging package will be added to your booking at checkout. Cost is $475 or $950 for double or single occupancy respectively.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Meals, beverages, and snacks.
Transportation to/from your home to Denver, CO.
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot.
Remaining balance is due June 1, 2026.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Book Now Sept 30-Oct 4

Recommended Camera Gear

Sturdy tripod and ballhead
Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
Wide angle lens (16-35mm is perfect). For crop sensor, you'll want 10-22mm.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Telephoto lens in the range of 100-400mm. For wildlife, you'll want a lens that is longer than 200mm.
Circular polarizer filters are a must. Bring any ND filters if you have them.
Drone and Extra Batteries (optional but highly recommended).
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Remote cord for your camera.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos.

Personal Gear List

Sturdy and waterproof hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
A rain jacket and several warm layers like a down coat or puffy jacket since it can get cold in the mornings.
Warm gloves and hat.
Micro-traction device (micro-spikes) if snow is in the forecast.
Headlamp.
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat.
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Hiking poles if you like having them.

Book Now Sept 30-Oct 4

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Kevin McNeal

Photography Instructor

Kevin McNeal is a Washington-State photographer who is passionate about photographing grand landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this to print is the ultimate goal. His images hold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture landscapes in fresh ways. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. He has traveled all over North America, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places with the hope that we can convey to the public that this earth is worth caring for. His award winning images can be seen in galleries and showings across the United States. He was recently invited to the Art Wolfe Art Gallery for the Environmental Photography Invitational. Kevin was the grand winner of the Landscape category for the Natures Best Magazine and was selected for the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington D.C.. He is a regular contributor to publications like Outdoor Photographer.

Artist’s Statement

“I believe that the Earth shares secrets with us that only can be discovered by trying to understand our position on this planet. We are never fully intimate with the planet but are given brief moments that make our souls want more. These glimpses of nature’s power are fleeting and never the same twice. I also believe it is important to share with those who want it. The treasures that await us given the patience that is out there. What I try to do is bring some of that magic to my images to share with the rest of the world. Each of my images tells a story that everyone can relate to in some way whether it is success, fear, or challenging oneself to overcome obstacles

View Kevin's Portfolio.

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Artist's Statement: Through all of my wanderings, photography has remained a constant, providing the creative link between my passion for adventure and the outdoors. I will never get enough of that “Wow!” feeling when I see a stunning image rendered on my camera’s LCD and helping guide others to that same experience is the bacon in the beans for me. I am excited to start working with Action Photo Tours. Everything about their instructors, locations, deep research, proficiency and stop-at-nothing vibe shows me that I have found the company where we can all grow and have countless “wow” moments together.

From the inseparable experience of unity, the camera is not something I “look at” the world through it is an opportunity to see something in myself. Photographs are no longer lost extractions of time; they become holographic reflections of the precious whole in every part. I love to guide those passionate about photography and those wanting to celebrate the extraordinary beauty of nature. If you seek a deeper connection with yourself and the astonishing beauty of our planet, I invite you to embark on this journey of creative discovery. I seamlessly weave together the technical and artistic dimensions of photography and help students learn to cultivate a greater level of presence, perception, and perspective. I have endless patience for those who genuinely seek to unlock their unique creative brilliance and transform their passion into pixels.

Photography has been a transformative experience of Self-discovery more than it has been about great image-making. The interior landscapes of my Soul have been the primary territory of my exploration. From a place within, the landscapes and creatures of our great planet have provided amazing opportunities to learn about myself and my connection to the world.