Colorado Springs Labor Day weekend!

Lift off and Glow Hot Air Balloon photography workshop.

Overview

Embark on an enchanting adventure as we invite you to join us for a full day dedicated to capturing the mesmerizing beauty of hot air balloons. Our exclusive event promises a day filled with creativity, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

This workshop will discuss the important information and techniques of Hot Air Balloon photography. The lecture will be about Pre-planning your activity, camera equipment, settings, and composition. The highlight of this workshop will be the hands-on session photographing the Lift off and the Balloon Glows at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. In the critique session you will receive feedback and see the photos from others which is a great learning experience.

The day kicks off with the thrill of hot air balloons taking flight, painting the sky with vibrant colors. As you capture these breathtaking scenes through your lens, you'll witness the graceful dance of balloons against the backdrop of the open sky, creating a visual spectacle that's sure to ignite your passion for photography.

Following the exhilarating morning session, we will re-group at Mike's Camera in Colorado Springs for Lunch and a private live critique session. Engage with your instructors who will provide valuable insights and constructive feedback on your work, to have you better prepared for the evening .

During the time at the store, we will share with you printing techniques and you will get to see your morning capture come to life as a 12x18 print that you can take home.

In time for the setting sun, we will head back out to our private platform to capture the balloons as they illuminate the glow of the night sky. This twilight session offers a unique challenge and an opportunity to capture the interplay of light and color in the night sky.

Join us for this immersive photography experience, where every moment is a chance to enhance your skills, connect with fellow photographers, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting on your journey, this full-day adventure promises to inspire, captivate, and elevate your passion for photography.

Part 1: Virtual Online Lecture:

This will be a 2-hour lecture to help you set up your camera and plan to capture the best angles with the best lighting during the practical session of this workshop.

What You’ll Learn

  • Techniques to produce great Hot Air Balloon Photographs
  • How to photograph the morning lift off.
  • How to photograph the evening glow.
  • The best camera settings for Hot Air Balloon photography.
  • The best equipment for Hot Air Balloon photography.
  • Discuss composition and color for photographing Hot Air Balloons.
  • Hands on workshop photographing Hot Air Balloons on Saturday August 31, 2024.

Part 2: Shooting Workshop:

Led by Mike’s Camera’s Scott Dougherty and Brian Rabin. You will have the opportunity to photograph Hot Air Balloons at Memorial Park.  Scott and Brian will be nearby to assist you with technical questions and provide hands-on instruction to ensure you execute the best practices and capture the best shots possible.

There will be two different opportunities to capture the balloons, the vibrant colors in the rich morning glow of sunrise, and the evening Glow lift off which will give an entirely new perspective on color and depth.

Both sessions will be photographed from a private viewing platform where you can set up up your gear and capture to your hearts content. We will also have the opportunity for those interested to break off into small groups at different areas around the park.

(Not able to spend the entire day with us? you are welcome to sign up for just the morning OR evening capture, this option does not include lunch or in-person critique and printing experience. Tickets for this section are limited.)

Part 3: Virtual Gallery and Critique:

We will wrap up the workshop with a fun and rewarding critique. We’ll review your best and not-so-great images from the workshop and share techniques that really worked, and those that were not as useful. You’ll be astonished by the immense variety of images that will have been captured and spend some time 1receiving positive and informative feedback.

Think your shot is the greatest? Share on our Instagram page @mymikescamera with #mymikescamera and #LDLO24 for your chance to win a $100 Mike's Camera gift card!

Tuition:
Full Day workshop Experience - $349

Plus Eventbrite processing fee single event

Full Day Workshop Experience Tuition includes.

  • Online lecture
  • Hands-on photo session to Both Morning or evening workshop
  • In-Person critique at Mike's Camera, Colorado Springs
  • Lunch
  • In-Person Printing experience at Mikes' Camera, Colorado Springs and Free Print to take home.
  • Follow-up Online critique
  • Additional Free 12x18 print of your favorite image that you can order online
  • Free Parking Pass and all day access to the festival for Both Saturday and Sunday of the event. (Parking and All-Access passes will be available to pickup at our Colorado Springs Location from Wednesday August 28 for access to the event)

Morning or Evening ONLY Workshop Experience - $199

Plus Eventbrite processing fee single event

(Not able to spend the entire day with us? you are welcome to sign up for just the morning OR evening capture, this option does not include lunch or in-person critique and printing experience. Tickets for this section are limited.)

Single event Tuition includes.

  • Online lecture
  • Hands-on photo session to EITHER Morning or evening workshop
  • Free 12x18 print of your favorite image that you can order online
  • Free Parking Pass and all day access to the festival for Both Saturday and Sunday of the event. (Parking and All-Access passes will be available to pickup at our Colorado Springs Location from Wednesday August 28 for access to the event)

(You are welcome to register in store to avoid paying the Eventbrite Fees)

Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop, it is limited to 30 attendees per session.

CLICK TO REGISTER! - Space is Limited

What to Bring

  • Camera(s) with an extra memory and extra battery
  • Variety of lenses– this will be discussed in the evening lecture
  • Monopod and/or tripod
  • Light jacket as it can get chilly at our photography times.

Full Day Workshop Experience Tuition includes.

  • Online lecture
  • Hands-on photo session to Both Morning or evening workshop
  • In-Person critique at Mike's Camera, Colorado Springs
  • Lunch
  • In-Person Printing experience at Mikes' Camera, Colorado Springs and Free Print to take home.
  • Follow-up Online critique
  • Additional Free 12x18 print of your favorite image that you can order online
  • Free Parking Pass and all day access to the festival for Both Saturday and Sunday of the event. (Parking and All-Access passes will be available to pickup at our Colorado Springs Location from Wednesday August 28 for access to the event)

Registration, Dates, Times & Locations

Evening Webinar: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 6:30PM -8:30PM (MST)

Photographing Session: Saturday, August 31, 2024,

  • Morning Lift-Off: 6:00AM - 10:00AM
  • Evening Glow Lift-Off: 5:00PM - 8:00PM
  • Lunch and In-Person Critique for Full day attendees will follow the morning lift off. You are welcome to leave after lunch and return for the evening if you need some down time, or stock with us for the entire day.

Sunday September 1 will be held as a back-up day should the weather try to spoil our plans!

Memorial Park (1605 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80910).

Critique & Review: Wednesday September 4, 2024. 6:30PM – 8:30PM (MST)

CLICK TO REGISTER! - Space is Limited

PLEASE NOTE:  Registration will close 48 hours before the scheduled start time.

You will receive a link to access the webinar the day before it begins.

If you have any issues, please contact us at education@mikescamera.com.

Cancellation Policy:
> 2 weeks prior:  Fully refundable.

< 2 weeks prior: 1/2 of Tuition refundable as credit.

< 1 week prior: No credit or refund.

About Your Instructors

Scott is the store manager of Mike’s Camera at Park Meadows. With over 30 years of experience in the photographic industry. He enjoys wildlife, macro and sports photography and especially likes photographing our hometown, Denver Broncos. He also has a key role in several of Mike’s Camera workshops. As a native Coloradoan, he lives in Littleton and loves to spend time outdoors Biking, Golfing or capturing photos of his five granddaughters.

Brian is a certified photographic consultant and The Industrial Sales Manager at Mike's Camera in Boulder. Brian is a seasoned photographer and a lead instructor at Mike's Camera. He is well known for his enthusiasm and passionate instruction style and brings over 30 years of experience in various photographic disciplines including event photography, portraiture, macro, and street photography. His work has appeared in one-man shows, group exhibits and has been published in national and local magazines.

For questions about this event please contact Scott Dougherty at our Lone Tree location -303-708-9965 or Brian Rabin at our Boulder Store location – 303-443-1715 ext.130.

Want to learn more about the Labor Day Lift-Off events? Click on the Logo Below!

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