Northern Utah Fall Colors

Oct 1-5, 2024 - Sold Out

Early October brings peak fall color to many of Northern Utah's most scenic destinations.  Resident instructor Wendy Casey knows this area well, having photographed in this region for many years. During our days together we'll find the best autumn conditions and stunning vistas. This workshop requires some moderate hikes to access some of the locations. We'll concentrate on big views along with smaller, more intimate scenes. Post-processing instruction and image critique will be scheduled throughout the workshop. 

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 8 Students Max

Instructor(s)

  • A.J. Rich
  • Wendy Casey
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch

Highlights

  • Early Oct brings peak fall color to many of Northern Utah’s most scenic destinations. The workshop will focus on the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains.
  • Learn new photography skills and receive image critique from resident photographers A.J. Rich and Wendy Casey.  With many years of experience in the area, we know the best spots to take you to.
  • The itinerary is kept flexible to allow us to chase the best fall colors and weather conditions.
  • Workshop is capped at 8 participants, allowing for plenty of individual attention among 2 instructors.
  • We provide the transportation during the workshop so you don't have to worry about the rough and windy roads.

Itinerary

In order to give our clients the best possible photography experience, we keep the itinerary flexible to account for autumn colors, weather conditions, and group interest. The workshop dates coincide with peak fall color in places like Uinta and Wasatch National Forests.  However, fall color can be a fickle thing and it sometimes comes earlier or later than predicted. No matter what happens, we'll get you to the best autumn conditions.

  • Day 1 – Oct 1:  The workshop begins at 1PM in Heber City, UT with a short orientation session and classroom style instruction.  We then load up and head towards the mountains for an afternoon in the Aspen glades, stopping to photograph the prime fall colors all along the way.  After photographing a beautiful sunset along the Wasatch Back, we return to Heber City after dark to check into our hotel.
  • Day 2 – Oct 2: We are up well before dawn for a short hike into the high country for a stunning sunrise over Mount Timpanogos. Next, we take a mid-morning walk around a scenic area with wildlife and loads of autumn color. After a lunch break, we venture into the mountains on the other side of the valley, stopping at scenic overlooks along the way. We shoot sunset at one of our favorite areas and return back after dark.
  • Day 3 – Oct 3: It's another early start as we head towards some beautiful alpine meadows for sunrise and morning light.  On our way back, we stop at lookouts along a side road. After lunch, we regroup and venture out to a different canyon  dappled with autumn brilliance.  For sunset, we do a short hike up a hill for some awe-inspiring views of the high country.
  • Day 4 – Oct 4:  We choose a location along the river for the sunrise shoot this morning. Shortly after that we photograph a pastoral barn with mountains and fall color.  We return to town for lunch and then head over into the Uinta Mountains in search of aspen glades and meadows for sunset.
  • Day 4 – Oct 5:  Departure day.  You can plan your return travel anytime.
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uintas
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uintas
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uintas

Logistics

 

The trip will begin and end in Heber City, UT.  You will need your own transportation to get to Heber City.  We will provide transportation for all workshop outings since we may be going on some rough and muddy roads.

We did not include hotel stays in the workshop package to give you the flexibility to stay where you’d like.  We recommend you stay at the Best Western Plus in Heber Valley as that will be our central meeting place.  Oct 5th is the departure day and you can plan your return travel anytime.

All participants should be in good physical condition to be able to hike with their camera gear at higher altitudes.  Hiking distances aren't long with no more than 1-2 miles per day. However, the high altitude, rocky terrain, and possible snow can make short hikes feel more difficult. This workshop would be rated on the upper end of the Moderate scale.

Make sure you bring cold weather clothing in case we get some nippy mornings in the high country.  Several warm layers along with a rain jacket, hat, and gloves are recommended. If snow is in the forecast, a pair of micro-traction devices would be a good idea. See the gear list further down.

Drones are prohibited in any wilderness areas.  However, drones are legal in many of the places we visit.  If you have a drone, bring it along.  We just ask that you be cognizant of others and their enjoyment.

Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uintas
Northern Utah Fall Colors Wasatch Photo Workshop
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop AJ Rich
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uintas

Pricing

$2195/person + Tax

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Trip Includes:

  • 4-Day intensive photo workshop
  • All ground transportation and photography guiding during the trip.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Post processing and image critique.
  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting.

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Heber Valley, UT.
  • Hotel accommodations.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages
  • Instructor Gratuities

 

When you complete the checkout process, you will be given the option to either pay the full amount or put down a 50% deposit.  If you pay the deposit, you will be sent a payment link for the remaining balance approximately 120 days before the workshop.

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.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Remote cord for your camera. An intervalometer will be especially useful for doing long exposures at night.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos.

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy 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.
Northern Utah Fall Colors
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uinta
Northern Utah Fall Colors Photo Workshop Wasatch Uinta
AJ Rich Profile

A.J. Rich

Photography Instructor

Ever since he was young, A.J. Rich has had a passion for all things visual. Growing up on the edge of St. George, Utah, he often sketched his favorite sports players and designed logos for his youth sports teams. A.J. also spent countless hours around his childhood home climbing rock mesas and exploring the unknown, including at nearby Zion National Park.

After graduating with a degree in graphic design from Brigham Young University in 2001, A.J. worked in the graphic design field for 20 years. In 2006 A.J. picked up a camera and, drawing on his art background, he has been a successful Getty Images contributor. In recent years he has focused on landscape photography—where his true passion lies.

Today the quest for the “timeless story” drives A.J. on all his outdoor adventures. While out in nature he seeks the ethereal and spiritual planes, and if he can capture them in a photograph, even better.

Currently A.J. works by day as a graphic designer and art director for BYU Brand & Creative, always dreaming of and planning for his next photography journey.

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Wendy Casey

Wendy Casey

Photography Instructor

Wendy is proud to be a Utah Native and began hiking and camping with her parents at a very young age. She has many fond memories hiking to amazing viewpoints and taking in the grandeur that is Utah. Her interest in photography began in the 80’s where she made her film images come to life in a darkroom.

She now enjoys the creativity of the digital world by photographing a wide range of interests, from Landscape, Wildlife, Portraits, to Sports. Her favorite is capturing epic scenery with a human interest.

When Wendy and her husband Randy are not at home on their farm, they are out on a trail somewhere, exploring, photographing and creating videos of their adventures.  Wendy has a lot of experience with horses on their ranch and will be an instructor on some of our wild horse and ranch workshops.

Over the years, she has participated in many art shows. Her local favorites are the Kimball Arts, Park City Art Festival and Midway Swiss Days. She has shipped her art around the world  and has her work hanging throughout the state in hospitals, clinics and many large and small businesses. Her images have also been featured in and on the covers of local magazines.

Wendy loves to help others develop their passion for photography and capture through the viewfinder, winning scenes to last forever and an epic story to go with it.

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