Top Estes Park Culture

Learn what it takes to 'shoot' for the stars! Astrophotography is the art of photographing the night sky, especially the Milkyway Galaxy, as well as capturing ‘star trails’. During this 4 hour class on location near Rocky Mountain National Park, you will learn the ins and outs of this art form; the equipment suggestions and requirements for best results; and the many tips, tricks, and techniques that 'Inspired' artist Max Cardenas has learned from his many years of experience. Included in the class is transportation to photo location, the artist presentation, hot beverages and chairs, as well as an 8x10 art print of the Astrophoto Max will create that night that will be shipped to you 1-2 weeks after the class. The equipment listed below is NOT required to participate in the class, but If you would like to try your hand at Astrophotography during the class, you will need: - DSLR or Mirrorless Camera - Lens with at least F4 shutterspeed (F2.8 or slower prefered) - Tripod - Flashlight

We will explore and photograph the appropriately named Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will hike along the North Saint Vrain Creek, and stop along the way to photograph several waterfalls (including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls). Bring your tripod and a polarizer filter, and I will demonstrate my techniques for capturing waterfalls and other moving water in a variety of lighting conditions, and help you capture great silky water photographs. The full hike to Ouzel Falls is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip, with just under 1,000' elevation gain. For those not able to do the full hike, we will do a more leisurely hike to Calypso Cascades (about 3.6 miles round trip, and about 700' of elev. gain), which still takes you deep into a beautiful area, with multiple falls, and wildflowers and fall color in season. Don't have a RMNP entrance reservation? (new this year) No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit!