Meet Jeff Johnson
In my 40 years as a professional I have always been one to share exciting ideas and techniques. It only then makes sense that I offer consultations, programs and workshops which create a vehicle where I can share the knowledge I have accumulated over these rewarding years and hopefully educate photographers everywhere.
meets Mountain West Photography…
Meet David Snyder
David is an Award-Winning photographer as part of Professional Photographers of America. His Mountain West Photography provides a window to the natural world, as his work focuses on the beauty in landscape, wildlife and nature photography primarily in the American west.
One three-day photography excursion you will NOT want to miss in 2024
We could not be more excited to welcome the incredibly talented David Snyder and Jeff Johnson back to the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival this year in a groundbreaking partnership that is sure to top any photographer’s bucket list!
The highlight: Together, Jeff & David have crafted a three-day long Adventure Photography Workshop which can only be classified as the ultimate adventure:
- Day 1: July 16- 8am-9pm
- Day 2: July 17- 5am-9pm
- Day 3: July 18- 5am-5pm
Meant for the photographer that wants to take their skillsets to the next level. This Workshop offers a well-rounded and highly resourceful educational experience, appropriate for any level of outdoor photographer. You should, however, be very familiar with your camera, and its operations. The program consists of morning and sunset field shoots, interactive image critiques, instructional presentation Dave and Jeff will discuss post-processing of your images with computer programs such as Adobe Lightroom and do live demonstrations during the day.
No participant should feel that they are not qualified to attend. Limited enrollment gives all participants quality time with Jeff and Dave and ensures that each person gets the specific instruction needed based on their individual level of experience. A group-based critique session allows students the chance to learn from others’ work, while receiving personalized field instruction to address the photographer’s needs related to both understanding camera functions and techniques of composition.
During our three days, the instructors will provide snacks and beverages for our time in the field. There will be time for lunch and breakfast in town and we will bring dinner along with us. Typically, the class participants order amazing sandwiches from a local deli, though each participant is free to bring whatever they like. The instructors will also bring a field “relief station” for extended periods of time in the field. The instructors will provide up to two vehicles for workshop attendees. If additional transportation is required, we will look for volunteers to assist in transportation. Most roads are bumpy dirt roads and typically an SUV or similar vehicle is sufficient. We will encourage carpooling to limit road traffic and to minimize parking requirements at each site. The instructors will send out more detailed instructions a few weeks prior to the class with gear lists, recommended clothing etc.
For your classroom time, we recommend each person bring a personal computer with their favorite editing program. The instructors will demonstrate Lightroom, Photoshop, and some specialty tools like TK actions, Topaz Labs toolset, and Nik Tools. Each person will need to bring their own camera and we recommend a sturdy tripod. A large selection of lenses isn’t required though we recommend a wide angle to portrait lens (24-70) and a mild telephoto lens (70-200). There will be opportunities for macro work though a specialty lens isn’t required. If we do see some wildlife, longer telephoto lenses are always a plus, but certainly not required. Workshop subjects include (but aren’t limited to) Seeing the light (how to read the light for the best imagery), broad vista and layered landscapes, closeup/macro photography, composition (depth of field as a compositional element, color, focus, leading lines…), panoramic images, focus stacking, hyperfocal focusing.
Dave & Jeff will be teaching the following workshops in addition to the Adventure workshop: (Roll your mouse over the tiles to flip for descriptions!)
Landscapes and Wildflowers
Landscapes and Wildflowers
July 13/15/19: In this beginning/intermediate level class we will take you out to wildflower fields as foreground with broader valleys and Mountains in the background. We will discuss focusing techniques (hyperfocal distance focusing, focus stacking), composition, camera setting options using the exposure triangle. We’ll spend hours in the field with endless flowers and scenery you’ll not want to leave. With Colorado’s high country being one of the premier locations for wildflowers and breathtaking scenery, this is a can’t miss opportunity for you. From fields of Columbine to individual blossoms of many other colorful flowers, this workshop will satisfy your desire to create stunning pieces of art. Bring your wide lens, your macro lens, tripod and some reflectors as we put them to good use creating fine art images you’ll want to hang on your wall!
Moving Water
Moving Water
July 15: Ever wonder how professionals get that silky water in waterfalls and rivers, all while getting the areas around tack sharp? We’ll show you multiple techniques to create these images and assemble them into a wall worthy image. How to creatively photograph moving water to create that silky effect. In this beginning/intermediate level class, we will demonstrate techniques with and without filters, multiple exposures, and image blending. Once we have a few different images, we will return to the classroom and edit these images to create your masterpiece.
Photography Editing: Workflow and Techniques
Photography Editing: Workflow and Techniques
July 19: In this intermediate/advanced level class the student would bring one or more images. The instructors would provide in-class critiques of the imagery providing insights into composition, subject matter, techniques and editing. This class will also teach lightroom workflow and editing techniques using actual images taken by students and the instructors to get print-ready imagery.
Top of the World Wildflowers
Top of the World Wildflowers
July 20: In this all-levels class we will take you out to either Scofield pass (driving) or up on top of the mount Crested Butte (chair lift) wildflower fields. We will explore broad landscapes, and get down on the ground focusing on the small details of the flowers. We’ll spend hours in the field with endless flowers and scenery you’ll not want to leave. With Colorado’s high country being one of the premier locations for wildflowers and breathtaking scenery, this is a can’t miss opportunity for you. From fields of flowers to individual blossoms of many other colorful flowers, this workshop will satisfy your desire to create stunning pieces of art. Bring your wide lens, your macro lens, tripod and some reflectors as we put them to good use creating fine art images you’ll want to hang on your wall! Some easy hiking at high altitude (9000-11,000) feet is anticipated.
Close-up and Abstract Wildflowers
Closeup and Abstract Wildflowers
July 14 & 20: In this beginning/intermediate level class we will take you out to wildflower fields and get down on the ground focusing on the small details of the flowers. We will discuss focusing techniques (hyperfocal distance focusing, focus stacking), composition, camera setting options using the exposure triangle. We will use light modifiers (reflectors as well as screens). We’ll spend hours in the field with endless flowers and scenery you’ll not want to leave. With Colorado’s high country being one of the premier locations for wildflowers and breathtaking scenery, this is a can’t miss opportunity for you. From fields of Columbine to individual blossoms of many other colorful flowers, this workshop will satisfy your desire to create stunning pieces of art. Bring your wide lens, your macro lens, tripod and some reflectors as we put them to good use creating fine art images you’ll want to hang on your wall!
Wildflower Master Class
Wildflower Master Class
July 13 & 21: This intermediate/advanced level class consists of a Morning shoot and in-class instruction/critiques. This class is limited to 7 students assuring direct time with Jeff and Dave. The instructors will coach this small group on Light, planning toolsets, advanced composition options, Panorama creation, exposure bracketing, and use of modifiers when shooting closeups. The class will end with a quick editing session. Most areas covered are a subset of the Adventure workshop.
What you need to know:
Early Registration for Members will begin March 25th, followed by general registration opening on April 8th. We generally sell out of at least 50% of our events during Member registration and highly recommend becoming a Member to ensure your spot in the workshop.
To register, simply click the button below when registration opens! (Members will be emailed special instructions to access early registration.)
The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival offers many Membership options, starting at just $25. You can learn more about our Membership benefits and become a Member by clicking below. As a Member, you will get a jump on the general public for event registration in addition to exclusive Member perks.
We highly recommend becoming a Member so you can register early, especially if you are hoping to attend specific events.
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. Read more below!
This is a very subjective area, but in general:
Beginner: One who has very little understanding of the workings of their camera. They have not done much more “point and shoot” photography. Enjoys taking snapshots but wants to learn more about composition, lighting, and the capabilities of their camera to enhance their images.
Intermediate: One who has basic understanding of their camera. They have read their manual or other photography-related information and can use more than one lens. They know basics such as aperture, shutter speed, composition and how to use some of the manual settings on their camera. They are looking to expand their knowledge by going deeper into the capabilities of their camera as well as learning art of photography.
Advanced: One who has a great understanding of their camera and the art of photography. They have multiple lenses and can use the manual settings on their camera with ease. They understand lighting, flash-photography, different compositions, depth, backgrounds, movement, contrast, framing etc. They are looking to be guided to the scenic areas at optimal times for the best shots. They are open to additional photographic tips and enjoy talking “shop” with their instructors.