As a novice photographer with no prior experience in photography courses or workshops and frankly still trying to understand how to work a DSLR camera , I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this trip. Initially, I had doubts about whether I even belonged, but Alex’s welcoming personality immediately put me at ease. He has a remarkable ability to adapt his teaching to all skill levels, and by the end of the week, I felt confident in a skill that had long intimidated me. Alex is truly a world-class instructor, able to guide both beginners like me and seasoned professionals alike.

There are many reasons why I would highly recommend Alex’s workshop to others:

First and foremost, Alex’s preparation was flawless. Whether we were shooting at sunrise or sunset, our group was always the first to arrive at the best spots, which was crucial during peak leaf-peeping season when popular locations got busy quickly. Thanks to his careful planning, we were able to capture stunning shots at some of the top photography locations within an hour’s drive, building both our portfolios and lasting memories. The accommodations were also fantastic—much nicer than the local hotel options at a similar price point, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Alex’s teaching style is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s something to learn. Our group had five members: two with their own photography businesses, one near the professional level, another at an intermediate level, and me, a beginner. Regardless of where we started, everyone came away with new skills, whether during the Lightroom editing session, the Astro photography lessons, or the invaluable photo critique session. Every shoot provided a chance to try new techniques and refine our craft.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the sense of community that Alex fostered. At first, the group was quiet, but by the end of the trip, we had built meaningful friendships. Spending four days shooting together, sharing meals, and staying under one roof helped create a supportive and collaborative environment. I learned a lot from my fellow participants, and I’ve already been invited on future trips. It’s refreshing to meet like-minded individuals who you can feel comfortable traveling and growing with.

Alex’s talent is truly remarkable in person. Several of my photos, which I had struggled to improve, were transformed in just minutes with his guidance. In three separate cases, he suggested simple yet powerful techniques that turned average shots into portfolio-worthy images. His eye for detail is unparalleled, and just being around him inspires you to absorb as much of his knowledge and expertise as possible. I was also impressed by the respect he commands in the photography community—many local photographers knew of him, despite him not residing in the area.

Overall, this course is perfect for anyone eager to learn, regardless of skill level. If you want to meet like-minded individuals, take breathtaking photos in stunning locations, and focus solely on your photography without the hassle of planning or scouting, this workshop is for you. It’s an unforgettable experience that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Absolutely incredible.

The workshop was well prepared and freshly scouted. Alex clearly knows the area in detail and what times the light would be best. He invested ample time and energy planning so the workshop would be a success. It was. Each member of our group had diverse reasons for attending the workshop, and Alex proved to be adept at bridging those differences. We all felt well taken care of.

Sure, we went to some known places and made some amazing images, for this workshop though, that was just the beginning. We learned why getting up early and out to the scene before most others are even awake is so worth it. We learned to see light and composition in an elevated more professional way.

Alex is an accomplished photographer and skilled teacher. He intently listened to my goals and helped critique and improve my work as I re-learned how to edit in a way that emphasizes expression and storytelling. The improvement in my editing ‘before’ and ‘after’ the workshop is remarkable, and a solid foundation for me moving forward. I left this workshop a better, more confident photographer and artist.

If you’re thinking of taking one of Alex’s workshops, do it. Total no-brainer.

Alex’s Fall Color Workshop in the San Juans was incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. The workshop was well organized and included opportunities to photograph beautiful pre-scouted landscape locations.

Alex was generous in sharing his artistic vision as a photographer as well as his technical knowledge of all things photography, from camera settings, composition, organizing/storing photographs, as well as best practices for using Lightroom to Develop raw images. I whole-heartedly and enthusiastically recommend Alex’s workshop(s) for aspiring photographers of all levels. I’ll be back!