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.
Two three-day photography excursions you will NOT want to miss
We could not be more excited to welcome the incredibly talented David Snyder and Jeff Johnson to the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival this year in a groundbreaking partnership that is sure to top any photographer’s bucket list!
Together, Jeff & David have crafted TWO three-day long Adventure Photography Workshops which can only be classified as the ultimate adventure:
Meant for the photographer that wants to take their skillsets to the next level. These Workshops offer 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 personalized field instruction. addresses the photographer’s needs related to both understanding camera functions and techniques of composition.
Important Dates:
Adventure Workshop 1: July 6-8
Adventure Workshop 2: July 11-13
Early Registration for Members Opens March 20
General Registration Opens April 3
What you need to know:
Early Registration for Members will begin March 20th, followed by general registration opening on April 3rd. 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.
Dave & Jeff will be teaching the following workshops in addition to the Adventure workshops: (Roll your mouse over the tiles to flip for descriptions!)
Landscapes and Wildflowers
Landscapes and Wildflowers
July 10/14: 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!
Cell Phone Wildflower Photography
Cell Phone Wildflower photography
July 9/15: You don’t need a bulky and expensive camera to take amazing pictures. Cell phones today have amazing capability. We take a group out in the field armed with our cell phones and take broad landscapes as well as flower closeups. In this beginner level class, we will teach you the basics of composition, adjusting exposure, when to use flash. We will also bring some other applications you might consider for slow shutter work creating fantastic artistic abstract effects. The class will also discuss some of the editing tools available in addition to the toolsets provided by your phone.
Photography Editing: Workflow and Techniques
Photography Editing: Workflow and Techniques
July 16: 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.
Wildflower Master Class
Wildflower Master Class
July 9/16: 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.
Moving Water
Moving Water
July 14: 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.
Closeup and Abstract Wildflowers
Closeup and Abstract Wildflowers
July 9/15: 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!
Top of the World Wildflowers
Top of the World Wildflowers
July 10/15: 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.