Sandra Lee Photography presents … COLORADO – A Photographic Workshop
“Prairie Chicken Photography Workshop”
Greater Prairie Chicken activity on a lek during prime breeding season.
Prepare for non-stop explosive action!
April 8 – 11, 2027 (booking now)
Inquire HERE.
Workshop leader – Sandy Zelasko
INTRODUCTION
There are many grouse species found in the United States and this one has its own conservation story and photographic interpretation. That is what we will strive for during this workshop; telling your story of the Greater Prairie Chicken (GPC). Test your bird photography skills, push your ISO comfort zone and learn how fast your shutter can go. Will you be able to keep up with the explosive activity? There aren't many wildlife opportunities which will get your adrenaline going like prairie chicken battles. The time you invest, photographing from a blind modified for photography, will be rewarded with many outstanding images.
After a late afternoon Meet & Greet, we spend the next three mornings and two evenings with the prairie chickens photographing what is an age-old mating behavior as our subjects strut, boom and fight in a courtship display to win over the ladies. This behavior only happens for a short time in spring and is difficult to locate. 95% of existing leks in the US are located on private ranches making it tough for photographers to gain access. This year we return to a productive lek, on a 140,000 acre ranch, working with a highly respected rancher in Colorado.
This workshop is designed for all levels of photo enthusiasts and birders alike. An understanding of basic photography principles is highly recommended but we will set you up for success. During our Meet & Greet you'll meet the ranch owner, learn the history, hear stories about grouse, hear more about the behavior, review the gear and the conditions which we will be photographing. If you want to get a head start and learn more, check out Chicks on a Grouse Trip blog and read about the adventures of Christine Pence and myself as we traveled from lek to lek the last few years learning about and documenting different grouse species.
Join us in for an epic adrenaline rush in Colorado. Everyone will have a front row seat for the action!
Included in Prairie Chicken Photography Fun are three mornings and two evenings photographing from a blind modified for photography, personal photographic instruction and attention, an educational Meet & Greet, small instructor to student ratio and a leader with years of photographic experience. We'll concentrate on greater prairie chickens with the possibility of additional species of the Great Plains.
Included: transportation to/from the lek each day, modified photography blinds, seating in the blinds and access to the lek.
Not included: travel to/from Wray, CO, lodging, transportation in/around town, meals, alcoholic beverages, trip insurance and gratuities.
You'll get ...
- Trip leader/instructor, Sandy Zelasko who has experience with many grouse species, will put you in the right place at the right time for stunning imagery.
- Our ranching partner who knows greater prairie chicken behavior and what makes a great photograph.
- 30+ years of instructional experience, insured & licensed.
- CPR/AED/First Aid certified.
- Enthusiastic, passionate and experienced nature photographer pro!
Thank you for considering "Prairie Chicken Photography Workshop" for your next photo adventure!
WORKSHOP ITINERARY:
- For the full benefit of this workshop, it is recommended to arrive Thursday, April 8, 2027 in time for our Meet & Greet at 5:00 PM. We will gather in the meeting room of the Cobblestone Hotel, 35952 Hwy 385, Wray, CO 80758 (970)332-5000.
- Three mornings and two evenings of photographing greater prairie chickens from a blind on a private ranch.
- The workshop ends after our morning shoot on Sunday, April 11, 2027, approximately 10 AM.
- We will visit local establishments for breakfast and dinners as a group. Lunches and afternoons are on your own.
DETAILS and RESOURCES:
- The nearest, largest airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), https://www.flydenver.com/. Driving time from Denver to Wray, CO is approximately three hours. There are vehicle rentals available at the airport, https://www.flydenver.com/parking_transit/car-rentals.
- Cobblestone Hotel, 35952 Hwy 385, Wray, CO 80758 is the recommended location for lodging, https://staycobblestone.com/co/wray/. There are other hotels in Wray and you are free to make reservations anywhere. The Cobblestone is offering a discount so make sure you tell them you are with Sandra Lee Photography.
- We will be traveling to/from the lek each day in the trip leaders vehicle.
- Your instructor has an exciting workshop planned for you however, this itinerary will be flexible in response to inclement weather and client safety.
- Plan to be up very early. Our time in the blinds will be determined by activity at the lek which could be from one to five hours.
- A typical day will go something like this: Leave the hotel at 4:30 AM, enter blinds by 5:15 AM. Depending on what time the birds leave the lek, we will pack up and go to breakfast as a group. You will have afternoons to yourself to download and review images or whatever you wish. We will return to the blinds for an evening shoot at the lek if conditions are favorable.
- Plan your breakfast to go. We will not have a chance to eat breakfast at the hotel before leaving each day. You may wish to shop for breakfast items and/or snacks in advance.
- There are no restroom facilities at the lek. It is recommended to keep your water/coffee intake to a minimum in the mornings.
Suggested packing lists, safety schedule and other information will be sent to you upon registration. Bring a refillable water bottle.
INVESTMENT:
- $1890.00 per participant for four days (five opportunities) of photography from a blind modified for low angle photography. Two people per blind.
- Open to a maximum of 7 participants (minimum of 4 participants necessary to run the workshop).
- $890.00 deposit due at registration. Balance due 60 days prior to workshop.
- Make payment out to Sandra Lee Photography and mail to 15864 Severino Lane, Valley Center, CA 92082 or call 760-749-2174 to pay with a credit card. Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, check or money order are all acceptable forms of payment.
Still have questions? Contact Sandy at [email protected] or and we will do our best to get you the information you need!
Sandra Lee Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation. By registering for this workshop, you agree to be responsible for reading and understanding the cancellation policy. Please consider purchasing travel insurance.
TESTIMONIAL:
"We are not even halfway done with this workshop, but it has already been a great workshop. Lots of insane
prairie chicken action. I am sure that I will be booking a future trip with Sandy in the future." Wayne 2026
Please enjoy the IMAGE GALLERY below ... a colorful sampling of what is possible! See more grouse images HERE.
