From First Shot to Fine Art
Beginner–Intermediate
June 25–28, 2026
With David Kish’s step-by-step guidance, transform your snapshots into works of art in this supportive, skill-building workshop perfect for newer photographers.
Quiet Landscapes
Intermediate–Advanced
July 9–12, 2026
Join Sarah Marino in exploring mountain vistas, aspen groves, and wildflower meadows while building a cohesive portfolio that captures the magic of Crested Butte.
Wonderful Wildflowers
Intermediate–Advanced
July 12–15, 2026
Venture into alpine landscapes and vibrant meadows with Alex Noriega, learning to refine your vision and create compelling, portfolio-worthy images.
From First Shot to Fine Art: June 25-28, 2026
Meet David Kish
David has been photographing the wildflowers of Crested Butte for 20 years, developing an intimate knowledge of the region’s most breathtaking photo locations. His work has been featured in Crested Butte Magazine, the Denver Post, and various Colorado State Parks publications. With more than 25 years of experience in education, David is uniquely skilled at teaching photography in a logical, clear, and sequential way that helps participants grow their skills with confidence. A longtime Festival participant, member, hike assistant, photography contest winner, and workshop leader, David now serves as Executive Director of the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. In addition, he is an active author whose textbooks are used by universities across the United States and Canada.
Have you ever looked at a photo and thought, “this picture just doesn’t do it justice”? Say it no more! This is the workshop that will change the way you capture the world. Join photographer and educator David Kish for a dynamic three-day experience set amid the stunning wildflower landscapes of Crested Butte. With over 25 years of teaching expertise, David offers a supportive, step-by-step approach designed to guide you from the First Shot to Fine Art. Plus… This session will include:
Quiet Landscapes: July 9-12, 2026
Meet Sarah Marino
Sarah Marino is a full-time nature photographer, photography educator, and writer based in southwestern Colorado. In addition to photographing grand landscapes, Sarah is best known for her photographs of smaller subjects including intimate landscapes, abstract renditions of natural subjects, and creative portraits of plants and trees. Sarah is the author or co-author of a diverse range of educational resources for nature photographers on subjects including composition, photographing nature’s small scenes, and black and white photography. Sarah has extensive experience exploring and photographing around Crested Butte and in similar landscapes across Colorado.
Crested Butte is a magical place during the summer, and we will have the privilege of exploring the region together during the 2026 Wildflower Festival. During this workshop guided by Sarah Marino, we will seek inspiration and photographic opportunities across a diverse range of landscapes with a focus on mountain scenery, lush aspen forests, and, of course, the incredible summer wildflowers. An additional focus for this workshop will be developing a visually cohesive portfolio that represents your time in Crested Butte, culminating in a group ebook featuring participant portfolios. Plus… This session will include:
Wonderful Wildflowers: July 12-15, 2026
Meet Alex Noriega
Alex Noriega is a full-time professional nature photographer and photography educator focused on the American West. After a prior career working with computers, he has spent the last 15 years developing a slow, deliberate approach to photography, using his digital camera much like a large format film camera. While his process is grounded in traditional technique, his post-processing emphasizes mood and atmosphere over strict realism. His work is known for its sense of mystery, simplicity of design, and intimate compositions that isolate subjects in fleeting light.
During the 2026 Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, join acclaimed photographer Alex Noriega for an unforgettable workshop set in the heart of Colorado’s most spectacular summer landscapes. Together, we will explore a stunning variety of locations, from sweeping alpine vistas and vibrant wildflower meadows to intimate forest scenes, all to create powerful and compelling photographs. With Alex’s thoughtful guidance, participants will refine their technical and creative skills while learning to see and capture the landscape with a fresh perspective. The workshop will also emphasize building a strong and cohesive portfolio that reflects your unique experience in Crested Butte. Plus… This session will include:
What you need to know:
Registration for our 2026 Adventure Photography Workshops will open October 3, 2025. To register, simply click the buttons above!
Looking for a place to stay while you are visiting? Our friends at Elevation Hotel and Spa have partnered with the Festival to give our guests a special discounted rate to stay with them! Located at the base of Mt. Crested Butte, the location and accessibility to hiking and downtown via the free local bus doesn’t get much better than this. Discounted room reservation info will be sent to you upon registering for a photo workshop! Explore Elevation below!