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VELVET UNBOUND WORKSHOP
Bull Elk Stripping Velvet
Basic Workshop Itinerary
Hotel Check In: We'll help you get settled into your hotel upon arrival in Estes Park
Introductory Dinner: The night before the workshop I'll pickup all guests and we'll have dinner out.
Daily Shooting Schedule:
- Pickup will occur at your hotel before first light each morning.
- We'll shoot for 4 hours in the morning then drop off at the hotel for lunch/nap.
- We'll pick up at the hotel about 5 hours before sunset for dinner then go shoot until dark.
Final Day: Normal pickup time, shoot until 9am, drop off at the hotel around 10am.
All About The Workshop...
Ethics:
All animals photographed will be wild, free range wildlife. We do not use baiting, feeding, or otherwise lure wildlife. We follow, and require our guests to follow, minimum distance regulations maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. We also adhere to any area closures. Failure to adhere to ethical photography practices is grounds for ending guest participation in the workshop.
Environment:
During this tour elk are likely to be either on the tundra or within a couple thousand feet of treeline. The tundra is above 12,000 feet elevation but we could be as low as 8,000 feet. We can expect to change elevation frequently, hike occasionally for short distances (sometimes in thick timber), and experience a wide variety of weather conditions. It is rare but not unheard of to experience several inches of snow in August but more likely are afternoon thunderstorms, small hail, and high winds as well as ample sunshine that causes sunburns in as little at 7 minutes. Additionally, this is often a wet environment so waterproof boots, rain jacket, and camera covers are advised.
Travel and Lodging:
Travel to and from Estes Park is NOT included. If you are unable to drive to Estes Park you will most likely fly into Denver International Airport (DIA). From there you can either rent a vehicle from any airport rental location or arrange for a shuttle to/from Estes Park via Estes Park Shuttle.
Once you've arrived in Estes Park please proceed to the Discovery Lodge at 800 Big Thompson Ave. We have booked single occupancy rooms under our name for each attendee. Call us when you're close and we'll meet you at the hotel to introduce ourselves and help you get settled in. If you'll be arriving late please contact us and we'll arrange with the front desk for you to get your keys. For transportation around Estes Park during or after your tour dates there is a free shuttle in town with the main hub within close walking distance of the Discovery Lodge.
Meals:
We will host an introductory dinner for all participants and guides at 6pm the day of arrival (day before the first date of the workshop) at a local sit down restaurant (fancy attire not required). Each morning we will provide a continental breakfast of assorted baked goods, snacks and bottled water. In the evening we will pick up participants for an early dinner at a quick food location that serves typical American cuisine as restaurants in town close early. Lunch is NOT included however several restaurants are available within walking distance.
Regulatory Issues:
Good Bull Guided Tours is permitted to hold workshops in Rocky Mountain National Park under their Commercial Use Authorization program through the Department of the Interior. A signed waiver is required by the park service. We also prohibit alcohol, smoking, and vaping during the workshops. Timed Entry Reservations AND National Park Passes are included for the workshop.
Experience and Fitness:
This tour is for all levels of experience. We limit these workshops to just 3 participants to ensure each guest has the ability to get photography instruction should they request it. As for fitness level, we will be doing some moderate walks at high elevation. If you are unable to walk in this environment you are welcome to stay at the vehicle and photograph from there. To avoid altitude sickness it is recommended that you hydrate before and during the workshop. Good Bull Guided Tours and the National Park Service are not responsible for your health during your visit. If you have a health condition consult with your medical provider prior to booking and prior to your departure. We do keep a satellite communication device in the vehicle for contacting emergency responders however given the remote nature of where we'll be photographing it can take more than an hour for them to respond - even by helicopter.
Monetary Considerations:
We require your deposit to be paid before your seat on the workshop can be held. Once received, your deposit and any subsequent payments are subject to our cancellation policy (link in the footer of every page on our website). Your final payment is due 90 days before the first day of the workshop. Failure to remit this payment 90 days before your workshop will be considered intent to cancel your seat on the workshop and we will try to fill your seat. Finally, tips for your guide are suggested but never required. If you receive good service please tip accordingly.
What to Bring...
Camera Gear
Camera Bodies: Ideally bring two bodies with you - one for wide angle and one for telephoto.
Lenses: If you have large telephoto lenses like a 400mm f2.8 those will take wonderful photographs. A 70-200 f2.8 is also a great choice for wider angles. If you want to shoot scenery as well as wildlife on your trip its up to you if you want an ultra wide angle like a 15-35 or a more normal 24-105 or something similar. If you don't have a prime lens, consider a Canon 100-500mm, Sony 200-600mm or something similar so that you have enough telephoto capability to zoom into your subject. We can expect to be anywhere from 50 to 150 yards from most elk we'll be photographing during this time of year.
Tripods: To ensure steady shots - especially for video - please bring a tripod.
Microphone: Only necessary if shooting video.
Rain Cover: Definitely recommended if you don't want your camera getting wet in a rain storm.
Memory: A good encounter can really burn through the memory and we DO NOT have a camera store here to go grab another SD or CF card. I recommend bringing an external hard drive and laptop to download photos and videos in your hotel room mid-day or at night.
Batteries: Our vehicle has several USB-A ports to plug in battery chargers but I recommend at least two fully charged batteries for each half day session. More if shooting video.
Microfiber Cloths: Bring several to dry and/or clean lenses and camera gear.
Personal Gear
Clothes: Consider the risk of sunburns, rainstorms, and freak cold snaps when considering what clothes to bring. Layers are essential for dealing with changing temperatures. A wide brimmed hat, SPF pants and long sleeved shirt are recommended as is a jacket and gloves.
Footwear: This is personal choice but I recommend waterproof boots with a good tread for hikes up to 1 mile roundtrip. Wicking synthetic or merino wool socks are recommended as well.
Other: Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant, lip balm, antihistamine, NSAIDs and any other medication you need.
Drones
Drones are illegal in the park but they may be flown in many places around Estes Park. Do not bring a drone with you during the workshop; however, if you want to fly one you can leave it in your hotel and fly it when you have time. Please remember - altering wildlife's behavior - whether flying in a legal location or not, is considered wildlife harassment. Please fly responsibly.
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